Example 1
Keep in mind that an essay map works like a road map--it helps direct the reader in the right direction, and your message becomes clearer and more effective.
Thesis: Highly competitive team sports can be psychologically damaging to young children.
Question: How are team sports psychologically damaging?
A. They can damage a child's view of himself.
B. They can damage a child's view of his peers.
C. They can damage a child's view of adults.
The thesis with the essay map becomes:
(Pass your mouse over the link for the answer.)
Example 2
Thesis: Heavy rush hour traffic brings out the worst in many drivers.
What question would you ask for this thesis?
The correct question is:
What kinds of bad qualities does rush hour traffic bring out in a driver?
The answers are:
A. Some drivers become excessively nervous.
B. Some drivers become quite rude and impatient.
C. Other drivers exhibit dangerous aggressive qualities.
What would be the thesis, then?
(Pass your mouse over the link for the answer.)
Example 3
Thesis: At least 25 percent of the federal budget should be spent on limiting pollution.
Question: How can the government help limit pollution?
A. The government could provide businesses incentives to upgrade to clean technologies.
B. The government could research renewable energy sources.
C. The government could plant more trees
Can you guess what the thesis would be with the attached essay map?
(Pass your mouse over the link for the answer.)