Constructing Support Position Statement Reasons Facts Argumentation

Thesis Checklist Does it TAKE A STAND? Can it be backed up by EVIDENCE? Does it express ONE MAIN IDEA? Does it tell the viewer why the topic is HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT Is it ARGUABLE? Is there something you’re trying to PROVE? Is it written as a 102 sentence STATEMENT, not a topic or question? Is it SPECIFIC?

Thesis Statement: What am I trying to prove Thesis Statement: What am I trying to prove? Be sure to write your answer as a complete sentence (or two) not a question or a phrase. CONTEXT CONTEXT CONTEXT Claim #1 Claim #2 Claim #3 Evidence that Supports Claim #1 1. 2. 3. Evidence that Supports Claim #2 Evidence that Supports Claim #3 What kind(s) of evidence are you using? Primary Source Secondary Source My own Interpretation What type(s)? (photo, map, quote, etc.) How does your evidence connect to your thesis?

Questions to Ask when Formulating your Thesis Statement Where is your thesis statement\ Should be early in the essay, introduction (or second paragraph in longer essays) Is your thesis statement specific? Should be clear and refined and specific Is your thesis statement too general? Should be limited to what you can accomplish in the specified number of pages Is your thesis statement clear? Needs to be clear in order to help your ready understand your argument directly. Does your thesis include a comment about your position on the issue at hand? Should do more than announce the topic; must also reveal what position you will take in relation to the topic, how you plan to analyze/evaluate the subject or the issue. Is your thesis statement original? Avoid generic arguments and formula statements Be prepared to answer “so what?” about your thesis Be prepared to explain why the point your are making is worthy of a paper…why should it be considered and read? FOR MORE INFO ON THESE TIPS: http://www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/

Write a Thesis in 4 easy steps Step 1 Ask a Question: Step 2 Create a declaration: Step 3  List 3 reasons why that is your declaration Step 4  Combine and Write your Thesis Write a Thesis in 4 easy steps