Thesis Statements

Definition: A thesis statement is a sentence that expresses the main ideas of your paper. It may answer the question posed by your paper (if applicable).

It should include these two parts: Your topic The analysis or explanation that you are making about the topic. Depends on what type of writing Narratives (description) – not as impt but still want something to guide your reader Analytical –definitely need one Persuasive writing – must have the argument and which side you come down on.

A Thesis Statement IS A… Very specific statement It should cover only what you want to talk about and what can be supported by evidence or textual support.

Where does it go? Put your thesis statement as the last sentence of your first paragraph.

Three types of writing where thesis statements are necessary: Expository Analytical Argumentative

You are doing an Analytical thesis statement breaking down an issue or an idea into parts Evaluating the issue or idea Presenting this breakdown and evaluation to an audience (your teacher).

Analytical thesis statements explain: what you are analyzing, the parts you are analyzing, and the order in which you will be presenting your analysis Remember: Whatever order you put them in, the body of the paper must follow this order.

SO, a good thesis sentence… Determines what you are required to say in your paper is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper.

More tips…. Avoid vague words such as “interesting,” “exciting,” that tell the reader nothing. Avoid jargon and clichés

More tips…. It should be limited to what you can realistically cover in the space allotted Not too broad It should narrow your line of argument or limit it. But not too limited so you have trouble writing enough information

Let’s Practice/Revise… Original Thesis: Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn is a great American novel. Revised Thesis In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore.

Let’s Practice/Revise… Original Thesis: There are many characteristics of Madame Loisel in “The Necklace”. Revised Thesis: Madame Loisel exhibits many unique characteristics such as bravery, unkindness, and foolishness in the short story, “The Necklace.” Madame Loisel is an unkind person who acts foolishly and irrationally in the story, “The Necklace.” In the short story “The Necklace”, Madame Loisel is obnoxious, materialistic, and unfriendly.

Let’s Practice/Revise… Original Thesis: The theme of evil is shown in literature and also in music. Evil is a theme in many songs today. Revised Thesis: The theme of evil in “The Possibility of Evil” is significant throughout the story and is portrayed in modern music as well. The theme of evil is exhibited in the short story “The Possibility of Evil”, as well as in the songs titled, “I hate you” by Good Charlotte, “You stink so take a shower” by Smelly Feet, and “It fits like a Glove” by O.J.

Maintain Parallel Structure Nick is manipulative because he abuses Caitlin, lies to Tom and Nick doesn’t like to talk to Mario about his father’s abuse. The verbs aren’t all the same tense/format Nick is manipulative because he abuses Caitlin, lies to Tom and hides his father’s abuse. This is better because they all start the same way; they are “parallel” to eachother. This is clearer.

So once you’ve figured out your thesis statement, start your paper by creating an OUTLINE

Why Create an Outline?

Why create an outline? Helps in the process of writing Helps organize your ideas Presents your material in a logical form

Why create an outline? Shows relationships among ideas in your writing EXAMPLE: This is the big topic This is a part of the big topic (I). This is another part of the big topic (I). This talks about something which is connected to information in B. This is another thing about B This is another big topic

How do I create an Outline? Define the PURPOSE of your paper. Determine your audience - WHO are you writing for?

How do I create an Outline? Develop the THESIS of your paper - The thesis a sentence that acts as the roadmap for your paper.

THEN…. Brainstorm List all the ideas that you want to include in your paper

THEN…. Organize Group related ideas together Arrange the materials in subsections Work from general ideas to specific examples

THEN…. Label your information - create main and sub headings

Breathing Underwater Paper For this paper, I’ve created an outline for you. Please note how it is organized.