Activity 1B Writing a Thesis Statement
Below is an excerpt from a government report on trash. Read the facts
and then write a strong thesis statement.
Municipal Solid Waste
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)-more commonly known as
trash or garbage--consists of everyday items we use and then
throw away, such as product packaging, grass clippings, furniture,
clothing, bottles, food scraps, newspapers, appliances, paint, and
batteries
• In 1960 the United States generated 88 million tons of
municipal solid waste (MSW): almost 83 million tons were
disposed of in landfills. Just over 6 percent was recycled.
• MSW generation continued to increase until 2007, when it
was 257 million tons; 140 million tons went to landfills, and
about 31 percent was recycled. After 2007 the rate of genera-
tion began to decrease.
• In 2011 the United States generated 250 million tons of MSW;
134 million tons went to landfills, and over 34 percent was
recycled.
Source: Environmental Protection Agency.
Thesis Statement: