1. Thesis development How, why, what’s important

2. Overview It’s not easy because you’re trying to come up with something new Be patient with not knowing, & not quite nailing it the first time. That’s because you’re pushing outside your comfort zone and what you already know. The basic question: What’s at stake here? What matters to me and most people about this topic? What could people disagree about? Could be an interpretation of a book, not always moral or political questions

3. A couple tricks of the trade Example: Your dumb topic is McDonalds’ food. Your 3 part thesis: “McDonalds food is cheap, fatty and full of sugar.” Have you said why it matters? Arguable? What will we learn? When you have a statement that’s not quite arguable, or is simply boring, try these quick fixes: Rank which your topics is more important Add a “Because” statement Rank which of these is most important: “McDonald’s food is cheap and sugary, but the high fat content is the most unhealthy part about it.” Now you have something to prove and explain—a high fat diet is worse than sugar. Use a Because statement to improve it “McDonald’s food is greasy and fattening, but because it is so cheap, poor people are lured into making poor health choices.”

4. Try that with our topics With a partner: Rank which is most important OR Add a “because” statement Thesis 1: I disagree with Fein and Schneider’s advice in The Rules. Thesis 2: “The Brain in Love” shows that all of our ideals about caring and giving and connection are basically just hormones gone crazy. Thesis 3: “Cinderella” teaches girls some good lessons about perseverance and humility, but it also teaches girls to put up with abuse and never have a voice.