Ch 5 & 6

A thesis is an assertion (statement, claim) that academic writers make at the beginning of what they write and then support with evidence throughout their essay. This is the main idea of the writing.

P 106-7 Characteristics of an ACADEMIC thesis

For complex, longer essays, “It is a myth that writers first come up with a thesis and then write their essays.” Writers use questions and multiple sources to read, learn, and develop a thesis. This is not a simple process.

P 108 “Correcting misinterpretations” Many people think/believe; however… It has been said…, but…

P 109 Filling the Gap or Modifying What Others have said People don’t understand that… (this will be a claim of value; these ideas that I give are important to understanding the issue, and others have forgotten or misunderstood or left something out.)

P 109 Hypothesis-testing This may involve research, either experiments or surveys that have not been done before. Or it may involve examining and analyzing competing hypotheses and coming to your own conclusion.

Establish a context for your thesis: Show that the issue is current and relevant. Briefly summarize what others have said. Explain what you see as the problem. State your thesis. p 112-3

P 124—introduction to analyzing student test on Texting and Literacy Read 124--128

Sources are easy to find, but are they GOOD? Think about how to evaluate this. P 131-2: Types of academic sources

Consult experts: Your writing instructor Librarians Instructors in other courses Publications

Types of sources Primary vs. secondary (p 133) Popular vs. scholarly (p 134) Table 6.2 p 135

P 135—138 Evaluating internet sources author organization that supports the site purpose of site examine the claims

Topics for your longer paper from our readings and discussions: