Writing an Essay: Thesis Statements

Make sure you have a copy of the worksheet: Part 1 – Writing a Thesis Worksheet Print this from the library website, if you have not done so already. Fill in the worksheet as you view this presentation. CLICK FOR NEXT SLIDE

Research the topic Use internet, databases, library Take notes Begin with… RESEARCH BRAINSTORMING Ask questions Write reasons Look for evidence Make connections

Then… Thesis Statement What is a thesis? An arguable, supportable and original statement about your topic. It expresses the point and purpose of your essay. MAIN IDEA ROAD MAP FOCAL POINT CLICK FOR NEXT SLIDE

Where does the thesis belong? At the end of the introductory paragraph. At the start of the final concluding paragraph. CLICK FOR NEXT SLIDE

3 Things to Remember #1 - MAKE IT ARGUABLE Could someone argue the opposite? Is it just a fact? Eg. “Computers are becoming an efficient means for managing and transmitting information in large businesses.” Eg. “Heavy use of computers may disrupt family cohesion and increase divorce in society.” NOT ARGUABLE ARGUABLE CLICK FOR NEXT SLIDE

3 Things to Remember #2 - BE SPECIFIC Include detail, be precise Give the ‘why’ behind your reasoning Eg. “We should not pass the microchip bill.” Eg. “Because the microchip insert causes serious health hazards such as cancer and brain tumors to those who use it, the microchip bill should not be passed.” TOO VAGUE SPECIFIC CLICK FOR NEXT SLIDE

3 Things to Remember #3 - AVOID LISTS Narrow your focus Give more attention to fewer ideas Long lists don’t allow you to fully explore an idea Eg. “The microchip bill biologically damages the health of children, invades the privacy of independent teenagers, increases crime, turns children against their parents, induces a sense of robotry about the individual, and may result in the possible takeover of the government.” LONG LIST NARROWE R FOCUS Eg. “By surgically inserting circuitry similar to cell phone devices that has been known to cause headaches and fatigue, the microchip biologically endangers the health of children.” CLICK FOR NEXT SLIDE

A format to follow: Although… Actually… Hey, you thought x? Well, you’re wrong. Really it’s y! Although Katniss Everdeen does not seem to fit the description of an archetypal hero, actually she is a very courageous and heroic character. Although many people believe that extraterrestrials and crop circles are a figment of the imagination, in fact there is strong evidence suggesting that alien encounters are real. Although the North and South both fought the Civil War over the issue of slavery, ^ the North fought for moral reasons while the South fought to preserve its own institutions. CLICK FOR NEXT SLIDE

You have now completed Part 1. Close this presentation and begin Part 2.