Writing a Thesis for The Research Project By Coach Peralta Source Information from the following: Sebranek, Patrick, et. Al. Write Source 2000: A Guide to Writing, Thinking and Learning. New York: Great Source, 1998. Trimmer, Joseph F. A Guide to MLA Documentation. 6th ed. Boston: Houghton, 2004.

Types of Research Papers An analytic paper uses evidence to analyze one aspect of an issue. To analyze means to break down the information, becoming in a sense, an expert yourself. This paper consists of you arranging the material as you understand it, and then contributing your own opinions. Example: "What is the ultimate effect of music-listening while studying on grades?" An Argumentative paper uses evidence to convince the reader that your opinion is correct about a debatable topic. You will take a stand on an issue, then use evidence to back-up your statement. Example: “Listening to music while studying is in fact a beneficial activity to add to a study regime for better grades because of the way music motivates students and keeps them alert" There are two types of research papers.

Writing the Thesis Statement Defining features of a thesis statement: A thesis statement is a 1-2 sentence summary of what your paper will cover/prove. A thesis statement is to your paper, what a topic sentence is to a paragraph. It is placed at or near the end of the introduction. For an argumentative paper, it could reasonably be argued.

Thesis Statement A good thesis statement IS NOT A statement of fact Merely the expression of a personal opinion A vague generalization A question

Thesis Statement A good thesis statement IS A declarative sentence that states clearly and concisely the main point that the author wishes to make. Usually a sentence that embodies a judgment, evaluation, or criticism, often apparent in its use of value terms, e.g., good, better, best, valuable, worthwhile, desirable. A statement you consider significant, so that if someone says, “So what?” you can answer that question

Thesis Statement A good thesis statement MAY also Suggest a comparison or a contrast Focus primarily on the causes or effects of a particular event, condition, or change Propose a solution to a problem of recommend a policy

Thesis Statement An excellent thesis statement Is a judgment, criticism, or evaluation that research can support Is NOT a statement of fact, a personal opinion, a vague generalization, or a question Is a declarative statement that states the main point of the essay Is something worth saying

Thesis Statement Model #1: Parents should regulate the amount of television their children watch.

Thesis Statement Model #2: Thesis with Concession Notice that this model makes a concession by addressing an argument from the opposing viewpoint first, and then uses the phrase "even though" and states the writer's opinion/main idea as a rebuttal. Even though television can be educational , parents should regulate the amount of television their children watch.

Thesis Statement Model #3: Thesis with Reasons Here, the use of "because" reveals the reasons behind the writer's opinion/main idea. Parents should regulate the amount of television their children watch because it shortens children's attention spans , it inhibits social interaction , and it is not always intellectually stimulating.

Thesis Statement Model #4: Thesis with Concession and Reasons This model both makes a concession to opposing viewpoint and states the reasons/arguments for the writer's main idea. While television can be educational , parents should regulate the amount of television their children watch because it shortens children's attention spans , it inhibits social interaction , and it is not always intellectually stimulating .

SUPPORTING TOPICS To find support for your thesis statement: Write down the tentative thesis statement List as many supporting topics as you can Select the ones that seem the most promising Do preliminary research to locate supporting information for your major topics Those supporting topics will become the paragraphs for your paper.

Your Assignment Develop a working Thesis Statement. Establish 8 supporting topics for your thesis statement. Get your thesis statement and supporting topics approved by me.