Thesis Statements and Supports Write at the Beginning Thesis Statements and Supports

Thesis Statement This is the topic of the essay. Everything in the essay should tie back to the thesis. There are two parts. Topic Author’s attitude/opinion/idea/point Underline the topic once and the attitude/opinion/idea/point twice. Celebrities are often poor role models.

Plan of development The major points that will be discussed They are listed in the order that they will appear in the essay. The thesis statement may include the plan of development.

Examples/Supports Specific Adequate Explanation What in the novel/world/etc. shows the reader that your point is true? Details Reasons Examples Facts Quotations Adequate There needs to be enough support. Explanation Don’t assume your reader will understand the connection between your support and your topic sentence/thesis.

Writing with Sources Do not just present a report of what the source(s) said. You must analyze, evaluate, and synthesize the information that you are using. Quotations MUST be purposeful. Support your thesis Support your points with statements from noted authorities Offer memorable wording of key terms/ideas Extend your ideas with new information Articulate opposing positions

Incorporating Quotations You MUST use a lead-in to help integrate the quotation. Lead-ins should vary throughout your essay. You MUST cite all quotations with the author’s name and page number (if available). You MUST explain how/why the quotation is being used. Do not say, “This quotation proves…” or any variation thereof.