The thesis statement should be expressed in a complete sentence.
The idea in the thesis statement should not be too narrow or too broad.
The thesis statement should express an opinion, attitude, or an idea; it should not simply announce the topic.
The thesis statement should not be factual; it should not express a fact. It should be a statement that someone could disagree with. Therefore, it is a statement that needs to be explained or supported.
A thesis statement should express only one idea toward one topic; if it contains two or more ideas, the essay runs the risk of lacking unity and coherence.
Thesis Statement: There are two main types of beneficial programs on TV for children.
Stage 3
Sample Outline for an Expository Essay
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Keep in mind that an outline should be prepared BEFORE writing the first draft, because it is a skeleton that helps one in the writing process. It is like a detailed plan one makes before writing the essay.
Stage 3: Outline
Principles of an Effective Outline: Parallelism
Body I:
A. Topic Sentence: One of the most beneficial TV programs for children is documentaries
1. (major 1) Documentaries on National Geographic
(minor 1) teaches appreciation of life
(minor 2) promotes the importance of conservation of the planet.
2. (major 2) Documentaries on History Channel
(minor 1) teaches history in an appealing way
(minor 2) introduces civilizations that are not in the curriculum
Stage 3: Outline
Principles of an Effective Outline: Coordination
Body I:
A. Topic Sentence: One of the most beneficial TV programs for children is documentaries
1. (major 1) Documentaries on National Geographic
(minor 1) teaches appreciation of life
(minor 2) promotes the importance of conservation of the planet.
2. (major 2) Documentaries on History Channel
(minor 1) teaches history in an appealing way
(minor 2) introduces civilizations that are not in the curriculum
Stage 3: Outline
Principles of an Effective Outline: Subordination
A. Topic Sentence: One of the most beneficial TV programs for children is documentaries
1. (major 1) Documentaries on National Geographic
(minor 1) teaches appreciation of life
(minor 2) promotes the importance of conservation of the planet.
2. (major 2) Documentaries on History Channel
(minor 1) teaches history in an appealing way
(minor 2) introduces civilizations that are not in the curriculum
B. Topic Sentence: Children’s programs have a positive influence on children’s development.
Stage 3: Outline
Principles of an Effective Outline: Division
A. Topic Sentence: One of the most beneficial TV programs for children is documentaries
1. (major 1) Documentaries on National Geographic
(minor 1) teaches appreciation of life
(minor 2) promotes the importance of conservation of the planet.
2. (major 2) Documentaries on History Channel
(minor 1) teaches history in an appealing way
(minor 2) introduces civilizations that are not in the curriculum
B. Topic Sentence: Children’s programs have a positive influence on children’s development.
