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No more reports!. A thesis-driven research paper is more than a report…. A report DESCRIBES a topic A thesis-driven essay makes an ARGUMENT about a topic. Report Topic vs. Thesis.
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A thesis-driven research paper is more than a report… • A report DESCRIBES a topic • A thesis-driven essay makes an ARGUMENT about a topic
Report Topic vs. Thesis • Report Topic: The Treaty of Versailles was a peace treaty that was signed at the end of World War I, declaring peace between Germany and the Allied Powers. • Thesis Statement: The Treaty of Versailles was ineffective in establishing lasting peace after WWI, because it was used as a tool to penalize Germany rather than as a tool to ensure peace.
Report Topic vs. Thesis • Report Topic: Abraham Lincoln was the President who issued the Emancipation Proclamation. • Thesis: When issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, Abraham Lincoln was motivated more by a political desire to save the Union than by a moral desire to establish freedom for all people.
When writing a thesis statement… • Sum up the main argument for your entire paper. Your thesis should state the one main idea discussed in your paper. • Take a stand. Form an opinion and state it clearly. Do not be wishy-washy. • Choose a topic that’s worth discussing. Your main argument should make a claim that other might disagree with. • Make your statement specific. • Be sure you have approached your evidence fairly, without bias. Avoid emotionally charged language when stating your thesis.
Explain why a healthy diet is important • A healthy diet is important. • People should include eight servings of fruits and vegetables in their diet everyday. • Bananas are one of the most nutritious foods on earth. • A healthy diet is important because it increases energy, prevents illness and promotes well-being.
Convince your reader whether school uniforms should be mandatory in public schools… • It is outrageous for students to be forced to wear school uniforms. • Students who are forced to wear school uniforms have their creativity stifled. • School uniforms should not be mandatory in public schools because it would stifle students’ creativity, take away students’ rights, and cause students to lose interest in school • When kids grow up, they will have bad memories of school if they have to wear uniforms.
Compare and contrast the reasons why the North and South fought the Civil War • The North and South fought the Civil War for many reasons, some of which were the same and some different. • While both sides fought the Civil War over the issue of slavery, the North fought for moral reasons while the South fought to preserve its own institutions. • While both Northerners and Southerners believed they fought against tyranny and oppression, Northerners focused on the oppression of slaves while Southerners defended their own right to self-government.
As you continue to write your essay… • ALWAYS keep your thesis in mind. As you write, ask yourself, “Does this help prove my thesis?” • Provide only the facts that you need to prove your point. Do not spend too much time summarizing. Stay focused on your analysis. • When you finish your paper, ask yourself, “Have I proved my thesis?”
Write your own thesis statement… • The simplest kind of thesis is the three-part thesis • Examples of three-part thesis statements for the history project • Benjamin Franklin was successful, because he was intelligent, creative, and persistent. • The Harlem Renaissance gave African Americans an opportunity to express themselves through art, music, and theater.
Breaking down the three-part thesis • The first part of the thesis makes a claim: • Benjamin Franklin was successful • The Harlem Renaissance gave African Americans a chance to express themselves • The second part of the thesis supports the claim. It answers a why or how question • Why was Benjamin Franklin successful? Because he was intelligent, creative, and persistent • How did the Harlem Renaissance give African Americans a chance to express themselves? Through art, music, and theater • The rest of the paper proves the thesis. The Ben Franklin paper would provide examples of Franklin’s intelligence, creativity, and persistence
Formula for a Three-Part Thesis (Person Study) There are a few basic patterns to make writing a thesis a piece of cake. Choose the pattern that’s best for your topic. • Famous Person became a type of career/success because he was trait, trait, and trait. • Colin Powell became an inspiring leader because he is brave, intelligent, and ambitious. • Sandy Koufax was a remarkable sports hero because of his work ethic, amazing athletic ability, and teamwork. 2) Because of his/her character trait, Famous Person was able to overcome obstacle 1, obstacle 2, and obstacle 3 on the way to becoming type of career/success. • Because of his determination, Martin Luther King Jr. was able to overcome educational barriers, prejudice, and violence to become a political leader who changed the United States.
Formula for a Three-Part Thesis (Event study) 3) Event was historically important because it impact 1, impact 2, and impact 3. • The Boston Tea Party was historically important because it 4) Event provided a change from the past, as can be seen through example 1, example 2, and example 3. a) The Harlem Renaissance provided an opportunity for African Americans to express themselves, as can be seen through the time period’s art, music, and theater.
