Name: ____________________________________________________________
CHAPTER 5: CHOOSING TOPICS
CRITICAL INTERACTION TEMPLATE 5.1
SPECIFIC PURPOSE STATEMENTS—EFFECTIVE OR INEFFECTIVE
Directions: For each of the following specific purpose statements, choose whether it is
effective or ineffective. If ineffective, be prepared to identify which guideline the
statement violates.
Effective
Ineffective
1. To inform my audience about War
2. To persuade my audience that homelessness
is a significant issue that needs to be
dealt with right here in our own
community.
3.What is Noodling?
4. To persuade my audience that global warming
is a threat to our future.
Name: ____________________________________________________________
CHAPTER 5: CHOOSING TOPICS
CRITICAL INTERACTION TEMPLATE 5.2
THESIS STATEMENTS—EFFECTIVE OR INEFFECTIVE
Directions: For each of the following thesis statements, choose whether it is effective or
ineffective. If ineffective, be prepared to identify which guideline the statement violates.
How can the ineffective statements be improved?
Effective
1. Mount Rushmore is an amazing and
historical landmark that includes the
faces of four very important people.
2. Cancun is a fun vacation spot.
3. Autism is a developmental disorder that,
if detected early, can be treated.
4. Three conspiracy theories target Fidel Castro,
the mob, and the CIA in the assassination of JFK.
Ineffective