Practice: Concluding Sentences

Read the following thesis statements. Circle the letter of the most appropriate concluding sentence. Notice that each concluding sentence begins with a transition signal.

Example

1. My greatest problem in learning English is oral communication.

1. In conclusion, learning to read and write English is difficult.

2. In conclusion, because I do not speak English enough, my listening and speaking skills have not improved.

3. In conclusion, everyone should practice speaking English more.

2. Smoking is unhealthful because it can cause heart and lung disease; moreover, it is expensive.

1. In brief, buying cigarettes is a bad idea.

2. In conclusion, smoking affects your health, and it is also a waste of money.

3. Therefore, smoking is a bad habit.

3. In my opinion, college grades are necessary because they motivate students to do their homework and to attend classes regularly.

1. In conclusion, college grades are important.

2. In conclusion, students should be graded for their own good.

3. In conclusion, college grades are important because they cause students to be more serious and to try harder.

4. My major goals are getting a part-time job and mastering the use of the English language.

1. In conclusion, if I do not reach my goals, I will be unhappy.

2. In brief, finding a job and using English well are important to me.

3. In summary, my major goals are getting a part-time job and mastering the use of the English language.

5. London has excellent bus and subway systems.

1. In conclusion, the public transportation system in London provides reliable service at all times.

2. In conclusion, taking a bus in London is convenient.

3. In conclusion, taking public transportation is a good way to get around in London.

4. Argumentative Essay

What is argument?

Definitions from The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 3^rd Edition:

• putting forth reasons for or against; debating;

• attempting to prove by reasoning; maintain or content;

• giving evidence of; indicate;

• persuading or influence (another), as by presenting reasons.

Formulating an arguable position

An arguable statement should:

• try to convince readers of something or to persuade them to do something;

• focus on a problem or question for which there is no easy or obvious answer;

• present a position about which others may reasonably have different opinions.

Formulating an argumentative thesis

An argumentative thesis is a particular type of thesis statement that has two parts:

• statement about what is (the arguable statement as done above);

• claim about what ought to be (what action should be taken in light of statement).

Establishing credibility

There are three ways to establish credibility

• demonstrating knowledge about the topic (ask how);

• establishing common ground with readers;

• demonstrating fairness to opposing points of view.

Formulating support for the thesis

You need not only present your opinion, but also support it with evidence.

• Using personal experience.

• Giving logical reasons to support your thesis

• giving examples and precedents;

• citing an authority or expert on the topic.

• Showing causes and effects.

• Using inductive and deductive reasoning.

• Giving emotional reasons to support your thesis

• using description;

• using concrete language;

• using figurative language (metaphors, similes, analogies).