1. Thesis Statements

2. Definition:
A thesis statement is a sentence that expresses the main ideas of your paper.
It may answer the question posed by your paper (if applicable).

3. It should include these two parts:
Your topic
The analysis or explanation that you are making about the topic.
Depends on what type of writing
Narratives (description) – not as impt but still want something to guide your reader
Analytical –definitely need one
Persuasive writing – must have the argument and which side you come down on.

4. A Thesis Statement IS A…
Very specific statement
It should cover only what
you want to talk about and what can be supported by evidence or textual support.

5. Where does it go?
Put your thesis statement as the last sentence of your first paragraph.

6. Three types of writing where thesis statements are necessary:
Expository
Analytical
Argumentative

7. You are doing an Analytical thesis statement
breaking down an issue or an
idea into parts
Evaluating the issue or idea
Presenting this breakdown
and evaluation to an
audience (your teacher).

8. Analytical thesis statements explain:
what you are analyzing,
the parts you are analyzing, and
the order in which you will be
presenting your analysis
Remember: Whatever order you put them in, the body of the paper must follow this order.

9. SO, a good thesis sentence…
Determines what you are required to say in your paper
is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper.

10. More tips….
Avoid vague words such as “interesting,” “exciting,” that tell the reader nothing.
Avoid jargon and clichés

11. More tips….
It should be limited to what you can realistically cover in the space allotted
Not too broad
It should narrow your line of argument or limit it.
But not too limited so you have trouble writing enough information

12. Let’s Practice/Revise…
Original Thesis:
Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn is a great American novel.
Revised Thesis
In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore.

13. Let’s Practice/Revise…
Original Thesis:
There are many characteristics of Madame Loisel in “The Necklace”.
Revised Thesis:
Madame Loisel exhibits many unique characteristics such as bravery, unkindness, and foolishness in the short story, “The Necklace.”
Madame Loisel is an unkind person who acts foolishly and irrationally in the story, “The Necklace.”
In the short story “The Necklace”, Madame Loisel is obnoxious, materialistic, and unfriendly.

14. Let’s Practice/Revise…
Original Thesis:
The theme of evil is shown in literature
and also in music.
Evil is a theme in many songs today.
Revised Thesis:
The theme of evil in “The Possibility of Evil” is significant throughout the story and is portrayed in modern music as well.
The theme of evil is exhibited in the short story “The Possibility of Evil”, as well as in the songs titled, “I hate you” by Good
Charlotte, “You stink so take a shower” by Smelly Feet, and “It fits like a Glove” by O.J.

15. Maintain Parallel Structure
Nick is manipulative because he abuses Caitlin, lies to Tom and Nick doesn’t like to talk to Mario about his father’s abuse.
The verbs aren’t all the same tense/format
Nick is manipulative because he abuses Caitlin, lies to Tom and hides his father’s abuse.
This is better because they all start the same way; they are “parallel” to eachother. This is clearer.

16. So once you’ve figured out your thesis statement, start your paper by creating an
OUTLINE

17. Why Create an Outline?

18. Why create an outline? Helps in the process of writing
Helps organize your ideas
Presents your material in a logical form

19. Why create an outline? Shows relationships among ideas in your writing
EXAMPLE:
This is the big topic
This is a part of the big topic (I).
This is another part of the big topic (I).
This talks about something which is connected to information in B.
This is another thing about B
This is another big topic

20. How do I create an Outline?
Define the PURPOSE of your paper.
Determine your audience
- WHO are you writing for?

21. How do I create an Outline?
Develop the THESIS of your paper
- The thesis a sentence that acts as the roadmap for your paper.

22. THEN…. Brainstorm List all the ideas that you
want to include in your paper

23. THEN…. Organize Group related ideas together
Arrange the materials in subsections
Work from general ideas to specific examples

24. THEN….
Label your information
- create main and sub headings

25. Breathing Underwater Paper
For this paper, I’ve created an outline for you.
Please note how it is organized.