1. How to Write a Thesis Statement for HWKWWK

2. What is a thesis?
"A proposition laid down, or stated, especially as a theme to be discussed and proved, or to be maintained against attack; a statement, assertion, tenant.“ OED

3. What does a Thesis Statement Do?
Tells the reader how you interpret the event
Provides a road map of where you are going in the paper
Can be disputed
May change as you write the paper
Is Interesting to you

4. A thesis Statement has 3 parts
1. Topic: What is it about? 2. Position: What argument are you making? 3. Main Points: What are the main points you will prove?

5. Topic Position Main Points
The topic is a given; no one disputes it. The comment can be argued from one side or the other. The main points are what you prove with reason and evidence.

6. What are the 3 parts of this thesis?
During the Fukashima nuclear disaster, the Japanese government kept secret the extent of the radiation leak and potential harm to workers.
1. Topic: What is it about?
2. Position: What argument are you making?
3. Main Points: What are the main points you will prove?

7. During the Fukashima nuclear disaster, the Japanese government kept secret the extent of the radiation leak and potential harm to workers.
 Topic
 Position
 Main Points

8. Fukashima nuclear disaster
During the Fukashima nuclear disaster, the Japanese government kept secret the extent of the radiation leak and potential harm to workers.
 Topic
 Position
 Main Points
 Fukashima nuclear disaster
 Japanese government kept things secret
Extent of the radiation leak kept secret
Potential harm to workers kept secret

9. How do I know if my thesis is good?

10. A good thesis is:
Debatable
Specific

11. Good thesis, or bad thesis?
Some people believe the media does a poor job of covering elections

12. Some people believe the media does a poor job of covering elections.
Not Debatable:
Nothing to dispute
Bland assertion that no one will disagree with
Not Specific:
What's a "poor job"?
Which media?
United States?
TV, radio, newspapers, twitter?
Which elections?
State, local, national, international?
All elections ever?
Some people?
Who are they?
How many?
Why do they matter?

13. Remember, for this class
Your thesis is not about the event. Your thesis is about HOW WE KNOW WHAT WE KNOW about that event.