Crafting effective thesis statements Make a claim, back it up

What is a thesis statement? A short statement that summarizes the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, etc., and is developed, supported, and explained in the text by means of examples and evidence.

Asking the right questions Information Questions Issue Questions Call for information Produces a Research Report You teach your audience new information or knowledge Examples: What is a pirate? How does a diesel engine work? How does the teen pregnancy rate in the US compare with the rate in Sweden? Call for argument Produces a Research Paper You persuade your audience toward your point of view in a controversy Examples: Why is piracy prevalent today? Should the tax on diesel fuel be reduced? Is an expert video game player an athlete? To determine whether a question is an issue or information question, examine the role it calls you to play in relation to your audience.

Can you determine which are information or issue questions? What percentage of public schools in the United States are failing? What is the effect on children of playing first-person-shooter games? Is genetically modified corn safe for human consumption? Should people get rid of their land lines and have only cell phones?

Pseudo-arguments A pseudo-argument happens with the respective parties are so commiteed to their beliefs and values that no evidence will change them. Examples: Pie is better than cake. This is a value statement and if your audience doesn’t like pie then you will never convince them otherwise. Abortion, morality, and when life begins. Both parties are so convinced that their morals and beliefs are right concerning the beginning of life they are immovable, even when there is no clear evidence supporting either side.

Which of these questions are Pseudo-arguments? Are the Star Wars films good science fiction? Is it ethically justifiable to capture dolphins and train them for human entertainment? Is an abstract oil painting by a monkey a true work of art? Are nose rings and tongue studs attractive?

Argument=thesis An argument is a claim supported by evidence Everything is strategic Cultural Eye Rhetoric Audience Awareness

Thesis Statement: Talking Points An effective thesis statement should do 3 things: Introduce the claim/argument Articulate the manner/order/way in which your argument will be presented Unify your essay

What a thesis statement isn’t Fact or summary Writing Arguments is a textbook about how to write persuasively. War-zone civilians suffer from PTSD.

What a thesis statement isn’t An unsupported opinion I think middle-school library books should not be censored. *In this statement there are no supporting reasons for the claim

What a thesis statement isn’t An argument created by feeding your confirmation bias Organic food is healthier for everyone. (and then only provide information that supports this claim, while ignoring all the other evidence)

What a thesis statement isn’t A value statement Solar energy is better for our environment than fossil fuels. Batman is the coolest superhero…ever!

What a thesis statement is An answer to your research question A claim supported with reasons A thesis should be a refutable, arguable point that reflects your educated opinion A thesis statement should be as specific as possible

Example thesis statement Although birth control has provided women with many freedoms, it has also been used as a tool to oppress minority women and take away their power to choose what’s best for their bodies and their families.

How do I form a thesis? Result of a detailed thinking process (annotation, reading, researching, and responding) Look for what conversations are coming up in your research. What are people saying about your topic? What is your response? Examine the significance of these relationships and conversations Formulate a research question (issue question). Write a working thesis statement Collect and organize supporting information

“(statement of claim)…because…(statement of reasons)” crafting a thesis A formula to help construct a working thesis statement: “(statement of claim)…because…(statement of reasons)” *This is rough draft language Example: Police brutality is on the rise because policemen are not following proper protocol and there has been little to no punishment for their behavior. Your thesis should articulate your argument and the manner in which it will be presented