Writing a Thesis Merrimack College Writing Center

Goals Define and identify the qualities of a good thesis. Identify where the thesis may be found in a paper. Learn strategies for developing a strong thesis.

The central assertion of the essay (the main argument). What is a thesis? The central assertion of the essay (the main argument). Characteristics: Narrow Purposeful Specific Avoids cliches And will also be Suggestive of an organization Arguable / Debatable.

Narrow Narrow -- Unified Narrow -- Precise Poor: The university must fix its parking problem and dining hall food. Better: A wider selection of meal options would enhance the dining experience at this university. Narrow -- Precise Poor: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is cool. Better: Revolving exhibits make the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame an excellent place to visit again and again.

Purposeful – Complete Idea Poor: The story of my auto accident. Better: Drivers should learn defensive driving skills to reduce the likelihood of auto accidents. Purposeful – Assertive Poor: Lincoln and Kennedy were great presidents. Better: The context of the Civil War makes Lincoln a greater president than Kennedy.

Specific / Avoids Cliches Poor: There were many great generals in WWII. Better: Eisenhower’s D-Day leadership makes him the greatest Allied general of WWII. Avoid figures of speech and clichés Poor: The Warren Report stinks like yesterday’s garbage. Better: New photography technologies help refute Warren Report findings.

The Point The thesis must have a point… that readers care about; that is debatable and can reflect diverse opinions; that can be supported with details; and that is a complete sentence which makes an assertion.

Thesis and Purpose The thesis reflects your purpose. It may be... expressive – relate personal experience exploratory – examine an issue explanatory – discuss a concept persuasive – argue a point

What are the parts of a good thesis? Subject Purpose Opinion The context of the Civil War makes Lincoln a greater president than Kennedy.

What are the parts of a good thesis? Subject Purpose Opinion A wider selection of meal options would enhance the dining experience at this university.

How do I organize my thoughts in a thesis? Think about subject, purpose, and opinion in light of the patterns of organization: Cause & Effect Comparison & Contrast Problem & Solution Classification & Division Process Illustration Description Narration

Where is the thesis found? In the first paragraph, often as the last sentence of the opening paragraph. At the end of the introduction, if the introduction has multiple paragraphs. At the start of the conclusion, if the topic of the paper is volatile or if a narrative organization is applied to the whole document. The thesis may be implied in some more advanced narratives.

How do I create a thesis fast? Focus on subject, purpose, and opinion. Use your Patterns of Organization. Do a freewrite! Write EVERYTHING you can think of, without stopping, until you have nothing left to say. Look at your conclusion. Your thesis will likely be the last sentence. This strategy works because we (all people) are natural storytellers, and the point of a story (in western narrative) comes at the end.

Can my thesis change as I write? Yes. This is because writing is a way of learning, and as you write, think, research, and explore, your beliefs and ideas may change. When this happens, it’s okay to change your thesis to suit your new ideas and beliefs.

References Aaron, J. E. (2004). The Little, Brown compact handbook (5th ed.). New York: Pearson Longman. Ruskiewicz, J., Hairston, M. & Seward, D. E. (2002). SF writer (2nd ed.). New York: Longman.

Information for Documentation & Citation Author: Robert T. Koch Jr. Title: Writing a Thesis Website: Merrimack College Writing Center Year: 2018 URL: https://www.merrimack.edu/academics/academic_support/academic_success_center/writing _center/resources/