“Speeches and writing at college can be understood as entering a conversation.”  In some cases the conversation may be one going on among scholars (Conversations about rhetoric has gone on since ancient Greek times).  In other cases your speaking and writing will be joining a conversation among public figures, or your co-workers, fellow students or others.

• Speeches are “conversation enlarged.”

•  In college, speaking and writing assignments are mostly all about “making points” (assertions - what you want the person to take away from the conversation)

• The points you make focus and explain your central idea - The Thesis.

• Invention:  In coming up with the content of your speech (or essay) consider what you would say to a friend over coffee to get them to understand and remember your idea (point!)
   

• The heart of the “My Community Assignment” is the fact that you are giving us your take (understanding) of a conversation that is going on generally in your community.
   

• You might approach the assignment from the perspective of

  • They say…” – the people who are talking about the concern at home.  What are their views and what do listeners need to know to understand them.

  • “I say….”  Your view of the issue.
     

• Or you might approach the assignment from the perspective of

  • Background (history) of the concern.

  • “Supporters say….”

  • “Opponents say…”
     

What is a (good) Thesis?

•  Thesis: an arguable assertion that is the central idea of an essay and which often ends with a because-clause, an assertion which also needs to be supported/demonstrated. In other words, a statement that previews the position of your paper, that others may dispute, and that you will defend with support.

• Assertion: a declaration or claim that requires support in order to be convincing.

For class discussion Friday:  What was the Thesis of Professor Lars Kristiansen’s ILA address (Thursday morning) on the liberal arts?  His main points?