Thesis Statements Chapter 3.

Slides:



Advertisements
Similar presentations
Writing an Amazing Thesis Statement
Advertisements

Writing an Amazing Thesis Statement Developmental Writing.
Essay Writing for History Classes
Putting It All Together (Part 2)
-What is a thesis statement?
is a fancy term for a one sentence summary that describes the main purpose or point of your paper. is a fancy term for a one sentence summary that describes.
Writing a thesis statement
THESIS STATEMENT What it is? What it isn’t?.
Essay Writing: Hamburger Helper Style
Writing Effective Topic/Thesis Sentence
English Skills, Chapter 18 by John Langan
The First and Second Steps in Essay writing STEP 1 Begin with a Point, or THESIS (THESIS STATEMENT)
Expository Writing.
Wendy’s Writing Workshop Created by Daniel Fox  Hey everyone! It’s Wendy here and I am here to help you out! I have been told that you all have a big.
A Road Map for Your Essay
Thesis Statements The Foundation of All Good Writing.
Karen Y & Enzo Silvestri Fayetteville Technical Community College
The Thesis Statement.
Thesis Statements What is a thesis statement? How do thesis statements work in your writing? How can you discover or refine one for your draft? This presentation.
P ARAGRAPHS TO C OMPOSITIONS Language Network Ch. 14.
Click here to get started. The Diagram When we write an essay the flow of information can be fit into a diagram that looks something like this: You will.
Writing Information 101 Paragraphs A paragraph is a group of sentences that presents a main idea and related details to a reader. A paragraph is a group.
Duane Theobald Something to Consider… Have you seen something like this before? Does it make sense?
© 2002 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Sentence Skills: A Workbook for Writers, Form A John Langan A Brief Guide to Effective Writing: Part One.
The Thesis Statement For Opinion Essays. First… what is not a thesis statement? A thesis is not a question. A thesis is not a question. A thesis is not.
Thesis Statements For Autobiographical Essays. Some good examples n Older siblings can help their younger brothers and/or sisters overcome shyness. n.
The Thesis Statement Writing and Reading Center Moreno Valley Campus Moreno Valley Campus.
Conclusions (in general… and for this essay). Purpose: The conclusion of an essay has a few purposes. In addition, there are several different kinds of.
© 2002 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. English Brushup, 3E John Langan An Introduction to Writing: Part One.
The Thesis Statement A Road Map for Your Essay ESSAY Introduction Thesis Statement Body Paragraph #1 Body Paragraph #2 Body Paragraph #3.
Pre-writing & 5 paragraph essays. Pre-writing Pre-writing is a way to organize your thoughts. Outline Bubble map Bullet point.
Writing a Thesis for a Literary Analysis Grade 11 English.
Thesis Statement Writing Workshop What is a thesis statement? 4 It is an arguable statement. 4 It is a complete sentence that expresses your position/opinion.
Writing an Essay. Essay Writing … it’s not as bad as you may think! This is your chance on the test to share your own voice and ideas! This is your chance.
THE ESSAY INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH ATTENTION GETTER THESIS STATEMENT PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT.
+ Body Paragraphs: Step by Step. + ESSAY MONSTER!!
Planning to Write  Pre-writing: We will use a pre-writing technique to generate ideas.  Plan, Part II: We will use sentence outlines to lay out essay.
- a clear direct statement of the main idea to be developed in the paper - usually occurs near the end of the introductory paragraph - indicates a Plan.
How to write a paper. Introduction The introduction is the broad beginning of the paper that answers three important questions: What is this? Why am I.
Thesis Statement-Examples
CHAPTER 1 Pg 3. Soup-can labels can be fascinating  How many of you would rather do ANYTHING (even reading soup can labels) rather than start working.
A thesis statement is a complete sentence that contains one main idea. This idea controls the content of the entire essay and takes a position that.
Three Part Essay Structure How to write a collegiate five- paragraph essay.
Writing An Organized Essay English 221 Mrs. Langevin.
Writing a Compare and Contrast Essay Writing a Compare and Contrast Essay.
Thesis Writing 1.What is a thesis statement? 2.What are the components of a good analytical thesis statement? 3. There are many types of thesis statements.
©2000 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. College Writing Skills, 5E/ CWSwR, 5E Chapter 3 The First and Second Steps in Essay Writing College Writing Skills,
It’s Time to Write a strong Thesis Statement! Packet #3 Working Thesis.
Introductions In an Argumentative Essay. What does a good introduction do?  Introduces the topic to the reader and gives some background – be specific.
The Thesis Statement Writing Workshop part I. What is a thesis? It is a single sentence in the introduction paragraph that sums up what the essay is about.
Thesis Statements. What is a Thesis Statement? A road map for the paper; in other words, it’s a sentence or two that tells the reader what to expect from.
1 About Topic Sentences 1.Finding good topics 2.Common errors Complied by Ms. Terri Yueh.
WHAT IS A THESIS STATEMENT. URGH…A THESIS How many times have you been asked to write a thesis statement and have had no clue how to do so? A thesis statement.
Thesis Statement Help! I need help with my most important sentence!
Thesis Statements in Academic Essays By Susanne Bentley.
Writing…. a thesis a topic sentence. What is a thesis tells the reader what your position on the topic you’ve taken is a road map for the paper; in other.
A GUIDE TO WRITING WITH READINGS Chapter 14 The Process of Writing an Essay.
Writing Thesis Statement
What is it really? And how do I make mine interesting? The Writing Center at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill And C. Coyne, Flagstaff High.
Writing a Five Paragraph Essay
1. Introductory 2. Body Paragraph 1 3. Body Paragraph 2 4. Body Paragraph 3 5. Conclusion.
Literature Reviews Are critical evaluations of material that has already been published. By organizing, integrating, and evaluating previously published.
Writing an Effective Thesis Statement
Chapter Three The First and Second Steps in Essay Writing
College Writing Skills with Readings, 9/e
PARTS OF AN ESSAY BILGI WRITING AND LEARNING CENTER.
Say what you mean, mean what you say!
The Elements of an Excellent Essay
Talking About Writing Notes
Presentation transcript:

