Assignment #2

In the book The Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing, it defines a strong thesis as "usually containing an element of uncertainy, risk, or challenge. A strong thesis implies a naysayer who could disagree with you...a strong thesis surprises the reader with a new, unexpected, different, or challenging view of the writer's topic."

When reading through the school newspaper, I came across an article orginially found in the Washington Post ("Virginia Looks to Shift Toward Wind Power") about Virginia's quest to start using wind power. The author's thesis statement is strong, stating that the mountains that hug the state's western border could "hold the key to Virginia's search for alternative energy sources". Although suggested frequently, this energy source has not been implemented very often. Therefore it gives the reader a new and challenging view of energy sources, a characteristic of a good thesis statement as defined by the book above.

In addition, the book describes an effective thesis statement that addresses a question or controversial issue, "surprise requires an argumentative, risky, or contestable thesis". It also explains that a thesis statement in this respect must adequately answer the reader's question. In the article, the author continues to give reasons why wind power is cost-effective and beneficial. It also goes to explain the opposing side of the argument without bias. Overall, the article was successful in it's thesis statement and a strong supporting argument.