Question
it’s time to select the nonfiction text you will read over the course of this unit. The unit text you select will have a unique purpose: it should serve as one of the sources you use to conduct your own research on how human activity affects the environment. You’ll be spending a few days with your choice, so you’ll want to put some time and thought into making it. Take time to examine and compare your options. Like anything else, the more thought and effort you put into creating your research paper, the more you’ll learn from the experience.
Here are some tips to help you make your selection:
Find out about each book’s author, their background, and what qualifies them to write about your topic. Most books include a short biographical section that provides that information. The internet can probably help you here, too. (And while you’re there, you might also look up a review or two of the book itself.)
Skim the Table of Contents of any book you’re considering. This will give you an idea of how extensively it addresses the topic you’ll be focusing on.
Consider the level at which a book presents its information. Remember that you are writing an academic research paper, not simply gathering information. The text you choose should match the level at which you’re planning to write your paper.
Think about how a particular title might impact your focus. Might the book be a better fit if you narrow or broaden the scope of your research?
Consider whether the book contains anecdotes or trivia that you could use to make your paper more interesting. Although that is not a “must,” it could be a plus.
Paragraph 1: Introduction Paragraph
● Hook:
● Thesis:
Paragraph 2: Main Idea 1
● Topic Sentence:
○ Assertion:
○ Evidence/Citations:
○ Commentary/Explain:
○ Link/Transition Sentence:
Paragraph 3: Main Idea 2
● Topic Sentence:
○ Assertion:
○ Evidence/Citations:
○ Commentary/Explain:
○ Link/Transition Sentence:
Paragraph 4: Main Idea 3
● Topic Sentence:
○ Assertion:
○ Evidence/Citations:
○ Commentary/Explain:
○ Link/Transition Sentence:
Paragraph 5: Conclusion
● Reworded Thesis:
● Broad Closing Statement:
Here are some tips to help you make your selection:
Find out about each book’s author, their background, and what qualifies them to write about your topic. Most books include a short biographical section that provides that information. The internet can probably help you here, too. (And while you’re there, you might also look up a review or two of the book itself.)
Skim the Table of Contents of any book you’re considering. This will give you an idea of how extensively it addresses the topic you’ll be focusing on.
Consider the level at which a book presents its information. Remember that you are writing an academic research paper, not simply gathering information. The text you choose should match the level at which you’re planning to write your paper.
Think about how a particular title might impact your focus. Might the book be a better fit if you narrow or broaden the scope of your research?
Consider whether the book contains anecdotes or trivia that you could use to make your paper more interesting. Although that is not a “must,” it could be a plus.
Paragraph 1: Introduction Paragraph
● Hook:
● Thesis:
Paragraph 2: Main Idea 1
● Topic Sentence:
○ Assertion:
○ Evidence/Citations:
○ Commentary/Explain:
○ Link/Transition Sentence:
Paragraph 3: Main Idea 2
● Topic Sentence:
○ Assertion:
○ Evidence/Citations:
○ Commentary/Explain:
○ Link/Transition Sentence:
Paragraph 4: Main Idea 3
● Topic Sentence:
○ Assertion:
○ Evidence/Citations:
○ Commentary/Explain:
○ Link/Transition Sentence:
Paragraph 5: Conclusion
● Reworded Thesis:
● Broad Closing Statement:
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Here's a structured outline that you can adapt to your chosen nonfiction text regarding how human activity affects the environment:
### Paragraph 1: Introduction Paragraph
- **Hook:** The alarming pace at which our planet is changing evokes urgent questions about humanity's role in shaping its future.
- **Thesis:** In [Title of the Book] by [Author's Name], the author explores the profound impacts of human activity on the environment, illustrating how industrialization, deforestation, and urban expansion contribute to ecological degradation while also highlighting potential solutions that can lead to sustainable practices.
### Paragraph 2: Main Idea 1
- **Topic Sentence:** One significant area addressed in the book is the effect of industrialization on air and water quality.
- **Assertion:** The author argues that industrial growth, primarily in the last century, has contributed to massive environmental pollutants that threaten not only ecosystems but also human health.
- **Evidence/Citations:** For instance, [Author's Name] cites a study showing that industrial emissions are responsible for [specific statistic or finding] (p. XX).
- **Commentary/Explain:** This evidence demonstrates the direct link between industrialization and environmental health, raising awareness about the urgent need for regulatory measures.
- **Link/Transition Sentence:** As industrial practices impact the atmosphere and waterways, the text shifts to discuss another critical issue: deforestation.
### Paragraph 3: Main Idea 2
- **Topic Sentence:** Another substantial theme in [Title of the Book] is the consequence of deforestation and habitat loss.
- **Assertion:** The author emphasizes that rampant deforestation, primarily for agricultural expansion and urbanization, is leading to irreversible loss of biodiversity.
