THESIS

A thesis statement basically sums up in one sentence what your entire paper is going to be about. To break it down a thesis should: explain to the reader your position on the topic at hand guide the reader as to the direction your paper will be taking answer the prompt/question in detail

When should a thesis be present? * Analytical Papers– presents an examination of an issue/problem or presents an opinion based on fact * Argumentative Papers – makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence * Expository Papers – (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience

BEFORE WRITING YOUR THESIS If you are doing this as a homework assignment, then you will want to research the topic as much as you can to formulate an opinion. You will want to come up with one to three solid points to cover in your paper. These points may help make up your thesis.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A STRONG THESIS? First and foremost, does your thesis address the prompt/question? If not, start over! After writing the paper, ask yourself: “Do the main points in my paper support my thesis?” You want your paper to be clear in the direction you’re taking – like a road map. Does the thesis give enough depth to sum up your entire paper?

EXAMPLE Good or bad thesis? Why? Suppose you’re asked to write a paper on whether or not you believe Lee Harvey Oswald killed John F. Kennedy. Your response is: ”Based on the abundance of evidence on this subject, I don’t think Lee Harvey Oswald killed JFK.” Good or bad thesis? Why?

Bad Basically all this thesis did was restate the question with no real supporting information as to what that evidence is that leads you to your beliefs about Oswald. It is very important the reader know exactly where you are headed. You have to be clear on why you think Oswald did not kill Kennedy.

Now, as you are researching this topic, let’s break down how you might approach this paper and come up with a strong thesis: Belief About Topic: No, I do not believe Lee Harvey Oswald killed JFK

Info to support my belief: After you’ve found all of your research, you will want to break your findings down into three categories. Ex: I do not believe Lee Harvey Oswald killed JFK because: The single bullet theory does not make sense – the belief that one bullet caused seven wounds in two men despite its timing, flight path, point of entry and exit, and resulting condition Kennedy was pushing for desegregation in schools and life, which came during the turbulent Civil Rights era…this made many people uncomfortable and they wanted him out Kennedy was dealing with pending problems with Fidel Castro and the Bay of Pigs issue

Now, in looking at my points, I see that I have more than I can cover in a shorter essay, so I need to down size my points to something more manageable

Now I will go back and do more research just on that area How would I do that? Break down your information and see what you have to really work with in a manageable way  My first point on the magic bullet theory is enough to write a paper on  Now I will go back and do more research just on that area

Now I must create my thesis Now I must create my thesis. For this paper I want you using a list thesis. This is where you will list the major points you will be covering in your paper within your thesis

EXAMPLE The belief that one bullet caused seven wounds in two men despite its timing, flight path, points of entry and exit, and resulting condition is not only absurd, but impossible, which is proof that Lee Harvey Oswald could not have killed JFK that fateful November 22, 1963.

SAME EXAMMPLE REWORDED Lee Harvey Oswald was falsely accused of killing JFK based on the faulty single bullet theory which claims one bullet caused seven wounds in two men despite its timing, flight path, points of entry and exit, and resulting condition.

Once the thesis has been established, then the rest of the paper falls into place. Be sure that if you use a thesis like the one above (which is called a “list” thesis), then you must have your paragraphs follow the information in the same order as you listed them in your thesis.   2nd paragraph – this paragraph would be dealing with the timing of the bullet 3rd paragraph – this paragraph would be dealing with the points of entry and exit 4th paragraph – this paragraph would be dealing with the resulting condition 5th paragraph – conclusion

What Not To Do In A Thesis!!: Don’t’ state “I think”, “In my opinion”, “I will prove that…”, etc. Don’t’ go more than one sentence Don’t use vague/dull words Don’t state it as a question Don’t quote someone else in your thesis

What To Do In A Thesis!!: Do answer the prompt/question at hand Do write it in one sentence Do take this time to use your colons and semicolons Do put your thesis at the end of your first paragraph Do give enough information to guide your audience Do take a stance

ABORTION IS NOT AN OPTION TO WRITE ABOUT HERE’S WHY: Write down your best reason why abortion should/should not be legal

NOW LET’S PRACTICE PLAYING 2 CORNERS Homeroom is a necessary class and should be kept. Agree or disagree? Write your thesis

The chicken came before the egg.

Girls should be allowed to play on men’s sports teams Girls should be allowed to play on men’s sports teams. Agree or disagree? Write your thesis

All restrooms should be gender neutral

In a school setting, students and teachers should have the right to know who has the aids virus. Agree or disagree? Write your thesis

College should be free with certain stipulations.

Homework is necessary and should be required at the high school level.

All athletes should be required to stand for the National Anthem

HOMEWORK Read pages 480-487 and take notes