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Using Examples to Support a General Statement
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Many essays begin with a THESIS, the writers main idea or argument. The rest of the essay consists of supporting points i.e. examples or evidence that prove the thesis is true. For example: THESIS
Supporting Point 1
Supporting Point 2
Supporting Point 3
- TASK ONE
Look at the following thesis:
Communications have improved enormously in the past century.
Only four of the points below can be used to support this thesis. þ Tick them.
- A network of telephone cables on land and under the sea makes it possible for people almost anywhere on earth to communicate with each other.
- Inter-continental air travel is fast and relatively cheap.
- Telephone answering machines are very useful if people call you when you are out.
- The Internet allows us to obtain information, send documents or hold "real time" conversations with people thousands of kilometres away.
- In 1903, Henry Ford started production of the Model A car.
- Communications satellites transmit television news "live" to all corners of the earth.
- Whales communicate with each other by means of ultrasound.
When we have more than one supporting point, it is normal to use a linking word/phrase to introduce each new point. The following are often used:
- For example,
- For instance,
- In particular,
- Also,
- also
- In addition,
- Furthermore,
- Similarly,
Select a suitable thesis from the list of notes below. Use the notes to write a full sentence. Do the same for the other notes (the supporting points) and arrange these into a suitable order. Finally, copy them all out as a paragraph and use appropriate linking words/phrases.
- do research on the Internet in CD-ROM encyclopedias
- students word-process their assignments
- computers important modern education
- teachers create worksheets copy articles from the Internet
- administrators, teachers & students present information as spreadsheets/graphs
With a partner, choose one of the following thesis statements and write a list of three or four supporting points. (If there is enough time, do the same for another statement.)
- Handphones are extremely useful.
- Handphones are irritating.
- MSN Messenger and Internet "chat" rooms can be dangerous.
- Computers are time-wasting, not time-saving.
- Technology has improved our lives.
- Reading a printed book is more enjoyable and convenient than reading an "e-book".
- Many computer games glamorize violence.
Frankie Meehan