For each of the following, decide whether it is a general topic (GT), narrowed topic (NT), argumentative thesis statement (ATS), or report thesis statement (RTS). Start by deciding if the sentence is a grammatically complete (that is, whether it has a full verb and is an independent clause). If it is a complete sentence, then it will be either a report thesis statement or an argumentative thesis statement. If it is not a complete sentence, then it states either a general topic or a narrowed topic.
1. Small business enterprises in China's northern regions.
GT incorrect
2. Cotton is a subtropical plant that has many uses.
GT incorrect
NT incorrect
ATS incorrect
RTS correct
3. Although many medical students study in foreign countries, it is better to do medical training in one's own country.
GT incorrect
NT incorrect
ATS correct
RTS incorrect
4. Despite the fact that most people believe that the Knights Templars Order disappeared after its trial, there is some evidence that the Order was maintained and became the current Masonic Order.
GT incorrect
NT incorrect
ATS correct
RTS incorrect
5. Use of an EKG recorded during twenty-four hours in the diagnosis, evaluation, and rehabilitation of patients with arrhythmias.
GT incorrect
NT correct
ATS incorrect
RTS incorrect
6. Languages of the world.
GT correct
NT incorrect
ATS incorrect
RTS incorrect
7. Because Italy is in danger of losing an important part of its cultural tradition -- opera, the Italian government should step in and try to make it more accessible to the public and encourage new talent.
GT incorrect
NT incorrect
ATS correct
RTS incorrect
8. The piano as a keyboard instrument popular around the world.
GT correct
NT incorrect
ATS incorrect
RTS incorrect
9. Keyboard instruments are of many types.
GT correct
NT incorrect
ATS incorrect
RTS incorrect
10. Schools need to train students to play keyboard instruments because it builds hand-eye coordination, as well as developing a love for music.
GT incorrect
NT incorrect
ATS correct
RTS incorrect
Exercise 2
1. Which of the following is a general topic?
Funding for the internet in Japan incorrect
The Japanese government should promote the development of the infrastructure for the internet using state funds incorrect
The internet in Japan correct
The Japanese government has promoted the use of the internet in some ways incorrect
2. Which of the following is a narrowed topic?
Different people and cultures have different ways of taking baths incorrect
Soaking one's body in a hot tub as a way of improving health and composure correct
In spite of some disadvantages, soaking one's body in tepid water in a bathtub is more effective than just taking a shower incorrect
Ways of washing one's body incorrect
3. Which of the following is an argumentative thesis statement?
Effective application and development of Artificial Intelligence incorrect
Artificial Intelligence is an important and developing field within Computer Science and is getting more and more attention incorrect
Artificial Intelligence: An important and developing field in Computer Science incorrect
Artificial Intelligence researchers should not try to make computers think like people but should instead try to develop computers that will have special applications only correct
4. Which of the following is a report thesis statement?
The market for vending machines is so competitive that we can see a variety of them everywhere correct
Vending machines in office buildings incorrect
The history and development of vending machines for the mass consumer market incorrect
Although many office buildings have some vending machines, there are not enough small, convenient machines, so vending machine companies must make more effort to meet this demand incorrect
5. Which of the following is a general topic?
City planning as an art and science. incorrect
There are three important aspects of city planning: people, buildings, and services such as electricity supply. incorrect
Issues in city planning. correct
City planners must get together with sociologists and anthropologists in order to improve designs for future cities. incorrect
6. Which of the following is a narrowed topic?
Problems of the United Nations. incorrect
The cost of maintaining the United Nations buildings in New York. correct
The United Nations organization should be abolished. incorrect
There are three major problems with the United Nations organization. incorrect
7. Which of the following is an argumentative thesis statement?
Lima beans are an excellent source of nutrition. incorrect
There are many different types of corn that can be used to feed humans and animals. incorrect
Soy beans should be cultivated more widely. correct
Milk is a good source of nutrition. incorrect
8. Which of the following is a report thesis statement?
Epidemics must be controlled by persuading all people to accept immunization. incorrect
Three ways of controlling the spread of disease are to be described. correct
Immunization of all of the world's population. incorrect
Persuading people through media campaigns to accept immunization. incorrect