Student Writing Handbook Fifth+Edition

68 / Methods of Development

-^ watercolor methods according to wetness of brush
-^ advertising according to media
-^ pest control according to application method

Choose the means that best suits your subject.

STEP 3: Prewriting—Naming the Divisions

When you have decided on the means of division, jot down the two, three, or four
divisions you have chosen. For instance, examine the topics and their divisions below:

-^ poetry divided by rhyme scheme: haiku, sonnet, and villanelle
-^ point of view divided by person: first-person, second-person, third-person
-^ production means divided by automation: piecework, assembly line, robotics
-^ recession divided by degree: creeping, galloping, and runaway
-^ taxes divided by application: property, income, inheritance
-^ leavening agents divided by ingredients: yeast, baking soda, baking powder

Be sure your divisions are logical. Sometimes divisions overlap. For instance, look
at the following illogical example:

schools divided by grades: elementary, middle, junior high, and senior high

Because middle school, which usually includes grades six through eight, overlaps
junior high school, which usually includes grades seven through nine, the divisions
are illogical. Instead, divide schools into these logical classifications:

schools divided by grades: elementary, middle, and high school

schools divided by grades: elementary, junior high, and senior high

STEP 4: Prewriting—Writing the Topic or Thesis

Sentence

Now write the topic or thesis sentence. [See topic sentence and thesis sentence in the
Glossary.] This sentence should list the subject, the means of division, and the num-
ber. Study the following thesis sentence:

When applying pesticides, one must understand the differences among the

four formulations: liquids, dusts, wettable powders, and emulsions.

Subject: pesticides

Means: formulations

Number: four

Write your own topic or thesis sentence now; check for subject, means, and number.