Chapter 2 The Basic Essay

What is a Thesis Statement? A sentence that conveys the main claim of a paper. It addresses… The topic in question The topic’s significance Contentions regarding the topic The thesis is the anchor of the essay. Everything must refer to the thesis and/or hold significance for the thesis. If something does not pertain to the thesis, then remove it from the essay. A reader should only need to read the thesis to understand what the essay is about.

Three Primary Types of Thesis Statements Academic/Analytical Examines an idea by separating it into distinct components Assess those components Argumentative Sets forth a contention that the essay will attempt to prove The thesis should clarify the topic in questions and the claim being made Informative/Expository Clearly and objectively articulates the topic in question Point out the commonality here: Thesis statements present clear topics!

Developing a Thesis Statement Thesis statements demand great thought and attention since they are the anchor of your entire essay. This should be the first step in writing, but thesis statements can change as your essay develops. This is called a Working Thesis! Use this as your guide when creating an effective thesis statement.

Thesis Development Example Topic: The Beatles What about The Beatles? Be more specific. Working Thesis: The Beatles is the greatest band of all time. Why is The Beatles the greatest band of all time? Effective Thesis: Due to the band’s musical diversity, pondering lyrics, stage presence, and genre defining songs, The Beatles is the greatest band that has ever existed. Do an activity with the class where you show the students how to move from a general topic, to a working thesis, to an effective thesis. Allow the class to select the topic. Modeling the process is very helpful for most students since this idea of an effective thesis statement can be vague.

Placing of the Thesis Statement Where the statement goes will depend on the type of writing that you are creating. However, the thesis should appear in the introduction of the essay. An implied thesis (a thesis that is not explicitly stated) has a strong impact when used properly.

Where is the Thesis? When I attended high school, reading and writing were not my strong suites. As a college student, I have learned that reading and writing are key ingredients in my success. Over the years, I have changed my views on reading and writing since I was in high school and reading and writing in college will help propel me through out my career. Where is the thesis statement? Why do you think this is the thesis?

Supporting Your Thesis Throughout your essay, you are supporting your ideas (thesis). There are two effective methods of giving support: Detail, Commentary, Commentary Point, Illustration, Explanation (PIE)

Which Method? The Beatles had an ever changing sound that allowed the band to remain popular for many years. While some of the band’s counterparts (The Monkees for example) remained static with their musicality, The Beatles welcomed change and paid attention to the needs of the fans. As a result, fans were introduced to new ideas and musical sounds that they would have otherwise not been exposed. This is an example of the Detail, Commentary, Commentary method. Ask the students to identify each aspect of the this selection.

Which Method? Life experiences, not just a simple need for change, allowed The Beatles to modify and adapt its sound. For instance, “Across the Universe” was heavily influenced by the band’s time in India with Yogi Maharishi Mahesh. The Beatles utilized the Sitar, Tanpura and chanted Sanskrit, “Jai Guru Deva, Om”, to which the average American of the time had little to no exposure. This is the PIE method. Again, have the class identify the parts of this selection.

Organization This is a very important concept in writing. Without organization, an essay is very difficult to follow and understand. Make sure that every sentence and paragraph follow a logical sequence for the essay that you are writing. Use transitions to clearly connect one thought to another. Do “Sequencing” exercise 2.1

Paragraphs Paragraphs are units of thought. A sentence is a thought, and a paragraph contains all the thoughts on a specified topic. If you keep this idea of a paragraph in mind, it will be easier for you to notice lapses of support—there will be something missing from the thought.

Introduction Not only does the introduction introduce your essay and topic, but it also introduces you. A reader can tell how you feel about a topic and how versed in the topic you are by this all important first paragraph. Grab your audience’s attention! Think of first impressions. When you go to a job interview, what will you do to give a great first impression?

Conclusion The conclusion is as important as your introduction because it is the last thing you audience will read. This is you final word—how will you leave it? This tells the reader what to take away from this essay! Think of concluding a job interview. What will you do to make the potential employer remember you?

Fantastic Titles A title should tell the reader what the essay is about, but make it intriguing enough to make the reader want to read the essay! Rate the following: My Argument Essay The Beatles The Beatles: The Greatest Band of All Time “Jai Guru Deva”: How Life Influenced The Art of The Beatles Which would the class rather read?