1. Thesis statements

2. Why do we fret over thesis statements?
Rhetorically, thesis statements are important because they clarify for the reader the controlling idea of the paper. Without a clear thesis, the reader may lose patience because he/she doesn’t see the point.
For the writer, a thesis serves as an anchor. Although the thesis may change throughout the writing process, without a thesis at all, it’s too easy to get off track and off topic.

3. Common thesis Errors
The thesis is too vague or broad, leading to an unwieldy paper.
The thesis is too narrow or factual and cannot be developed into a full paper.
Students write purpose statements (“In this paper, I will . . .”) instead of claims.
Students neglect to take a stance on an issue; they write observations, which are not debatable, instead of claims, which are debatable.

4. Strategies for helping students develop strong theses
Provide multiple models of thesis statements in the rhetorical style required by the assignment. When possible, present thesis statements in the context of complete texts.
For argument papers, use role playing so that students can practice taking a stance on an issue and arguing their points.
Help students frame questions that lead to an appropriate thesis statement.

5. Refining the Thesis Statement Using the 5 Ws and an H
Draft thesis: Many people think that sewing is not an art form, but I do
WHICH? Which kind of sewing? Use clustering to consider options.
sewing
embroidery
quilting
sewing in a hair weave
making clothes

6. Refining the Thesis Statement Using the 5 Ws and an H
WHEN?
People nowadays may be more prone to see the artistry of quilts, especially quilts that are designed today, but twentieth-century quilts that were made from scraps were probably seen as utilitarian, not artistic.
WHERE?
I’m only talking about in the U.S., and largely in the South.
HOW? How do I know?
I read “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker in which one daughter comes in to her mother’s home to collect the “primitive” quilts that her mother and sister had sewn. The idea is that the quilts are now seen as a traditional art form, but they weren’t seen this way before.

7. Refining the Thesis Statement Using the 5 Ws and an H
WHAT? What is meant by “art form”?
Anything that has artistic components such as aesthetic judgment (attention to color, pattern, design, technique).
WHY? Why would quilting not be considered an art form?
I’m drawing an analogy between quilts and other kinds of “low” art such as graffiti and murals; because they’re produced by the lower class, they have less value. Additionally, they were typically made by women for the home, and both women and the home have been traditionally undervalued.
WHY? Why should quilting be considered an art form?
Because it matches my definition of an art form above. But a quilt doesn’t have to be fancy. I think the quilts my grandma made from my grandpa’s work clothes and my mom and aunt’s playclothes are beautiful works of art. The fact that women were able to take whatever resources were available to them and still create items of beauty leads me to label quilting as an art form. Ironically, museums now display these old quilts.

8. Refining the Thesis Statement Using the 5 Ws and an H
Revised Thesis with thesis map:
Like painting, quilting involves aesthetic judgment, requires artistic skill, and generates an emotional response.
Revised Thesis without thesis map:
Quilting’s association with poor women in the South has led some to undervalue the artistic talent required to produce a quilt.