The following thesis statements are for literary analysis papers of the novel Disgrace by J. M. Coetzee. Which is the better thesis statement? (Remember the guidelines for writing good thesis statements that you have studied in this lesson.)

Usually, when people talk about "rocky” relationships, it’s with a frown, but mine has enriched my life. i became fascinated with rocks when i was really young, and throughout my childhood you could usually find me with my pockets bulging from whatever stony treasures i’d scavenged that day. when my science teacher taught us a unit on geology, i realized that my fascination could become an exciting career that could also me make good money. obtaining an internship to work on the geological exhibit at the museum is an important step on my road to being a geologist. the best description of the writer’s point of view is that the person is eager to make a lot of money in a museum internship. insistent that geology should be taught as part of every science course. hopeful to be able to further the goal of eventually becoming a geologist. concerned that people do not generally relate well to the study of geology.

What is meant by “eternally burning black pipes”? what is this implying about the personality of the firemen?

Which sentence is correctly punctuated? a. i haven’t found a new job, and i don’t plan to look for one until i have to. b. my work is piling up—day to day—and i can’t seem to get caught up. c. i know things could be worse (they have been in the past).