Thesis Statements

Definition  A thesis statement in an essay is a sentence or group of sentences that explicitly identifies the purpose of the paper or previews its main ideas.

Thesis Statements  Thesis statements are found at the end of the introductory paragraph and at the beginning of the concluding paragraph.

Thesis Statements:  A thesis is the main idea, not the title. It must be a complete sentence (or two or three) explaining in some detail what you expect to write about.

A thesis statement is specific rather than vague or general.  Vague: There are many life lessons I have learned in high school.  Specific: As a high school student, I have had experiences that will shape my future. Some of these are academically inspired (like how to write the perfect essay!), but many others are the result of social experiments gone wrong.

Thesis:  Whatever your thesis mentions must be discussed in the paper. This is called a forecast. Consider it a shorter version of your outline. However, remember that your thesis is your own work and should not have another author’s material in it.

Review:  You can revise your thesis statement whenever you want to while you are writing your essay. Writers often discover what their real purpose and point is in the process of putting their thoughts into words and then reading what they've written.  Remember to go back and reread your thesis and your entire paper before you turn in your rough draft. You want to make sure everything mentioned in your thesis is covered. Each topic sentence should refer somehow to the thesis.

Introductory Paragraphs  Once you have written your thesis, write your introductory paragraph in a way that leads into the thesis.  Consider using a quote to start your paper.  Summarize some basic facts about your topic.  Do not use first person.

Concluding Paragraphs  Double check to make sure you have mentioned everything in your thesis.  Reword your thesis as the topic sentence of your concluding paragraph.  Write your conclusion.

PARENTHETICAL NOTATION Importance of using

Parenthetical Notation Insert parenthetical notes when the following occurs:  A change of source  A change of ideas  A direct quote (note: just remember – it is better to have too many than too few)

Parenthetical Notes  The note should include the author’s last name and a page number and the period goes outside the parenthesis (Smith 6).  If no author is available, use the title of the work.

Assignment:  Develop your own thesis statement for the essay on A Knight’s Tale.  Rework the thesis and use it as the first part of your conclusion on step 3.