1. THE MAIN IDEA COPYRIGHT LISA MCNEILLEY, 2010
Thesis Statements
THE MAIN IDEA
COPYRIGHT LISA MCNEILLEY, 2010

2. Placement of Thesis First Sentence of document End of Introduction
End of document

3. Purposes of Thesis--Writer
Provides clear boundaries for what will be included in document
Determines when purpose is fulfilled and document is complete
Provides measure for checking what fits in document during revision

4. Purpose of Thesis--Reader
Sets expectations for what will be included and in what order
Sets expectations for tone, style and content of the document

5. Characteristics of Thesis Statements
Not a statement of fact
Gives you something to say/arguable
Gives direction to your paper
Invites reader into the paper— significance/relevance

6. Example Thesis Statements— with problems
My little sister was a brat when we were growing up.
Accounting is my favorite subject.
Many people own dogs for pets.
College is an interesting experience.

7. Types of Thesis Statements
Implied
not stated in the paper
all elements of the paper clearly point toward a main idea.
Supplied
written to provide the reader a purpose for the paper.

8. 3 Parts of a Thesis Topic What am I writing about?
2. Stance/claim/point of view
What do I have to say about this that is significant to my reader?
3. Plan/overview
What points do I need to make?

9. Example Development of Thesis
Topic: Accounting
Stance: is a vital skill for daily life
Plan: because it allows you to balance your checkbook, plan a budget, and make sound investment decisions.

10. Things to Remember Your paper must follow logically from the thesis.
Topic sentences must have a clear relationship to the thesis.
If you paper doesn’t match your thesis you can
revise the paper
change the thesis