Thesis Statements, Paragraphs, etc. What Are They? How can I write them?

Thesis Statements According to Lundsford et. al., and thesis statement is a “a statement that identifies your topic [subject] and the point you want to make about that topic [subject]” (27). In other words, it is your opinion about the subject. For example, “Mad Max was a great movie because a, b, and c.”

Claims vs. Thesis A thesis is comprised of claims. According to Lunsford et. al., a claim is “[a] statement that asserts a belief or position. In an argument, a claim needs to be stated in a thesis, or clearly implied, and requires support by reasons and evidence” (698).

So… Let’s look at our example: “Mad Max was a great movie because a, b, and c.” ◦We can see that this thesis statement is actually made up of three smaller arguments. ◦That is, we need to prove the claims “a, b, and c” before you audience can accept that Mad Max was a good movie (our thesis). ◦To prove those claims, we need good reasons/evidence.

Claims and Paragraphs Claims are the focus of paragraphs. Each paragraph focuses on proving a claim. Let’s make our example more specific: “Mad Max was a great movie because of the soundtrack [invention], cinematography [style], and plot [arrangement].” Next we need to write paragraphs that prove those claims.

Paragraph Effective paragraphs (in Western cultures/academic settings) have three parts: ◦1) Clear claims (What are you trying to prove in the paragraph?) ◦2) Good evidence/reasons (What can you invent to prove your claim?) ◦3) Clear connection back to thesis (How do #1 and #2 advance your thesis?)

Example Paragraph The cinematography of Mad Max was engaging, and help to create an post-apacolyptic atmosphere. To be clear, the way that the movie was shot/filmed made it a pleasure to watch. For example, throughout the film, the colors of the film, which were predominantly browns, reds, and yellows, successfully conveyed a sense of the world destroyed by human activity. Consequently, the audience was made to feel as if it were transported and placed into the same bleak world as the characters. Undoubtedly, without such smart cinematography and attention to colors, the movie would not have been nearly as successful.

Breakdown… Claim: The cinematography of Mad Max was engaging, and help to create an post-apocolyptic atmosphere. To be clear, the way that the movie was shot/filmed made it a pleasure to watch. Evidence: For example, throughout the film, the colors of the film, which were predominantly browns, reds, and yellows, successfully conveyed a sense of the world destroyed by human activity. Consequently, the audience was made to feel as if it were transported and placed into the same bleak world as the characters. Connection to Thesis: Undoubtedly, without such smart cinematography and attention to colors, the movie would not have been nearly as successful.

In Conclusion… Within Western contexts, paragraphs should have a clear sense of purpose, great evidence, and clearly advance the argument. This is done through claims, evidence, and connections to the thesis.

Introductions What Moves Should I Make?

Three Moves Effective Introductions Do Three Things: ◦1) Provide the subject. ◦2) Make the subject relevant. ◦3) Provide the thesis.

Example Introduction Let’s imagine we are writing for new college students about climate change. ◦“Climate change has become a divisive topic within political discourse. Most of the opinions, however, neglect the opinions of the individuals who will solve the climate change problem. Thus, solving the climate change problem relies on bringing college students into the conversation so that they can use their education and research to saving the world.”

Introduction Analysis In the previous example, you’ll notice that I made each of the three moves. ◦1) Gave the subject. ◦2) Made it relevant to college students (the audience). ◦3) And provided my thesis (opinion on the subject).

Conclusions What Moves Should I Make?

Two Moves Effective conclusions, as many of us know, summarize the essay. ◦However, I want to be clear. You should summarize your thesis. That is, remind the audience about what they just wrote. It is important to understand, though, that effective summaries don’t simply summarize. You must also tell your audience why your thesis is important to them! This is where you can ensure that you *revise* their actions, knowledge, or perspective!!!

Example Conclusion “College students are tomorrow’s problem- solvers. Indeed, the best college students are not those who passively consume the knowledge of others, but are those who become adept at finding and creating answers to the problems we face today, we well as those we’ll face tomorrow. Thus, maybe us college students should start engaging those in power because we hold the key to ensuring the Earth is around long enough for them enjoy their retirements, and for us to enjoy our lives after college.”

Conclusion Analysis You’ll notice in the previous example that I made each of the two moves. ◦1) Summarize the thesis. ◦2) Tell your audience why the thesis is important to them. Revise their knowledge, perspectives, actions!

Happy Writing!! Thesis Statements, Paragraphs, Introductions, and Conclusions