how to write a useful thesis statement
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
How to write a USEFUL thesis statement…
To hang an essay on…
Purpose of a Thesis.
• It forms the foundation for your entire essay– Everything you write in the entire essay should in
some way be connected back to your thesis– A thesis statement should keep you on track
• It is the main point that you are attempting to prove through the material that you write.
First Part: Proposition
• What is your take/opinion/perspective on the topic?– After you have collected your evidence what does
that evidence seem to point towards?• “To what extent…”– Agree or disagree =====how strongly
Example: Big Mac
• Question: to what extent should we embrace the suggestion that Big Macs ought to be a part of everyone’s diet?
• Thesis Statement: Proposition• “Big Macs should be incorporated into
Canadians’ daily diet…
Second Part: Response
• Once you have made the proposition stop and ask the question why
• So the second part of your thesis statement is going to start with “…for; …because,”
• The next part of your response is to select your key word/phrase that you will hang all your evidence on.
Example: Big Mac
• Question: to what extent should we embrace the suggestion that Big Macs ought to be a part of everyone’s diet?
• Thesis Statement: Proposition• “Big Macs should be incorporated into Canadians’
daily diet because of the nutrients it contributes to human health.”
• “Big Macs should be incorporated into Canadians’ daily diet because of the unique identity this food will convey.”
Thesis Formula
Proposition?
Because or For+
Key Word/Phrase+
Response
Strong key words
• reasons, cautions, problems, issues, results, consequences, obstacles, benefits, complications, difficulties, dilemmas, interests, advantages, strengths, improvements, assets, achievements, products, outcomes, reactions, impacts, burdens, legacies, tensions, forces, victories, failures, fallacies, truths, positions, lessons, warnings, messages,