Truisms are statements presented as facts that are supposed to be self-evident or understood through common sense. some truisms, such as yogi berra's quip that "you can observe a lot by watching," seem quite true. other truisms, however, such as "a penny saved is a penny earned," may no longer be as valid today as they once were.

identify a truism that you have heard or read many times that is worth defending, qualifying, or challenging.

compose a thesis statement that you might use for an essay arguing your position on why the truism is worth defending, qualifying, or challenging, then provide bullet lines of reasoning with brief references to evidence from your reading, experience, or observations.