4.11 – The Writing Process: Exercises
Excercise 1: Analyze a message
Find a recent article on: The Conversation: In-depth analysis, research, news and ideas from leading academics and researchers.
Read the article thoroughly, paying close attention to its main ideas and arguments.
Analysis:
- Identify and write down the article’s thesis statement. What is the main point that the author is trying to convey?
- Highlight or underline key points made by the author to support the thesis statement.
- Locate the topic sentences in each paragraph. These sentences typically introduce the main idea of the paragraph.
Exercise 2: Support a Thesis
Choose one of the examples of a proper thesis statement below, and form three supporting points for that statement. After you have formed your three points, write a topic sentence for each body paragraph. Make sure that your topic sentences can be backed up with examples and details.
- Gaming
- Thesis Statement: Video games, as popular entertainment, affect our thinking, behaviour, and culture—shaping how we learn, engage socially, and express ourselves creatively.
- Student Debt
- Thesis Statement: “The student debt crisis poses challenges for graduates, impacting their financial well-being, and also creates systemic risks for the broader economy, prompting the need for urgent reforms in higher education financing.”
- Social Media and Mental Health:
- Thesis Statement: “The widespread impact of social media today requires an examination of its connection to mental health, showing both positive and negative effects on well-being and relationships.”
- Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace:
- Thesis Statement: “The integration of artificial intelligence in the modern workplace introduces unprecedented challenges and opportunities, requiring a reevaluation of workforce dynamics, ethical considerations, and the future landscape of employment.”
Attribution & References
Except where otherwise noted, this page is written by Amanda Quibell and licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.
