So, you have to write a thesis-driven paper:

Transcription

1 Thesis Statements

2 So, you have to write a thesis-driven paper: Sometimes, the hardest part of writing is not coming up with what to write about. It may not even be hard to get started. One of the most difficult things for many students when writing is coming up with a good THESIS. It s easier to do when you understand what your professor means when he/ she says: Your paper must have a thesis statement. Many students think they know what that means, but the idea of a thesis-driven paper can be confusing even to experienced students who have written papers before.

3 What it is: An informed opinion Arguable that is defensible A claim that can be proven through research A framework for your paper An answer to a question that sets the stage for a discussion

4 What it looks like: America needs stronger gun control laws. Japanese cartoons are much better than Disney cartoons. Climate change is man-made. Cafeterias should provide healthier alternatives for lunch. *Each of these statements makes a claim that can be defended with reasons and evidence.*

5 Different Kinds of Thesis Statements Proposal: The government should legalize marijuana. Evaluative: Being vegetarian is better for your health than eating meat. Definitive: Obesity is not an illness. Persuasive: The weight limits for jockeys are far too strict..

6 What it does: A good thesis is the centerpiece of your paper. It tells the reader clearly what you are going to be discussing. It serves as an anchor for what you will be writing. It gives your paper a clear focus.

7 What it isn t: A statement of fact: Pearl Harbor was bombed on Dec. 7, A random opinion: Justin Bieber is the greatest singer ever. A question: Do we need stronger gun control laws? A topic: In this paper I am going to be writing about cartoons.

8 Remember: Every thesis has an anti-thesis: Proposal: The government should not legalize marijuana. Evaluative: Eating meat is healthier than being vegetarian. Definitive: Obesity is an illness. Persuasive: We need strict weight limits for jockeys. These statements are defensible, too!

9 How do I do this thesis thing? First you need to decide on a topic: What do you want to write about? What do you love, hate, feel passionate toward? What current events seem interesting? What ideas are you discussing with friends? What ideas do you have on the subject that interests you? Are you already informed on the topic? Will you need to do a lot of research? Are you choosing the topic, or has your professor assigned one for you?

10 From topic to thesis: Let s say that you are a big fan of comic books. So, you decide to use comics as the topic for your paper. This is a huge topic, so you will need to narrow it down before you can even begin to come up with a thesis statement for a paper.

11 Brainstorming Jot down some of the ideas you have about why you like comics or what you see as ways in which they might be improved. Ask questions, like What function do comic books fill for us in society? OR Should people stop reading comics when they get older? Your questions will often be the setup for a thesis statement. Start doing some research: Read some articles Talk to other comics fans Check out online forums

12 The answer Your thesis will usually be the answer (or one of the answers) to a research question) For example: The question Why do comics portray women in such a stereotypical manner can become the thesis: Comic authors need to take steps to correct their stereotypical portrayal of women. For example: The question Should people stop reading comics when they grow up? can turn into the thesis: Older people should be able to continue to enjoy comics as much as they did when they were younger. Both of these are examples of the proposal thesis and can be argued with reasons and evidence

13 Before & after: Set up your thesis with a solid introduction, either narrative or informative. Follow your thesis with several good solid reasons and evidence from reliable sources. Conclude by referring back to the thesis, demonstrating that you have made your point.

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