Identify the weaknesses with each of the theses.

Thesis #1

I am interested in puppies. In this 10 page paper, I will explore the history and culture of modern puppy keeping since the sixteenth century.

• Avoid “I am interested”; show it, don’t say it.
• Avoid needless meta-discourse of “this 10 page paper.”
• Avoid weak thesis verbs like “explore”; explain a mystery or make a novel and sharp argument.

Thesis #2

In this paper, I will discuss two kinds of puppies that Americans like to buy or adopt: Namely, purebred puppies or mutts.

• Avoid “In this paper” meta-discourse; because … obviously.
• Avoid weak thesis verbs like “discuss”; explain a mystery or make a novel argument.

Thesis #3

Despite what some people say, a pet tadpole is superior to a puppy.

• Does anyone actually say this, or is this a straw man?
• If someone has said this, who? Perhaps use a provocative quote.

Can you brainstorm an awesome thesis about puppies (i.e., illuminating, novel, sharp, or provocative)??