Thesis Statements Chapter 3

Objectives Identify Strong and Weak Thesis Statements Support the thesis with specific evidence In this lesson we will identify strong and weak thesis statements and learn to support the thesis with specific evidence. Have you ever had an instructor write “where is your thesis?” on your paper? Hopefully, by the end of this slideshow, you will feel more comfortable about constructing a perfect thesis statement to guide your paper.

The First and Second steps in Essay Writing The first two steps: Begin with a point, or thesis Support the thesis with specific evidence Let’s remember from your reading what the first and second steps in essay writing are: First, begin with a point, or thesis and second, support the thesis with specific evidence. The thesis is the most important part of your paper. Think of the thesis as a backbone. Nothing can function the way that it is supposed to when the backbone is missing or broken. It is the foundation of your paper.

Begin with a Point, or Thesis Write your point in a single sentence While a thesis statement can be longer than one sentence, you might find it helpful to ask yourself, “What am I trying to say?” in one succinct sentence. First, let’s begin with a point, or thesis. Write your point in a single sentence. While a thesis statement can be longer than one sentence, remember that we are learning ways to master the basics before we go on to more complex models. It might be helpful for you to ask yourself, “What am I trying to say” and to answer that in one sentence. Don’t worry just yet if it is a polished statement.

Rules for Thesis Writing Rule 1: A thesis is not an announcement Rule 2: A thesis is more than a general statement (broad) Rule 3: A thesis is more than a specific detail (narrow) Rule 4: A thesis develops only one idea There are some rules of thesis writing. We will go over each of these in more detail as the slideshow goes on. Here are the rules: Rule 1: A thesis is not an announcement Rule 2: A thesis is more than a general statement (broad) Rule 3: A thesis is more than a specific detail (narrow) Rule 4: A thesis develops only one idea

The sentence above merely tells the subject of the paper. Announcements Ex.: I want to talk about the crime wave in our country. The sentence above merely tells the subject of the paper. A thesis statement must advance a point about a limited subject. Announcements. Here our example is “I want to talk about the crime wave in our country.” The sentence above merely tells the subject of the paper. A thesis statement must advance a point about a limited subject. A better thesis statement would assert some sort of judgment about the crime wave. For example, a better thesis statement would be, “The increase in crime in the last five years is due to the weakened economy.”

A Good Thesis JUST RIGHT A good thesis is neither too broad nor too narrow: too broad Crime is a major concern of everyone in our country. too narrow My parents had only one child. JUST RIGHT A honeymoon is perhaps the worst way to begin a marriage. A good thesis is neither too broad nor too narrow. Notice that “Crime is a major concern of everyone in our country” is too broad. Along with being a universal statement, as the thesis says “everyone”, crime is a very broad subject. There are all sorts of crimes, white collar, blue collar, theft, murder etc. On the other hand, “My parents had only one child” is too narrow. Can you imagine writing more than a few lines about this subject? There is not enough there to substantiate an interesting paper. “A honeymoon is perhaps the worst way to begin a marriage” is neither too broad nor too narrow, making it just right.

A Good Thesis When deciphering whether or not a thesis is too broad or too narrow, consider the breadth of the assignment and whether or not you have enough material for the required length, or perhaps too much material. When deciphering whether or not a thesis is too broad or too narrow, consider the breadth of the assignment and whether or not you have enough material for the required length, or perhaps too much material.

