Question

Read the student thesis, then answer the question. There have been many studies about the effect too much television has on children and whether it is harmful or beneficial. The best way to improve this thesis is to include the topic being discussed. clearly take a side. express a viewpoint. cite the source of the study.

Answer 1

Answer:

B). Clearly take a side.

Explanation:

As per the question, the best way to improve the given thesis by 'clearly taking a side' as the chief aim of a thesis statement is to clarify the topic that is going to be discussed and indicate the audience about the central idea, claim or argument that author is going to deal or favor throughout the essay.

The rest of the essay or paper is aimed to explain and justify the claim or argument by proposing sufficient evidence and counterclaims to establish the validity/credibility of the argument or claim and persuade the audience to believe in it. The conclusion is marked by the restatement of the thesis statement and leaving the audience to take the author's intended idea. Thus, option B is the correct answer.

Answer 2

The answer is B: clearly take a side.

A thesis statement is the main point or central message that writers include at the beginning of their writings since it explains the main ideas they are going to develop in the rest of the essay.

In every thesis statement not only does the writer include the topic of the essay but he/she also presents a comment or statement that tells the readers the writer’s position in relation to the topic being discussed; that is, if the writer is for or against the topic he/she is going to develop later.  

In this thesis statement the writer has included the main idea that he/she is going to develop in the essay (that is, the effect too much television has on children), and he/she has also included the two opposite viewpoints regarding the topic. However, he/she has forgotten to include his/her opinion: Does he/she agree or not?

So, in order to improve this thesis, the writer must take a side.

In the body of the essay, the writer can include his/her reasons for being for or against the topic and he/she can even include quotes and statistics from different sources in order to support his/her ideas. They do not need to be included in the thesis statement.