- **Evidence/Citations:** [Author's Name] reports that approximately [specific statistic or finding] of forests have been lost in the past [timeframe], resulting in [specific consequences, e.g., species extinction or habitat fragmentation] (p. XX).
- **Commentary/Explain:** This statistic underscores the critical need for sustainable land use policies and reflects the interconnectedness of forest conservation and climate change.
- **Link/Transition Sentence:** As we consider the broader effects of human encroachment on nature, the text further explores urban expansion as a growing concern.
### Paragraph 4: Main Idea 3
- **Topic Sentence:** Urban expansion and its environmental ramifications represent a key focus in [Title of the Book].
- **Assertion:** The author posits that the rapid growth of urban areas not only strains local resources but also contributes significantly to climate change.
- **Evidence/Citations:** Evidence such as [Author's Name]'s observation that urban areas contribute to [specific statistic or finding related to carbon emissions or resource depletion] supports this perspective (p. XX).
- **Commentary/Explain:** This highlights how individual lifestyle choices in urban settings can accumulate, leading to significant environmental implications.
- **Link/Transition Sentence:** These interconnected elements of industrialization, deforestation, and urban expansion illustrate a broader narrative of environmental strife.
### Paragraph 5: Conclusion
- **Reworded Thesis:** Ultimately, [Title of the Book] by [Author's Name] effectively elucidates the complex ways human activities contribute to environmental degradation, from industrialization to urbanization.
- **Broad Closing Statement:** As we reflect on the insights provided in this text, it becomes clear that the pursuit of sustainable solutions is imperative not only for the preservation of our environment but also for the wellbeing of future generations. Each individual has a role to play, igniting a collective movement toward a healthier planet.
Feel free to fill in specific details based on the book you choose, and adjust this outline to best fit your insights and arguments!
### Paragraph 1: Introduction Paragraph
- **Hook:** The alarming pace at which our planet is changing evokes urgent questions about humanity's role in shaping its future.
- **Thesis:** In [Title of the Book] by [Author's Name], the author explores the profound impacts of human activity on the environment, illustrating how industrialization, deforestation, and urban expansion contribute to ecological degradation while also highlighting potential solutions that can lead to sustainable practices.
### Paragraph 2: Main Idea 1
- **Topic Sentence:** One significant area addressed in the book is the effect of industrialization on air and water quality.
- **Assertion:** The author argues that industrial growth, primarily in the last century, has contributed to massive environmental pollutants that threaten not only ecosystems but also human health.
- **Evidence/Citations:** For instance, [Author's Name] cites a study showing that industrial emissions are responsible for [specific statistic or finding] (p. XX).
- **Commentary/Explain:** This evidence demonstrates the direct link between industrialization and environmental health, raising awareness about the urgent need for regulatory measures.
- **Link/Transition Sentence:** As industrial practices impact the atmosphere and waterways, the text shifts to discuss another critical issue: deforestation.
### Paragraph 3: Main Idea 2
- **Topic Sentence:** Another substantial theme in [Title of the Book] is the consequence of deforestation and habitat loss.
- **Assertion:** The author emphasizes that rampant deforestation, primarily for agricultural expansion and urbanization, is leading to irreversible loss of biodiversity.
- **Evidence/Citations:** [Author's Name] reports that approximately [specific statistic or finding] of forests have been lost in the past [timeframe], resulting in [specific consequences, e.g., species extinction or habitat fragmentation] (p. XX).
- **Commentary/Explain:** This statistic underscores the critical need for sustainable land use policies and reflects the interconnectedness of forest conservation and climate change.
- **Link/Transition Sentence:** As we consider the broader effects of human encroachment on nature, the text further explores urban expansion as a growing concern.
### Paragraph 4: Main Idea 3
- **Topic Sentence:** Urban expansion and its environmental ramifications represent a key focus in [Title of the Book].
- **Assertion:** The author posits that the rapid growth of urban areas not only strains local resources but also contributes significantly to climate change.
- **Evidence/Citations:** Evidence such as [Author's Name]'s observation that urban areas contribute to [specific statistic or finding related to carbon emissions or resource depletion] supports this perspective (p. XX).
- **Commentary/Explain:** This highlights how individual lifestyle choices in urban settings can accumulate, leading to significant environmental implications.
- **Link/Transition Sentence:** These interconnected elements of industrialization, deforestation, and urban expansion illustrate a broader narrative of environmental strife.
### Paragraph 5: Conclusion
- **Reworded Thesis:** Ultimately, [Title of the Book] by [Author's Name] effectively elucidates the complex ways human activities contribute to environmental degradation, from industrialization to urbanization.
- **Broad Closing Statement:** As we reflect on the insights provided in this text, it becomes clear that the pursuit of sustainable solutions is imperative not only for the preservation of our environment but also for the wellbeing of future generations. Each individual has a role to play, igniting a collective movement toward a healthier planet.
Feel free to fill in specific details based on the book you choose, and adjust this outline to best fit your insights and arguments!