How to Write a Thesis Statement for HWKWWK

What is a thesis? "A proposition laid down, or stated, especially as a theme to be discussed and proved, or to be maintained against attack; a statement, assertion, tenant.“ OED

What does a Thesis Statement Do? Tells the reader how you interpret the event Provides a road map of where you are going in the paper Can be disputed May change as you write the paper

A thesis has 2 parts During the Fukashima nuclear disaster, the Japanese government kept the extent of the radiation leak secret. Topic Comment

Topic and Comment The topic is a given; no one disputes it. The comment can be argued from one side or the other. The comment can be disputed.

How do I know if my thesis is good?

A good thesis is: Interesting Specific Manageable

Good thesis, or bad thesis? Some people believe the media does a poor job of covering elections

Some people believe the media does a poor job of covering elections. Not Interesting Nothing to dispute Bland assertion that no one will disagree with Not Specific What's a "poor job"? Which media? United States? TV, radio, newspapers, twitter? Which elections? State, local, national, international? All elections ever? Some people? Who are they? How many? Why do they matter? Not Manageable How are you going to research all elections? This isn't a paper, it's a library

Remember, for this class The thesis for your final essay is not about the event you select. Your thesis is about HOW WE KNOW WHAT WE KNOW about that event.