The Thesis Statement Writing Workshop part I

What is a thesis? It is a single sentence in the introduction paragraph that sums up what the essay is about. Every essay should have a thesis statement that functions like a road sign, telling the reader where the essay tends to go.

Three practical aims It tells in a single sentence what your essay is about It helps you organize your essay It reflects your feelings on the topic

In other words, A specific topic + a particular stand, feeling or feature = an effective thesis statement

Take a stand A thesis is an assertion, not a statement of fact or an observation Fact: Iago manipulates many people Thesis: Iago manipulates many people merely for spite, revenge, and power gain.

Thesis defined even more A thesis takes a stand rather than announcing a subject. A thesis is the main idea, not the title. A thesis is specific rather than vague or general A thesis has one main point rather than several main points.

The most common faults Too narrow Too broad Uncommitted Unclear

Too narrow Your thesis should have at least one or two key words in it. If it doesn’t, then it is probably too narrow Key words are words that add a discussable edge to the thesis statement. The point is, your thesis must not be too narrow or it will leave you fumbling for something to say

Too broad A thesis is too broad if it commits you to a topic too big to cover in a brief essay The solution to a too-broad thesis is to break it down to a more manageable size. Keep it to one main point rather then several main points

Uncommitted A thesis is uncommitted if it does not plainly state the writer’s opinion on the subject, but instead tries to wriggle out of taking a stand. Bad ex.: Isn’t it strange that only men are supposed to face the enemy with a gun in foreign countries while women keep complaining that they want equal rights. Good ex.: It is unfair for women to insist on equal rights, but not have to bear arms the way men have to in war.

Unclear The unclear thesis is one that is badly written. It may be wordy, fuzzy, and pompous. Bad ex.: In my opinion, which may not be agreed upon by everyone in society, the reason the US is a great leader in the political world is that everyone is treated equal as to the chances of men and women. Good ex.: One of the reasons the US is considered a great land of opportunity is that men and women have an equal chance to succeed.

Thesis Checklist ___ identifies a limited, specific topic ___ focuses on a particular feature or feeling about the topic ___ is stated in a clear sentence ___ can be supported with convincing facts and details ___ meets the requirements of the assignment