"Going Green" "Structure and Style"

• The thesis is clearly stated: "Despite the expense, colleges should make every effort to create green campuses because by doing so they will improve their own educational environment, ensure their own institution's survival, and help solve the global climate crisis."
• All of the topic sentences are clear and concise; most of which are at the beginning of each new paragraph. Only one of the topic sentences is found at the end of the paragraph it is written for. 
• The background information necessary to support the thesis statement is provided along with the sited sources. For instance, the definition of "green" can be found in the context clues of the essay.
• The writer clearly states the opposing arguments and refutes them in a manner in which the reader can follow and understand. The writer refutes the right way, by giving the opposing argument and then providing evidence to support the opposite is also true. 
• There are several good transitional words and phrases used throughout this essay such as, "in addition," "although," and "despite."
• The writer did a wonderful job of avoiding wordy phrases that would confuse the reader and stuck to a base of good strong language. 
• The concluding statement is strong because it encourages action. "Now is the time for schools to make the choice and pledge to go green."