THESIS STATEMENTS

THESIS STATEMENTS A Writing Center Workshop Presentation

Where Does the THESIS STATEMENT Go?

What is a Thesis Statement? • It is one sentence. • It states the main idea or argument (CLAIM) of your essay & previews your supporting points. • It is typically placed at the end of the introduction paragraph. • It is the basis for your entire essay. • It is the most important part of your essay. • It is awesome(kinda).

Thesis Uncovered Ask Yourself- what is this essay trying to prove? The answer should be your thesis statement. Think of your subject + your opinion in one solid statement. THINK IN 3’s -three things you feel support your idea.

How to Brainstorm your THESIS: • The THESIS STATEMENT doesn’t always come first in the writing process, but it is good to develop it early so you can use it as a guide for your paper. • I am writing about ____________ , and I am going to argue, show, or prove that _________, by stating that ___________ , _____________ , and _____________.

Formula • Just as E = mc²… • Subject + Opinion = Thesis

Where Does the THESIS STATEMENT Go?

That darn first Paragraph • The first sentence of your introductory paragraph should contain an attention getter, which is a sentence that attracts your reader’s attention makes them want to read further. Avoid- “In this essay I will explain why Mary Warren acted like a coward throughout the play.” Try This- “Cowards are people who are so scared of others that they do not take responsibility for their actions and therefore often get innocent people in trouble.”

After the Hook… • Introduce the topic • Make sure to mention title/author • Give background info and prepare for thesis. Let’s take a look- “In Arthur Miller’s retelling of the Salem Witch Trials entitled The Crucible, the character Mary Warren is the quintessential coward. She is one of the many girls who accuse others of being witches; though she know it is wrong, she continues to cover up her faults with lies.”

The Good and Not so GoodExamples: • Not so good Thesis-Mary Warren changes sides for the last time in Act IV to avoid getting in trouble, so she accuses John Proctor of witchcraft. • Good Thesis- Mary Warren finally accuses John Proctor of witchcraft in Act IV because she is a coward and does not want to take the blame for the hysteria she has helped to create.

Your Turn • Create your own THESIS STATEMENTS! • Anyone can do it!

Defintions • Although is a conjunction that means, “in spite of the fact; even though,” and is helpful in connecting and comparing/contrasting different, but related, ideas. • Because is also a conjunction that means, “for the reason that; since,” and is useful for offering insight and introducing supporting details for a claim.

Useful Tips • Thesis statements that are too broad and general will lead to an essay that lacks focus. • Certain words may be used to narrow the focus of an argument, as well as expand a thesis statement to make it as specific as possible. • EXAMPLE: “While, “Although,” “Because”: • “While/Although the rise of industrialization led to the expansion of global trade relations, the conditions of working class people deteriorated because__________, _________, and _____________.

Sources • http://www.lavc.edu/WCweb/ • http://thewritingcenter.edulounge.net/ • http://studenthacks.org/2007/11/06/thesis-statement/ • http://www.csu.edu.au/division/studserv/learning/essay/structure.htm

THESIS STATEMENTS