Too Many Ideas My parents helped me grow in important ways, although in other respects I was limited. In the statement above, the reader is asked to focus on two separate points, each of which more logically belongs in an essay of its own. Sometimes a thesis statement will try to cover too many ideas. “My parents helped me grow in important ways, although in other respects I was limited.” In this statement, the reader is asked to focus on two separate points, each of which more logically belongs in an essay of its own.

Supporting with Specific Evidence Write down a brief version of your thesis and then jot down the three points that will support it. Develop your supporting points with specific details. WHY? Because details excite the reader’s interest. details serve to explain a writer’s point. After you have written a thesis statement, it is very important to support it with specific evidence. Write down a brief version of your thesis and then jot down the three points that will support it. Develop your supporting points with specific details. WHY should we do this? Because details excite the reader’s interest. And details serve to explain a writer’s point

The Importance of Adequate Details Provide enough specific details to fully support the point in a body paragraph. In the organization of an essay, the thesis should flow through the: Introduction Body Conclusion If a paragraph doesn’t support the thesis, it shouldn’t be there! You should strive to place adequate details in your paper. Provide enough specific details to fully support the point in a body paragraph. In the organization of an essay, the thesis should flow through the: Introduction Body Conclusion If a paragraph doesn’t support the thesis, it shouldn’t be there!

Generating a Working Thesis A working thesis is a tentative statement made about your topic early in the writing process. Directs your thinking early This thesis is likely to change or to be abandoned altogether as you move through the writing process, so it is best not to become too attached to it. A working thesis is a tentative statement made about your topic early in the writing process. The benefit of developing a working thesis is that it directs your thinking early. This thesis is likely to change or to be abandoned altogether as you move through the writing process, so it is best not to become too attached to it.

Components of Thesis Statements There are three components of a thesis statement: Topic Attitude Controlling Idea A fourth, optional, component is a blueprint Now let’s talk about the basic components of a thesis statement. There are three components of a thesis statement: A Topic An Attitude And a Controlling Idea A fourth, optional, component is a blueprint

Topic The topic of the thesis statement is what you are going to be talking about. Ex.:“Media Violence is harmful to society.” In the above example, Media Violence is the topic. The topic of the thesis statement is what you are going to be talking about. Look at the example:“ Media Violence is harmful to society.” In the above example, Media Violence is the topic. A reader could correctly assume that the paper is going to be about media violence.

Attitude Ex.:“Media Violence is harmful to society.” The attitude is the one or two words in the thesis that reflect judgment on the controlling idea: Ex.:“Media Violence is harmful to society.” Here, “is” is the attitude Other attitude words: Should/should not Will/will not Can/cannot The attitude is the one or two words in the thesis that reflect judgment on the controlling idea: In our example: “Media Violence is harmful to society.” “is” is the attitude. Other attitude words include: Should/should not Will/will not Can/cannot

Controlling Idea The controlling idea (CI) is the main idea that controls the topic within your paper. In our example, “harmful to society.” is the controlling idea. The controlling idea (or CI) is the main idea that controls the topic within your paper. In our example, “harmful to society.” is the controlling idea. We can assume that the paper is going to be about media violence and how it is harmful to society.

Blueprint You can also choose to add a blueprint or essay map to your thesis statements. The blueprint includes the main topics of your body paragraphs within your paper. You can also choose to add a blueprint or essay map to your thesis statements. The blueprint includes the main topics of your body paragraphs within your paper.

Identifying strong and weak thesis statements Media Violence is harmful to society. What is meant by Media? What is meant by violence? What is harmful? What society is the writer referring to? Video games, such as first-person shooters, are psychologically harmful to children and teens under eighteen because they increase social isolation, cause confusion between fantasy and reality, and increase aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is important for you to distinguish between strong and weak thesis statements. On the left, we see the weak thesis statement. Media violence is harmful to society. Why is it weak? Well, What is meant by Media? What is meant by violence? What is harmful? What society is the writer referring to? On the right, I have written a stronger thesis statement that is not an announcement, only advances one idea, is neither too broad nor too narrow and provides the reader with a blueprint. Weak Thesis Statement Strong Thesis Statement

Identifying strong and weak thesis statements Topic CI Video games, including first-person shooters, are psychologically harmful to children and teens under eighteen because they increase social isolation, cause confusion between fantasy and reality, and increase aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. attitude Here is a breakdown of the strong thesis statement. Video games, including first-person shooters, are psychologically harmful to children and teens under eighteen because they increase social isolation, cause confusion between fantasy and reality, and increase aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Video games is the topic Are is the attitude psychologically harmful to children and teens under eighteen is the controlling idea and because they increase social isolation, cause confusion between fantasy and reality, and increase aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors is the blueprint. Do you feel better about thesis statements? Don’t worry, we’ll get more practice with our next assignment. Blueprint