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EXERCISE 29–2 Thesis statements in MLA papers

EXERCISE 29–2Thesis statements in MLA papers

In each pair, click on the sentence that would work well as the thesis statement for a research paper of about ten pages. Remember that a thesis should be a central idea that requires supporting evidence; it should be of adequate scope for a ten-page paper; and it should be sharply focused.

Click Submit after each question to see feedback and to record your answer. After you have finished every question, your answers will be submitted to your instructor’s gradebook. You may review your answers by returning to the exercise at any time. (An exercise reports to the gradebook only if your instructor has assigned it.)

Example

1 of 10

Legislators should not reinstate the Fairness Doctrine, which required broadcasters to provide balanced coverage of controversial topics; this federal policy had the negative effect of watering down political debate.

The Fairness Doctrine, a federal policy that required broadcasters to provide balanced coverage of controversial topics, was abolished by the Federal Communications Commission in 1987.

EXERCISE 29–2 Thesis statements in MLA papers - 1 of 10: In each pair, click on the sentence that would work well as the thesis statement for a research paper of about ten pages. Remember that a thesis should be a central idea that requires supporting evidence; it should be of adequate scope for a ten-page paper; and it should be sharply focused.

2 of 10

While reality shows might provide entertainment, scripted television is an art form, as it cultivates plot, showcases acting talent, and controls variables such as lighting, sound, and camera angles.

There are many reasons that scripted television is better than reality television.

EXERCISE 29–2 Thesis statements in MLA papers - 2 of 10: In each pair, click on the sentence that would work well as the thesis statement for a research paper of about ten pages. Remember that a thesis should be a central idea that requires supporting evidence; it should be of adequate scope for a ten-page paper; and it should be sharply focused.

3 of 10

What is it about the Olympic Games that attracts potential host cities?

Host nations, often seeking economic benefits and civic pride, must make better plans to offset the environmental costs of hosting the Olympic Games.

EXERCISE 29–2 Thesis statements in MLA papers - 3 of 10: In each pair, click on the sentence that would work well as the thesis statement for a research paper of about ten pages. Remember that a thesis should be a central idea that requires supporting evidence; it should be of adequate scope for a ten-page paper; and it should be sharply focused.

4 of 10

More than one-third of the cumulative carbon dioxide emissions over the last century can be attributed to deforestation.

Although much of the discussion about carbon dioxide emissions focuses on automobiles and factories, one of the most efficient ways of cutting emissions is through forest restoration and conservation.

EXERCISE 29–2 Thesis statements in MLA papers - 4 of 10: In each pair, click on the sentence that would work well as the thesis statement for a research paper of about ten pages. Remember that a thesis should be a central idea that requires supporting evidence; it should be of adequate scope for a ten-page paper; and it should be sharply focused.

5 of 10

While SAT scores are fairly accurate at predicting the academic success rates of white students, they are very poor at predicting the academic success rates of minority students.

SAT scores should be eliminated from college admissions requirements because they do not accurately predict the academic success rates of minority students.

EXERCISE 29–2 Thesis statements in MLA papers - 5 of 10: In each pair, click on the sentence that would work well as the thesis statement for a research paper of about ten pages. Remember that a thesis should be a central idea that requires supporting evidence; it should be of adequate scope for a ten-page paper; and it should be sharply focused.

6 of 10

Although Catch-22 is set during World War II, Joseph Heller uses the novel to comment on the absurdity of Cold War society.

Joseph Heller’s novel Catch-22 led to the widespread use of the term catch-22, which refers to a paradox or a situation that cannot be escaped with a desirable outcome.

EXERCISE 29–2 Thesis statements in MLA papers - 6 of 10: In each pair, click on the sentence that would work well as the thesis statement for a research paper of about ten pages. Remember that a thesis should be a central idea that requires supporting evidence; it should be of adequate scope for a ten-page paper; and it should be sharply focused.

7 of 10

Students aren’t prepared to live on their own after high school, but is it their fault?

To prepare students to live on their own after high school, school districts should fund and require a course that covers personal banking, insurance basics, and money management for all students in twelfth grade.

EXERCISE 29–2 Thesis statements in MLA papers - 7 of 10: In each pair, click on the sentence that would work well as the thesis statement for a research paper of about ten pages. Remember that a thesis should be a central idea that requires supporting evidence; it should be of adequate scope for a ten-page paper; and it should be sharply focused.

8 of 10

Public schools should consider the benefits of mandatory religious education, which can lead to increased tolerance of religious views.

Religious education in public schools is a controversial topic, mostly because the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of religion has led to a separation of church and state.

EXERCISE 29–2 Thesis statements in MLA papers - 8 of 10: In each pair, click on the sentence that would work well as the thesis statement for a research paper of about ten pages. Remember that a thesis should be a central idea that requires supporting evidence; it should be of adequate scope for a ten-page paper; and it should be sharply focused.

9 of 10

Although the Civil Rights Act of 1964 guarantees workers the right to equal pay regardless of race, sex, religion, or ethnicity, more stringent laws are needed because the current law contains loopholes that allow unfair pay practices to continue.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 provided for the creation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which, among other things, guarantees employees equal pay regardless of race, sex, religion, or ethnicity.

EXERCISE 29–2 Thesis statements in MLA papers - 9 of 10: In each pair, click on the sentence that would work well as the thesis statement for a research paper of about ten pages. Remember that a thesis should be a central idea that requires supporting evidence; it should be of adequate scope for a ten-page paper; and it should be sharply focused.

10 of 10

Recording artist David Bowie was a quirky musician beloved by gay, straight, and transgender fans around the world.

Recording artist David Bowie did more to challenge gender norms and to empower LGBTQ youth than any legislation passed during his lifetime.

EXERCISE 29–2 Thesis statements in MLA papers - 10 of 10: In each pair, click on the sentence that would work well as the thesis statement for a research paper of about ten pages. Remember that a thesis should be a central idea that requires supporting evidence; it should be of adequate scope for a ten-page paper; and it should be sharply focused.