What is a Thesis Statement?

Why do I need one?

What is a Thesis Statement? Why do I need one? What’s the difference between a topic and a thesis?

What is a Thesis Statement? Why do I need one? What’s the difference between a topic and a thesis? Where does it go in the paper?

What is a Thesis Statement? Why do I need one? What’s the difference between a topic and a thesis? Where does it go in the paper? When do I write it?

What is a Thesis Statement? Why do I need one? What’s the difference between a topic and a thesis? Where does it go in the paper? When do I write it? How do I know I have a good one?

A Thesis Statement A thesis statement summarizes the main idea of your paper in one (or two) sentence(s). It maps the paper for the reader and lets the reader know what to expect. It is narrow and specific. It justifies discussion of your idea. It answers the “so what?”

Summarizes the main idea It briefly states what you want your readers to know, believe, or understand after having read your essay. It also briefly tells the readers why your main idea is important. (This may often seem obvious to you, but don’t assume it’s obvious to your readers.)

Let’s the reader know what’s coming A strong thesis guides the reader’s expectations. It let’s them know where you stand and how you are going to make your case.

A Strong Thesis is narrow and specific. A strong thesis is precise and limited. It deals with a question that can be answered in a paper of the specified length. Many students pick a topic that is too big or too vague to be dealt with in a short paper. For example: “Gun control” is big and vague for a thesis, but “assault weapons” or “Universal background checks” are much more specific (but still not complete. Can you tell why?)

A Strong Thesis tells the reader what’s at stake. The thesis statement gives the reader a desire to keep reading. The thesis statement answers the “so what” question?

1. It tells the reader the main idea of your paper. 2. It guides the reader’s expectations. 3. It tells the reader what’s at stake if he or she doesn’t read it. 4. It gives you, the author, a way to organize your thoughts and keep on task.

Many Students confuse a “topic” for a “thesis” For example: Gun Control, Abortion, Marijuana, Terrorism, Higher Education, Racism, Sexism, Overpopulation, Global Warming, Organic Food, and Technology are all topics.

Many Students confuse a “topic” for a “thesis” For example: Gun Control, Abortion, Marijuana, Terrorism, Higher Education, Racism, Sexism, Overpopulation, Global Warming, Organic Food, and Technology are all topics. But they FAIL as thesis statements because--

Many Students confuse a “topic” for a “thesis” For example: Gun Control, Abortion, Marijuana, Terrorism, Higher Education, Racism, Sexism, Overpopulation, Global Warming, Organic Food, and Technology are all topics. But they FAIL as thesis statements because-- They are not specific or narrow They do not take a stand

Developing your Thesis from your Topic Topic Gun Control Narrower Topic Universal Background Checks Thesis Statement “Universal Background Checks should be instituted by the government because they will keep guns out of the hands of the mentally ill and convicted felons.”

Developing your Thesis from your Topic Topic Gun Control Specific Topic Ban on assault weapons Thesis Statement “Although many people favor a ban on assault weapons, such a ban will not significantly reduce gun violence because these weapons are used in only very small percentage of violent crimes and it’s hard to define exactly what makes any gun an assault weapon.

Developing your Thesis from your Topic Topic Gun Control Specific Topic Ban on assault weapons Thesis Statement “Although many people favor a ban on assault weapons, such a ban will not significantly reduce gun violence because these weapons are used in only very small percentage of violent crimes and it’s hard to define exactly what makes any gun an assault weapon.

Where should the thesis statement go in my paper? The thesis statement in an academic paper is usually near the end of the first paragraph of the paper. This is not a hard and fast rule and the thesis statement should go wherever it makes the most since for the structure of the paper and your audience.

Where should the thesis statement go in my paper? Many of the essays we read in this class are not academic essays and their thesis statements may be harder to find. However, the essays you write for this class are academic essays so 99% of the time you will want your thesis statement in the first paragraph.

When do I write a thesis statement? Writing is a process of creation and revision. We learn about our ideas as we write. Start with the best thesis you can come up with it and rewrite it as the paper develops. Stay focused on your audience and your purpose in writing the paper. You may actually write your thesis first and last as you see your ideas develop.

How can I tell if my thesis is strong? You can test the strength of your thesis by asking the following questions: Does your thesis statement state what you want your readers to know, believe, or understand after reading your essay? Does your thesis statement reflect everything in the essay? Does your essay develop everything in the thesis statement? Does your thesis statement make the stakes of your argument clear to your audience? Is your thesis statement specific and narrow? Is your thesis statement arguable?

How can I tell if my thesis is strong? If you don’t feel confident in your answers to these questions, then seek help from me from the writing center from online tutoring

A thesis statement summarizes the main idea of your paper in one (or two) sentence(s). It maps the paper for the reader and lets the reader know what to expect. It is narrow and specific. It justifies discussion of your idea. It answers the “so what?” Remember, writing is a creative process so don’t be afraid to revise your thesis to fit your paper or to revise your paper to fit your thesis. You are the judge of what works best but don’t be afraid to seek help.