Thesis development How, why, what’s important

Overview It’s not easy because you’re trying to come up with something new Be patient with not knowing, & not quite nailing it the first time. That’s because you’re pushing outside your comfort zone and what you already know. The basic question: What’s at stake here? What matters to me and most people about this topic? What could people disagree about? Could be an interpretation of a book, not always moral or political questions

A couple tricks of the trade Example: Your dumb topic is McDonalds’ food. Your 3 part thesis: “McDonalds food is cheap, greasy and fattening.” Have you said why it matters? Arguable? What will we learn? When you have a statement that’s not quite arguable, or is simply boring, try these quick fixes: Rank which your topics is more important Add a “Because” statement Rank which of these is most important: “McDonald’s food is cheap and fattening, but the high fat content is the most unhealthy part about it.” Now you have something to prove and explain—a high fat diet is worse than just high calorie. Use a Because statement to improve it “McDonald’s food is greasy and fattening, but because it is so cheap, poor people are lured into making poor health choices.”

Try that with our topic Two good thesis statements: Thesis 1: “Paul Farmer dedicates his life to helping the poor, so obviously his life has an important purpose. But the most important lesson from his life is the way he has avoided burnout and martyrdom through supportive and warm relationships with patients and co-workers.” Thesis 2: “Dr. Paul Farmer proves that the happiness in one’s work comes not from money but from the enjoyment of what one does in his or her employment, because without enjoyment even the most important work can become dry or burdensome.” With a partner: Rank which is most important Say why that’s important A weak 3 part thesis: “Paul Farmer dedicates his life to service, justice and health.”