THE MAIN IDEA COPYRIGHT LISA MCNEILLEY, 2010 Thesis Statements THE MAIN IDEA COPYRIGHT LISA MCNEILLEY, 2010

Placement of Thesis First Sentence of document End of Introduction End of document

Purposes of Thesis--Writer Provides clear boundaries for what will be included in document Determines when purpose is fulfilled and document is complete Provides measure for checking what fits in document during revision

Purpose of Thesis--Reader Sets expectations for what will be included and in what order Sets expectations for tone, style and content of the document

Characteristics of Thesis Statements Not a statement of fact Gives you something to say/arguable Gives direction to your paper Invites reader into the paper— significance/relevance

Example Thesis Statements— with problems My little sister was a brat when we were growing up. Accounting is my favorite subject. Many people own dogs for pets. College is an interesting experience.

Types of Thesis Statements Implied not stated in the paper all elements of the paper clearly point toward a main idea. Supplied written to provide the reader a purpose for the paper.

3 Parts of a Thesis Topic What am I writing about? 2. Stance/claim/point of view What do I have to say about this that is significant to my reader? 3. Plan/overview What points do I need to make?

Example Development of Thesis Topic: Accounting Stance: is a vital skill for daily life Plan: because it allows you to balance your checkbook, plan a budget, and make sound investment decisions.

Things to Remember Your paper must follow logically from the thesis. Topic sentences must have a clear relationship to the thesis. If you paper doesn’t match your thesis you can revise the paper change the thesis