Guide to Writing a Basic Essay
 

Quiz 2: Find the thesis statement

Since the beginning of rock and roll in the 1950s, Americans have protested the distribution, promotion, and broadcast of popular music. People have suggested that government agencies, record companies, and radio stations edit or ban objectionable music. They believe that these measures would maintain core American values in our society and prevent the influence of popular music on young people. Some have acted on these suggestions and presented their complaints about popular music to the government, who has consequently forced radio stations to edit songs and pressured the Recording Industry Association of America to place Parental Advisory labels on controversial releases. These forms of censorship, however, violate First Amendment rights and promote the same types of music that some find objectionable.

As reporters of information to the general public, journalists must accurately represent the people and events of which they write. To achieve this objective in their writing, journalists learn techniques and rules regarding style, grammar, and objectivity that their editors expect them to follow. Unfortunately, not all journalists adhere to these standards, and some publications do not correct their errors. Containing stylistic problems, grammatical deficiencies, and subjective opinions, a 2001 Rolling Stone article entitled "Britney's Just Like A Woman But She Breaks Just Like A Little Girl" exemplifies these journalistic issues, and it shows how they can degrade the integrity and authority of a publication.

 

STEP 2: CREATE AN OUTLINE
 

Once you have your thesis, come up with two or three points that will serve as the topic sentences in your essay. You might create them as a cluster or as an outline.

Consider the question, "How do you expect your college education to change the rest of your life? Discuss."

THESIS: My college education will change my life in several ways.

POINTS: 1) improved communication skills, 2) increased self-worth, and 3) working in chosen career

 

04_brainstorm_01.gif

 

FORMAT

  1. Introductory paragraph: introduces reader to topic.
    a. hook
    b. background info
    c. thesis statement
     

  2. Topic sentence (Use Transitional word)
    a. supporting detail
    b. supporting detail
    c. supporting detail
     

  3. Topic sentence
    a. supporting detail
    b. supporting detail
    c. supporting detail
     

  4. Topic sentence
    a. supporting detail
    b. supporting detail
    c. supporting detail
     

  5. Conclusion

  1.  

In a well developed essay, discuss the reasons a cat makes a good pet--or not.

Cats are the ultimate narcissists.  You can tell this because of all the time they spend on personal grooming.  Dogs aren't like this.  A dog's idea of personal grooming is to roll on a dead fish.  ~James Gorman


Your cat will never threaten your popularity by barking at three in the morning.  He won't attack the mailman or eat the drapes, although he may climb the drapes to see how the room looks from the ceiling.  ~Helen Powers

"A dog is man's best friend." That common saying may contain some truth, but dogs are not the only animal friend whose companionship people enjoy. For many people, a cat--not the dog--is their best friend.  Helen Powers argued that "your cat will never threaten your popularity by barking at three in the morning.  He won't attack the mailman or eat the drapes, although he may climb the drapes to see how the room looks from the ceiling."    Despite this one problem noted by Powers, cats do make excellent house pets.

In the first place, people enjoy the companionship of cats. Many cats are affectionate. They will snuggle up and ask to be petted, or scratched under the chin. Who can resist a purring cat? If they're not feeling affectionate, cats are generally quite playful. They love to chase balls and feathers, or just about anything dangling from a string. They especially enjoy playing when their owners are participating in the game. Contrary to popular opinion, cats can be trained. Using rewards and punishments, just like with a dog, a cat can be trained to avoid unwanted behavior or perform tricks. Cats will even fetch!

In the second place, cats are civilized members of the household. Unlike dogs, cats do not bark or make other loud noises. Most cats don't even meow very often. They generally lead a quiet existence. Cats also don't often have "accidents." Mother cats train their kittens to use the litter box, and most cats will use it without fail from that time on. Even stray cats usually understand the concept when shown the box and will use it regularly. Cats do have claws, and owners must make provision for this. A tall scratching post in a favorite cat area of the house will often keep the cat content to leave the furniture alone. As a last resort, of course, cats can be declawed.

Lastly, one of the most attractive features of cats as house pets is their ease of care. Cats do not have to be walked. They get plenty of exercise in the house as they play, and they do their business in the litter box. Cleaning a litter box is a quick, painless procedure. Cats also take care of their own grooming. Bathing a cat is almost never necessary because under ordinary circumstances cats clean themselves. Cats are more particular about personal cleanliness than people are. In addition, cats can be left home alone for a few hours without fear. Unlike some pets, most cats will not destroy the furnishings when left alone. They are content to go about their usual activities until their owners return.

Cats are low maintenance, civilized companions. People who have small living quarters or less time for pet care should appreciate these characteristics of cats. However, many people who have plenty of space and time still opt to have a cat instead of a dog because they love the cat personality. In many ways, cats are the ideal house pet.