Thesis statements
description
Transcript of Thesis statements
Thesis Statements
Presented by Joe Hodali and John Henry Evans
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will understand…
how a thesis is critical to a paper
what kind of thesis will best suit a paper
how to write a thesis
how to build an essay from the thesis
how a thesis relates to the structure of an essay
what a strong thesis statement looks like
What is a thesis statement?
A thesis statement is…
A sentence that goes at the end of your introductory paragraph.
The reason you are writing your essay!
A debatable statement, typically your own opinion.
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
THESIS
Essay man is a visual representation of the structure of an essay. Notice that the thesis
is the neck, connecting the
opening ideas with the proof presented
in the body.
What does a thesis statement do?
A thesis statement…
provides the point you want to prove.Presents your argument in a concise form.
gives the structure your essay will follow.
can provide the opposite point of view.
An Open Thesis does not contain the body points.i.e. Everyone should drive a hybrid car.
Are there different types of thesis statements?
Thesis statements that depend on essay types
Narrative- Gives a one-sentence summary of a narrative essay.
Expressive- Expresses a personal feeling about the topic.
Informative- Gives an overview of the information in the essay.
Argumentative- Argues a specific, debatable point.
Exploratory- Makes a point, but does not argue that it is true.
Open vs. Complete
A Complete Thesis includes the body points.i.e. Everyone should drive a hybrid car because they
pollute less, they get better mileage, and they help reduce gasoline costs.
Your thesis is the foundation of your
essayThe entire essay attempts to prove that your thesis is correct.
Constantly refer back to your thesis to make sure that your essay is staying on track
If you used a Complete Thesis, each of your body paragraphs should cover one of the points mentioned in your thesis.
Your body paragraphs should go in the same order as the points they cover were mentioned in the thesis.
What does a strong thesis statement look
like?Remember that a strong
thesis statement makes a definite point.
That point should be your own opinion.
A Few Examples
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer was written by Mark Twain in 1876.
Some people think that The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is Mark Twain’s best novel.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is Mark Twain’s best novel.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is Mark Twain’s best novel because of its use of satire, imagery, and symbolism.
WEAK
WEAK
STRONG
STRONGER
Try it out!Work with your group to decide which thesis statement is the best.
How do I write a thesis statement?
A Simple Thesis Formula
Although ,
because
, , and
.
gasoline-powered cars are popularpeople should drive hybrid cars
they cut down on pollutionthey will save you money on gas
hybrid owners receive special tax breaks
This formula is useful for the standard five-paragraph essay
format.When you are arguing a large number of
points, you will need to use an Open Thesis.
An introductory paragraph with a weak
thesis
Many people believe that Dominican Republic is a wonderful vacation spot. It
offers great beaches with beautiful sands and lots of attractive activities for people of
all ages. That’s why people from all over the world make this part of the world their favorite vacation spot. My opinion of it is
not quite the same.Weak
Vague
Try it out!With your group, discuss the topic you have been given. Then on your own, write a Complete Thesis based on the prompt.
Come to the workshop on run-on sentences and fragments it’s on April 26 it’s at 2:00
Come to the workshop on run-on sentences and fragments. It’s on April 26, and it’s at 2:00.