Forming a Thesis Statement

An effective thesis…

➢ Clearly expresses your paper’s purpose and main idea.

➢ Is ARGUABLE and clearly worded

➢ Is broad enough to allow you plenty of room for research

➢ Is narrow enough to clearly present your essay’s purpose and main idea.

Use your “Topic to Working Thesis Statement” worksheet:

1. Write down your chosen topic (broadest version)

2. Begin brainstorming some questions. What do you want to

find out about your topic?

3. If you get stumped, ask your neighbor what he/she would

want to know about your topic.

(You will finish this process at home.)

Before writing your thesis, you must think about

how you feel about your topic.

Start by asking questions.

Step 2: Answer your questions!

➢ For now, think of what you already know about your topic, and form some initial opinions and make predictions about information you may not yet know.

➢ As you research, find answers! Were your predictions correct? Do your opinions need to change?

An Example:

➢ Step 1: Topic = Salem Witch Trials

➢ Step 1: Questions

1. Did they really happen?

2. Were they as bad as I think they were?

3. Was there any truth to the accusations?

4. Why did they happen?

5. How many women died?

6. Were any men accused?

7. Who did the accusing?

An Example:

➢ Step 2: Answer my questions, make predictions, form an opinion

(I did this in my head, promise)

➢ Step 3: Write my “working” thesis

The Salem Witch Trials occurred as both a reaction to and result

from the religiously and socially oppressive patriarchal society of

puritan New England.

The most important thing to ask yourself

after writing your thesis:

1. Could someone disagree?

Could someone disagree? Yes!

(Identify the counterargument.)

The Salem Witch Trials occurred as both a reaction to and

result from the religiously and socially oppressive

patriarchal society of puritan New England.

Keep in mind, this is your working thesis.

It SHOULD change and

evolve with your paper.

As you research and

narrow your topic, your

thesis should change to fit

the focus of your paper.

Don’t forget…

➢ The thesis must control the entire argument.

➢ Your thesis determines what you are required to say in a paper.

➢ It also determines what you cannot say.

➢ Every paragraph in your paper exists in order to support your

thesis.

➢ Accordingly, if one of your paragraphs seems irrelevant to your

thesis you have two choices: get rid of the paragraph, or rewrite

your thesis.

BRING THURSDAY

➢ Database article (printed out)

➢ Completed “Topic to Working Thesis” worksheet

On Thursday we will discuss note taking

and forming source cards and note cards