In this unit, we will discuss the importance of thesis statements and using sources to prove your thesis. A thesis statement is often thought of as the main idea of your essay. However, a thesis is more than just the main idea; it is the controlling idea

In terms of structuring your essay, the thesis statement typically goes at the end of the introduction. In your introduction, you set up what you are writing about by explaining the key points you will use to support your thesis.

Now that we are focusing on using evidence in your work, it is important to understand the significance of avoiding plagiarism. Plagiarism is taking someone elses ideas and using them as your own without giving credit.Self-plagiarism is also a form of plagiarism. You can actually plagiarize yourself if you resubmit work you used in a previous class. If you ever want to reuse work, then you need to make significant changes to the previously submitted material and check with your current instructor about what you need to revise.

WHAT DO YOU NEED FOR A CITATION?
This is a general list of the information you might need to create a
complete citation. Depending on the citation style you are using,
different information may be required for each of these
sources (see the section on MLA/APA/CMS for more
information on citation styles).
FOR BOOKS
Author(s)
Editors/translators
Edition (if not first)
Name, date, and city of publication/publisher
FOR ARTICLES
Author(s)
Title and Subtitle
Name of source (magazine, journal, newspaper, etc.)
Date of publication
Volume, issue, and page numbers
If retrieved from a database, also
Name of database

The resources in this unit and so far in the course have focused on how to cite information. When you use a source in your writing, you have to make sure to cite it or you may run the risk of plagiarizing it. Please review the resource on plagiarism and self-plagiarism in this unit.
Initial Reponse:
In one paragraph, for your initial post, answer these questions:
What implications or consequences does plagiarism have within your chosen area of study or your career?
How might your position within your profession be affected by plagiarism?
Peer Responses:
In response to your classmates, consider what other ways plagiarism could affect their careers or program of study.
Be sure to post your initial thread by 11:59 p.m. EST, Wednesday. Responses to your classmates are due by 11:59 p.m. EST, Sunday.
Ex: Exposing children from an early age to the dangers of drug abuse is
a sure method of preventing future drug addicts.
Ex: In todays crumbling job market, a high school diploma is not
significant enough education to land a stable, lucrative job.
Tip
You can find thesis statements in many places, such as in the news;
in the opinions of friends, coworkers or teachers; and even in songs you
hear on the radio. Become aware of thesis statements in everyday life by
paying attention to peoples opinions and their reasons for those opinions.
Pay attention to your own everyday thesis statements as well, as these can
become material for future essays.
Now that you have read about the contents of a good thesis statement and have
seen examples, take a look at the pitfalls to avoid when composing your own
thesis:
A thesis is weak when it is simply a declaration of your subject or a description of what you will
discuss in your essay.
Ex: Weak thesis statement: My paper will explain why imagination is more
important than knowledge.
A thesis is weak when it makes an unreasonable or outrageous claim or insults the opposing side.
Ex: Weak thesis statement: Religious radicals across America are trying to legislate
their Puritanical beliefs by banning required high school books.
A thesis is weak when it contains an obvious fact or something that no one can disagree with or
provides a dead end.
Ex: Weak thesis statement: Advertising companies use sex to sell their products.
A thesis is weak when the statement is too broad.
Ex: Weak thesis statement: The life of Abraham Lincoln was long and challenging.
WRITING AT WORK
Often in your career, you will need to ask your boss for something through
an e-mail. Just as a thesis statement organizes an essay, it can also organize
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Ex: Exposing children from an early age to the dangers of drug abuse is
a sure method of preventing future drug addicts.
Ex: In todays crumbling job market, a high school diploma is not
significant enough education to land a stable, lucrative job.
Tip
You can find thesis statements in many places, such as in the news;
in the opinions of friends, coworkers or teachers; and even in songs you
hear on the radio. Become aware of thesis statements in everyday life by
paying attention to peoples opinions and their reasons for those opinions.
Pay attention to your own everyday thesis statements as well, as these can
become material for future essays.
Now that you have read about the contents of a good thesis statement and have
seen examples, take a look at the pitfalls to avoid when composing your own
thesis: