W: Professor Barnes, I’ve run into problems with the outline for my term paper.
I know I’m here outside of the office hours, but I really need to talk with you.
M: Well, (1) ___________________________________________.Come on in and have a seat Sandy. What’s wrong and how can I help?
W: The whole idea seems to be expanding out of control.There’s no way I can cover it all in twenty pages.
M: A good way to start might be to look at your thesis statement.Hmm, I think your problem begins right here.(2) ______________________________________?
W: I understood that it should contain the subject that will be discussed and the approach that you will take in discussing it. Is that right?
M: Yes, it is. But you have to understand that the thesis statement defines the scope of your paper.I warned the class if you make a mistake with your thesis statement,you’ll be in trouble from the very beginning.
W: I remember. And that’s what I’ve done. I’ve made it too broad.I’ve bitten off more than I can chew.
M: I’m afraid so. So, what do you think you can do to save your paper?
W: (3) __________________________________________________.
M: Exactly. But how are you going to do that?
W: I suppose I could examine just one of those technologies;the one that I think will have the greatest impact.
M: Good idea. If you do that,I think you will find your task will become much more manageable.
1)I guess I can make it exception to my normal rule about that
2)Do you remember what the thesis statement should consist of
3)I guess the most always solution would be to limit my discussion