How to Have an Idea and Thesis Construction

“Rules” for a Thesis: A thesis is never a question. A thesis should not be a list. The thesis must advance an argument. A thesis should never be vague, combative or confrontational. Avoid being seen as moralistic and judgmental. An effective thesis has a definable, arguable claim. Say to yourself, “Perhaps what the author says is true, but I am not convinced. I want to read further to see how the author argues this claim.” A thesis should be as clear and specific as possible. Avoid overused, general terms, and abstractions.

An Effective Thesis Cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” Is not a topic; Is not a fact; Is an opinion.

An Effective Thesis: Has two parts. Should declare what will be argued. Should “telegraph” how you plan to argue. Could declare the particular support to be used to uphold the claim.

How to Have an Idea: Places to look for an interesting thesis *Changes Something starts out one way, but changes as the story progresses. (At first, Mrs. Mallard’s primary emotion about her husband’s death seems to be sadness, but as she realizes how his death provides freedom, her new feelings show how oppressive and unequal marriage can be.) *Contradictions 2 things that are true at the same time, but seem to contradict each other. (While Mrs. Mallard recognizes that her marriage was not unkind or unloving, her husband’s death reveals the importance of individual freedom within a relationship.) *Surprises Although X should be true, actually, instead, Y is true. (Although Mrs. Mallard should be distraught over her husband’s death, instead, she sees a world of opportunities that never existed before, revealing how a person can lose themselves within the confines of married life.) *Secrets Things that are different than they may seem on the surface. Although it seems at first like X is true, if you look at it more closely, you find that really, Y is true. (On the surface, the Mallards’ marriage seemed happy; however, upon Mr. Mallard’s death, Mrs. Mallard discovers true happiness in her newfound freedom and the opportunities it provides, realizing how limiting subjecting to a partner’s authority can be.)

Thesis Statement Websites UNC Indiana University Purdue ***If these links don’t work, just Google “writing a good thesis statement” and you will find these sites. ***You must be in View Show mode to get to the links