How to compose a thesis By Mrs. Whiteford

What is a thesis? “A thesis statement is a sentence that explicitly identifies the purpose of the paper or previews its main ideas.”

A thesis is: An affirmation- not an observation Fact or observation: People use many lawn chemicals. Thesis: People are poisoning the environment with chemicals merely to keep their lawns clean.

A thesis… Takes a position, it is not an announcement Announcement: The thesis of this paper is the difficulty of solving our environmental problems. Thesis: Solving our environmental problems is more difficult than many environmentalists believe.

A thesis is… The Main Idea (not the title) Title: Social Security and Old Age. Thesis: Continuing changes in the Social Security System makes it almost impossible to plan intelligently for one's retirement.

A thesis is specific… Vague: Hemingway's war stories are very good. Specific: Hemingway's stories helped create a new prose style by employing extensive dialogue, shorter sentences, and strong Anglo-Saxon words.

A thesis has… One main point!

So…what is a thesis? “A thesis statement declares what you believe and what you intend to prove. A good thesis statement makes the difference between a thoughtful research project and a simple retelling of facts.”

A good thesis: Keeps you focused Keeps you Interested It catches your audience’s attention It is provocative It takes a stand

A thesis Avoids ambiguous language Example : “It seems” Avoids the use of the first person Example: “("I believe," "In my opinion")

The formula! Specific topic + Attitude/Angle/Argument = Thesis What you plan to argue + How you plan to argue it = Thesis

Brainstorming a thesis: Choose your topic Ask an interesting question Modify the question into a thesis Remember that a thesis is “work in progress” you must be flexible to change it as you conduct your research.

Let’s play “Pick the thesis” “I would like to become a chef when I finish school.” “Although both chefs and cooks can prepare fine meals, chefs differ from cooks in education, professional commitment, and artistry.”

“I enjoy white water rafting.” “A first water rafting experience can challenge the body and spirit and transform an adolescent into an adult.”

“Steroid abuse.” “Steroids, even those legally available, are addictive and should be banned from sports. “

“Hip hop is the best thing that has happened to music in twenty years.” “Though many people dismiss hip hop as offensive, hip hop music offers urban youth an important opportunity for artistic expression, and allows them to articulate the poetry of the street.”

Thesis Starters… You are now going to use the Thesis starters handouts to further develop your thesis. Thesis Draft is due Monday 9/25 (typed).

Bibliography Hairston, Maxine, and John Ruszkiewice. "Literacy Education on Line." The Write Place Scott Foresman Handbook for Writers. 21 Sept Rohrbach, Carol, and Joyce Valenza. "Thesis Generator." Springfield School District. 21 Sept "What is a Thesis?" 21 Sept