ENGL 123 Week 4 Discussion 2

ENGL 123 Week 4 Discussion 2 | Assignment Help | Embry Rriddle Aeronautical University

Module 4 Discussions - Generating a Topic

Read the following pages in Chapter 8 (Ramage, et al.):

·         172-174 (stop at the section on 'Informative Reports'),

·         176-180, begin with Writing Project: Informative Essay Using the Surprising-Reversal Strategy

Now complete the following activity.

Brainstorming for Surprising Reversal Topics

1.    Try one or more of these exercises:

·         Set your timer for ten minutes and complete the following sentence in as many ways as possible, drawing on your own experience and knowledge: 

I know more about _______________ than the average person.

·         Think about controversial issues that people argue about. You might look at a newspaper or listen to a radio or TV broadcast. Do you have a view that is different from others? Try to shape that into a surprising reversal thesis for your paper.

·         Set your timer for five minutes for each of the following general categories: people, activities, places, jobs, hobbies, issues. In each category, list as many items as you can until the timer goes off. Now scan your lists. Do you know something about any of the items on your list that might surprise someone?

2.    When you decide upon a topic, write a thesis statement using the surprising reversal pattern. Give the common view first and then give your surprising reversal.

For example: Most people think that English teachers lead dull, boring lives (common view), but in reality, English teachers lead exciting lives of non-stop action and adventure (surprising reversal).

Post your surprising reversal thesis statement. Be sure to do this by at least the third day of the week, so your instructor has time to provide feedback to help you refine your topic, if necessary.