Making a tentative outline

• Thesis statement• Outline

Qualities of a good thesis statement

•Answers the research question•Indicates a position or belief•Predicts, controls, obligates•Is different from a topic sentence

Does exposure to videogame violence have negative effects

on children?

Despite misconceptions popularized by media, exposure to videogame

violence has no negative effects on the aggression of children.

Predicts, controls, obligates

•What does the TS predict?•What does it control?

▫Sets the boundaries of the paper▫Well-defined boundaries = clear, well-

defined terms

Example

•Children should not be exposed to violent TV shows because of its negative effects.

What terms need to be defined?

Revised TS

Children = 1 to 12 years old Negative effects = learning, social skillsViolence =Violent TV shows =

REVISE: Children aged 1 to 12 should not be exposed to violent cartoons because of their negative effects on learning and social skills.

Take noteThe need to justify our choices (usually in the introduction of the ARP)

Why should the focus be children aged 1 to 12 (UN definition = 0 to 18)?Sample justification:Research has shown that from 1 to 12 years of age, children’s brains are undergoing crucial developmental processes; anything “imprinted” on this stage will have lifelong effects (Commerce, 2011).

Different from a topic sentence

•In what way?•Children exposed to television, research

shows, have lower IQ points ten years later than those who were never exposed.

•TS: TV viewing has negative psychological effects on children.

Format of the TS in the RP outline1. A statement of intent

This paper seeks to study more closely

the effects of television violence on the behavior of children.

(This is the preferred format for the introduction.)

Format of the TS in the RP outline2. A statement of position

The computer is efficient in teaching English because it is effective,

dependable, and entertaining.

Format of the TS in the RP outline3. A pro-con statement

Although the all-carbohydrate diet may help adults shed off unwanted

fat, it may also promote malfunction of the heart and the nervous system,

and diabetes.

Although the all-carbohydrate diet may help adults shed off unwanted fat, it may also promote malfunction of the heart and the nervous system, and diabetes.

The all-carbohydrate diet may help adults shed off unwanted fat, but it may also promote malfunction of the heart and the nervous system, and diabetes.

Format of the TS

3. A pro-con statement

Although the all-carbohydrate diet may help adults shed off unwanted

fat, it may also promote malfunction of the heart and the nervous system,

and diabetes.

Tentative Outline

Plan A

I. IntroductionII. Body

A. Pro-Argument 1 (weakest)B. Pro-Argument 2C. Pro- argument 3 (strongest)D. Counter-Argument(s) + Refutation(s)

III. ImplicationsIV. Conclusion

Plan B

I. IntroductionII. Body

A. Counter-Argument(s) + Refutation(s)B. Pro-Argument 1 (weakest)C. Pro-Agument 2D. Pro- argument 3 (strongest)

III.ImplicationsIV. Conclusion

Plan C

I. IntroductionII. Body

A. Counter-Argument 1 + Pro-argument 1 as refutation (weakest)

B. Counter-Argument 2 + Pro-argument 2 as refutation

C. Counter-Argument 3 + Pro-argument 3 as refutation (strongest)

III.ImplicationsIV. Conclusion

Tentative titleTS: ____________________________

____________________________

I. Introduction(For now, you can leave this blank.)

II. Body A. __________Per argument/ major idea: Possible sources: Surname (year) + source type or “First few words of the title” (year) + source type (e.g. book)

B. __________1. _______________2. _______________

III.ImplicationsIV. Conclusion

• As much as possible, supply level-3 details.

• Levels 2 & 3 are in sentences.

leave these blank for now