developing your thesis statement. after a brief introduction of your topic, you should state your...

Developing Your Thesis

Statement

After a brief introduction of your topic, you should state your point of view on the topic directly and often in one sentence. This

sentence is the thesis statement and it serves as a summary of the argument you

will present in the rest of your paper.

What is a thesis statement?

• Tells the reader how you will establish the relationship and connections within your subject matter

• It is a road map for the paper and tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper

• Directly answers the question asked of you

• It is usually a single sentence somewhere in your first paragraph that presents your argument to the reader.

• The rest of the paper, the body, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation

How do I get a thesis?

• Writing a thesis is the result of a long thinking process

• Before you can write an effective thesis you must collect and organize evidence (in this case your note cards), look for possible relationships between known facts, and think about the significance of these relationships

How do I know if my thesis is strong?

• Do I answer the question? – Reread the question prompt and make sure it focuses on the question asked of

you

• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose?– Thesis statements that are too vague do not have a strong argument. Avoid

words such as “good,” “bad,” successful,” etc.

• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test?– If the reader’s first response is, “So what?” then you need to clarify, create a

relationship, or connect your evidence to a larger issue

• Does my thesis pass the “how?” or “why?” test?– If a reader’s first response is, “How?” or “Why?” your thesis may be too open-

ended and lack guidance for the reader

• Does my essay support my thesis specifically and without wondering?– If your thesis and the body of your essay do not seem to go together, one of

them has to change*******

Prompt: Compare and contrast the reasons why the north and south fought the civil war.

• Attempt 1– The North and South fought the Civil War for many

reasons, some of which were the same and some different

• Reaction– Simply restates the question without providing any

additional information. It is important that the reader know where you are heading. Ask yourself, “How are they the same?” “How are they different?” Why did they think slavery was right or wrong?


• Attempt 2– 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

• Reaction– This is a working thesis. It includes a reason for the

war and some idea of how the two sides disagreed over this reason. However, as you work on your paper you may discover new connections and realize that your thesis is too vague.


• Attempt 3– While both Northerners and Southerners believed

they fought against tyranny and oppression, Northerners focused on the oppression of slaves while Southerners defended their own rights to property and self-government.

• Reaction– This final thesis presents a way of interpreting the

evidence and focuses on the significance of the question.

Prompt: Write an analysis of some aspect of Mark Twain’s novel Huckleberry Finn.

• Attempt 1– Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn is a great American

novel.

• Reaction– This thesis leads readers to think that you will simply

provide a general summary of the novel. Your teacher wants you think about why it is such a great novel and asks you to pick a certain aspect of the novel to analyze.


• Attempt 2– In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast

between life on the river and life on the shore.

• Reaction– Although you have highlighted an important aspect of

the novel it is still too vague. Your reader is thinking, “So what?” What is the point of this contrast and what does it signify?


• Attempt 3– Through its contrasting river and shore scenes,

Twain’s Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American democratic ideals, one must leave “civilized” society and go back to nature.

• Reaction – The final thesis presents an interpretation of the novel

based on a close analysis of its content. However, you must remember to provide evidence in the body of your paper that supports this thesis.

developing your thesis statement. after a brief introduction of your topic, you should state your...

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