Writing an Essay: Thesis Statements

• Make sure you have a copy of the worksheet: Part 1 – Writing a Thesis Worksheet

• Print this from the library website, if you have not done so already.

• Fill in the worksheet as you view this presentation.

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• Research the topic• Use internet, databases,

library• Take notes

Begin with…RESEARCH BRAINSTORMING

• Ask questions• Write reasons• Look for evidence• Make connections

Then… Thesis StatementWhat is a thesis?

• An arguable, supportable and original statement about your topic.

• It expresses the point and purpose of your essay.

MAIN IDEA

ROAD MAP

FOCAL POINT

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Where does the thesis belong?

• At the end of the introductory paragraph.

• At the start of the final concluding paragraph.

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3 Things to Remember#1 - MAKE IT ARGUABLE

• Could someone argue the opposite?• Is it just a fact?

Eg. “Computers are becoming an efficient means for managing and transmitting information in large businesses.”

Eg. “Heavy use of computers may disrupt family cohesion and increase divorce in society.”

NOT ARGUABLE

ARGUABLE

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3 Things to Remember#2 - BE SPECIFIC

• Include detail, be precise• Give the ‘why’ behind your reasoning

Eg. “We should not pass the microchip bill.”

Eg. “Because the microchip insert causes serious health hazards such as cancer and brain tumors to those who use it, the microchip bill should not be passed.”

TOO VAGUE

SPECIFIC

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3 Things to Remember#3 - AVOID LISTS

• Narrow your focus• Give more attention to fewer ideas• Long lists don’t allow you to fully explore an idea

Eg. “The microchip bill biologically damages the health of children, invades the privacy of independent teenagers, increases crime, turns children against their parents, induces a sense of robotry about the individual, and may result in the possible takeover of the government.”

LONG LIST

NARROWER FOCUS

Eg. “By surgically inserting circuitry similar to cell phone devices that has been known to cause headaches and fatigue, the microchip biologically endangers the health of children.”

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A format to follow:Although… Actually…

Hey, you thought x?

Well, you’re wrong.

Really it’s y!

Although Katniss Everdeen does not seem to fit the description of an archetypal hero, actually she is a very courageous and heroic character.

Although many people believe that extraterrestrials and crop circles are a figment of the imagination, in fact there is strong evidence suggesting that alien encounters are real.

Although the North and South both fought the Civil War over the issue of slavery, ^ the North fought for moral reasons while the South fought to preserve its own institutions.

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• You have now completed Part 1.

• Close this presentation and begin Part 2.