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BIO 120: Human Ecology

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Library Tutorials

Here you will find self-paced video and print tutorials on how to find and use the resources available to you through the Gateway Library, as well as how to perform all the proper steps in the research process.

Citation and Style Guides

Here you will find information on how to properly utilize the two citation styles used within Gateway classes, as well as example papers and other related resources.

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***Adapted from Ashford University***

State your topic

Your topic is the essential idea of your paper. It is usually a few words or a phrase that summarizes the subject of your paper. For your thesis statement, try to make your topic as specific as possible.

State your main idea about this topic

What are you trying to state or prove about your topic? What are you trying to persuade the reader to believe? When stating your opinion, be sure to:

  • express one major ideal
  • name the topic and assert something specific about it
  • take a stance on an issue that you can support with facts and reasons.
  • state your position on or opinion about the issue.

Give a reason that supports your main idea

Write your reason as a clear statement. Be sure that you can support this reason with logical facts and evidence.

Give another reason that supports your main idea

Write your reason as a clear statement. Be sure that you can support this reason with logical facts and evidence.

Give one more reason that supports your main idea

Tell us one reason that supports your opinion. Write your reason as a clear statement. Be sure that you can support this reason with logical facts and evidence.

Include an opposing viewpoint to your main idea, if applicable

A good thesis statement acknowledges that there is always another side to the argument. So, include an opposing viewpoint (a counterargument) to your opinion. Basically, write down what a person who disagrees with your position might say about your topic.



 

Click the button to generate your thesis statement!

 

 

Assignment Calculator

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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library
San José State University

Independent Paper – Water: Resources and Pollution

Description of Assignment
By completing this assignment you will discover what happened to aquatic ecosystems during the industrial revolution and examine the future of aquatic ecosystems. It will also broaden your understanding of what you as an individual can do to minimize water pollution. The assignment addresses the seven learning objectives and also fulfills the four general education student learning outcomes below.  

You will watch an environmental documentary entitled “The Return of Cuyahoga River” to complete the paper. You can view it via the link below or watch one of the five copies available to Gateway students at the Edgewood library (you will not be allowed to take the documentary home). Reading Chapter 11 (Water: resources and pollution) plus all that you have learned in the class at this point will serve as additional resources in completing this important assignment.

Click here to watch "The Return of Cuyahoga River"