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 Is Interesting to you

A thesis Statement has 3 parts 1. Topic: What is it about? 2. Position: What argument are you making? 3. Main Points: What are the main points you will prove?

Topic, Position, Main Points The topic is a given; no one disputes it. The comment can be argued from one side or the other. The main points are what you prove with reason and evidence.

What are the 3 parts of this thesis? During the Fukashima nuclear disaster, the Japanese government kept secret the extent of the radiation leak and potential harm to workers. 1. Topic: What is it about? 2. Position: What argument are you making? 3. Main Points: What are the main points you will prove?

During the Fukashima nuclear disaster, the Japanese government kept secret the extent of the radiation leak and potential harm to workers.    Topic  Position  Main Points

Fukashima nuclear disaster During the Fukashima nuclear disaster, the Japanese government kept secret the extent of the radiation leak and potential harm to workers.    Topic  Position  Main Points  Fukashima nuclear disaster  Japanese government kept things secret Extent of the radiation leak kept secret Potential harm to workers kept secret

How do I know if my thesis is good?

A good thesis is: Debatable 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 Debatable: Uncontestable Nothing to dispute Bland assertion that no one will disagree with Not Specific: Overly Broad 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.