Thesis Statement

is a road map for your paper assertion statement declares your position sets up the way the paper will be organizes one sentence long clear, concise statement of your position shouldn’t be too broad or too narrow must be obvious to the reader

A thesis statement should do one of seek the truth argue the point purpose solutions deepen insight clarifying a theory challenge conventional wisdom

A Thesis is only the Beginning

TRIQAP Thank you to The Greenville County School District, who allowed Mrs. Overcash to adapt their original power point, and to Mrs. Overcash and Karl Rosin for allowing me to further adapt it.

T = Topic Sentence (Reason) R = Restrictive (Specifically, …) I = Illustration (For example, …_ Q = “Quote” A = Analysis (Explanation of how I and Q prove T. So what?) P = Point (Point sentence)

A TRIQAP is a PARAGRAPH. Each letter = a sentence within that paragraph. Please Remember…

The first sentence of every paragraph should state the topic of that paragraph; in this case, that is your reason. T : Topic Sentence

Example Scientific testing on animals is wrong because _____________. Scientific testing on animals is wrong because it is unnecessarily cruel.

R : Restrictive Sentence You should restrict your topic sentence. In other words, make your topic sentence more specific. (Zoom)

Example Specifically, _____________. Specifically, the brutality of the testing can inflict extreme pain upon the animal.

I : Illustration/ Example I : Illustration/ Example The next sentence should be an example that supports your topic sentence or reason. The second sentence usually begins with: for example,… or for instance,… or to illustrate…

Example For example, rabbits are often blinded when shampoo manufacturers test to see if the shampoo is too acidic.

Q Quote Following the illustration, is a quote from a secondary source that proves your example is relevant and true. You must use the appropriate punctuation: According to one expert, “ …” (author page). You do not have to include the whole quote; you can isolate part of it. All quotes should be cited properly.

A Analysis These sentences should explain how your example (“I”) and quote (“Q”) prove your reason. Ask yourself, so what after the “I” and “Q”. The answer to that question is your analysis.

Example Clearly, __________________. Clearly, if the subject is permanently maimed during the experiment, excessive suffering is involved. Therefore, it is necessary for the testing labs to find more humane solutions.

P Point Sentence The final sentence of the paragraph should sum up your point. The final sentence should essentially repeat your first sentence.

Example Humans should not promote inhumane actions like animal testing.

Put it together… Scientific testing on animals is wrong because it is unnecessarily cruel. Specifically, the brutality of the testing can inflict extreme pain upon the animal. For example, rabbits are often blinded when shampoo manufacturers test to see if the shampoo is too acidic (Smith 45). Clearly, if the subject is permanently maimed during the experiment, excessive suffering is involved. Therefore, it is necessary for the testing labs to find more humane solutions. Humans should not promote inhumane actions like animal testing.