This document provides definitions for several vocabulary words - alleviate, revamp, allocate, instill, diminish, debunk - and examples of how to use each word in a sentence. It also reviews the key components of a good thesis statement, noting that thesis statements must be complete sentences that express an opinion or intent and state the controlling idea or position being taken.

1. Vocabulary/Thesis Review

2. alleviate To make suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe To alleviate the severity of the earthquake damage,richer countries should give Haiti money. To alleviate the severity of the earthquake damage, the red Cross is helping people for free.

3. revamp To give a renew and improved form, structure, or appearance to The mayor should really revamp the schools that have been around longer than others. The mayor should really revamp all the streets in downtown Los Angeles.

4. allocate To distribute duties or resources for a particular purpose City officials will allocate fund to the less fortunate. City officials will allocate funds to the parks to make them more fun and safe at the same time.

5. instill Gradually or firmly establish an idea or an attitude (especially positive) in the mind of another person The history tried to instill in his students the importance of the Ming Dynasty in the ancient world. The history teacher tried to instill in his students all the amendments, so they can know their rights.

6. diminish To make or become less, reduce The percentage of teenagers who start smoking has diminished through the program that that explains that tobacco is very unhealthy. The percentage of teenagers who start smoking has diminished through counseling and a lot of help.

7. debunk To expose the falseness or hollowness of an idea, myth, or belief The highly respected athlete's integrity was debunked by the accusation that he used steroids. The highly respected athlete's integrity was debunked by the Channel 7 news at 11:00.

8. Thesis Statement Review Thesis statements must be complete sentences. They must be statements. They have to express opinion or intent. The thesis must state the controlling idea. You need to express your stand on the topic. There should be only one controlling idea.

9. Personal computers have especially revolutionized communication and business practices in the past twenty years.

10. Helen Keller became deaf and blind at an early age from a childhood illness.

11. Almost all holidays began as pagan festivals, anniversaries of important historical or political events, or religious days.

12. This essay discusses global warming.

13. Euthanasia should be legalized for three reasons.

14. Workaholics’ lifestyles can affect their families, social lives, and health.