Thesis Statements

Objective

• Define thesis statement.

• Discuss the three parts of a pointed thesis.

• Discuss the creation of a working thesis.

• Build a toolbox of thesis formulas.

• Learn to evaluate the effectiveness of a thesis statement.

• List additional resources.

What is a thesis statement?

• One sentence which outlines the arguments and ideas to be presented in your paper.

• Think of your thesis as a guide.

• Your audience expects the remainder of your paper to support the claim you make with the reasons you list.

• Place your thesis at the end of your introduction.

The Three Parts of a Pointed Thesis

• Claim• Link• Reasons

Claim

• Select a subject on which there are a variety of possible views.

• Express ONE main idea.

• Determine your conclusions about the subject.

Link

• You need to connect your claim to your supporting reasons. This creates the structure of your essay.

• Use the word BECAUSE to link your claim to your reasons.

Reasons

• The claim needs to be supported by at least three reasons.

• Each reason will become the topic of its own supporting paragraph(s).

http://www.readwritethink.org/materials/essaymap/

Be sure to observe parallel structure.

Two Choices

• Because the thesis encompasses the entire essay, some authors choose to create the body of an essay before drafting the thesis.

However, it is always wise to create a working thesis.

• A working thesis names the topic you will discuss, helps you focus your research, and helps you keep your thoughts organized.

How does one create a working thesis?

• First, select your topic.

• Second, brainstorm.

• Third, make your claim.

• Fourth, list the reasons you plan to use when supporting your claim.

What if my topic is assigned?

• Create a question about your topic.

• Answer the question.

• Question: Should SCC provide all full-time students with laptops?

• Answer: SCC should provide all full-time students with laptops because…

• Once you have answered the question you have created a thesis statement.

• Now your job is to support it.

• This technique is particularly useful for essay exams.

What if I must select my own topic?

• Brainstorm, Brainstorm, Brainstorm

• Do some research.

• Read

• Visit the SCC Library homepage @ http://somerset.kctcs.edu/academics/library.aspx

• Use Opposing Viewpoints

Thesis Toolbox

• You will be asked to write a variety of essay types.

• Each type of essay lends itself to a particular thesis template.

• The follow slides will briefly introduce possible formulas/templates paired with their corresponding essay types.

Definition Essay

• Something is (or is not) something else based on certain criteria.

Evaluation Essay

• Something is good (bad, the best, etc.) because…

Proposal Essay

• Someone should (or should not) do something because…

How do I know my thesis is a good thesis?

Does your thesis take a stand?

Is your part in the on going discussion justified?

Does your thesis encourage your readers to read further?

Does the thesis express only one main idea?

• Is your thesis specific?• Can you support your claim within

the number of pages allotted?

For more information, check out these resources.

• Owl, Purdue University’s Online Writing Lab• http://owl.english.purdue.edu/• The St. Martin’s Handbook• Blackboard• SCC’s Learning Commons

Review: We have now…•Defined thesis statement.

•Discussed the three parts of a pointed thesis.

•Discussed the creation of a working thesis.

•Built a toolbox of thesis formulas.

•Evaluated the effectiveness of a thesis statement.

•Listed additional resources.

Thank you for your time and attention!

Any questions?