What’s in a Thesis? Thesis Statements: The root to organization and the route to graduation!

Thesis Statement Definition A statement of the purpose, the intent, or the main idea A specific stance or interpretation of the subject itself An argument or a controlling idea Oshould Others should dispute your stance.

Five Quick Tests 1. Does the thesis inspire a reasonable reader to ask, "How?" or Why?" 2. Would a reasonable reader NOT respond with "Duh!" or "So what?" or "Gee, no kidding!" or "Who cares?" 3. Does the thesis avoid general phrasing and/or sweeping words such as "all" or "none" or "every"? 4. Does the thesis lead the reader toward the topic sentences (the subtopics needed to prove the thesis)? 5. Can the thesis be adequately developed in the required length of the paper or project?

Thesis Statement Common Practices Include a “because” statement Include a “because” statement Include your three+ main points Include your three+ main points Include an overview of your argument Include an overview of your argument Take a stance or make a claim on an issue (in the media in this case) Take a stance or make a claim on an issue (in the media in this case) Remember that you are trying to persuade the reader to agree with you.

Types of Thesis Statements Umbrella statement: captures the big idea or the position you are taking for the paper Umbrella statement: captures the big idea or the position you are taking for the paper Video games have a negative impact on young children, because they heighten the potential for aggressive behavior. Video games have a negative impact on young children, because they heighten the potential for aggressive behavior. Pointed statement: states the position/stance and the three+ main points Pointed statement: states the position/stance and the three+ main points Video games have a negative impact on children, because they cause them to be more aggressive, more anxious, and less focused. Video games have a negative impact on children, because they cause them to be more aggressive, more anxious, and less focused.

Simple Thesis Formulas ___________ has had a negative/positive impact on society (You can fill in other demographics for society) because of __________, ____________, and _______________. ___________ has had a negative/positive impact on society (You can fill in other demographics for society) because of __________, ____________, and _______________. ___________ has been influential in our society because of ______, _____, and ____. ___________ has been influential in our society because of ______, _____, and ____. ________ will continue to have an influence on society because of _____, _____, and ______. ________ will continue to have an influence on society because of _____, _____, and ______.

Thesis Quiz Which is the better thesis and why? A) Guns are dumb and should be banned. B) Guns should be banned.

A) I am going to discuss why internet use at school should be banned. B) The internet causes problems at school and should be banned.

A) We should all use computers in the classroom. B) Computers should be used in the classroom, because they enhance learning.

A) Violence in video games might increase aggression in young children. B) Violence in video games increases the chances for aggression in young children.

Advanced Thesis See all that follow! See all that follow!

Sample Thesis Statements The rating system for video games needs to be reconfigured because too many kids are playing inappropriate games for their age. The rating system for video games needs to be reconfigured because too many kids are playing inappropriate games for their age.

Persuasive: (Totally acceptable, but not necessarily highly controversial) Barbara Walters broke the barriers of a male dominated media business because she effectively _______, ________, and _______. (Put what she did to break the barriers in the three blanks)

Simple Thesis: The media has had a negative effect on women’s perception of beauty because it ____, ____, and ____. Advanced Thesis: The media has generated a dangerous streamlined portrayal of beauty, because women are brainwashed to believe that beauty only fits one clear mold.

Thesis that is not persuasive: Thesis that is not persuasive: Oprah is highly influential, because she has a television show, a magazine, and charitable organizations. Oprah is highly influential, because she has a television show, a magazine, and charitable organizations. Thesis that is persuasive and controversial: Thesis that is persuasive and controversial: Although Oprah’s charitable giving is admirable and extensive in comparison to other celebrities, she is often criticized fairly because of the methods that she uses in her giving. (Describe the methods for your main points as well as the reasoning for a critical public.) Although Oprah’s charitable giving is admirable and extensive in comparison to other celebrities, she is often criticized fairly because of the methods that she uses in her giving. (Describe the methods for your main points as well as the reasoning for a critical public.)