Creating A Strong Thesis Creating a sustained thesis for a stronger paper.

Probably the most daunting task for any writer is to generate an effective thesis statement. In college, academic writing follows a specific pattern— after a brief opening, you state your position in one clear sentence.

Why do you need a thesis? It gives your essay a sense of purpose It narrows your subject It previews the order or arrangement of your argument It excludes points you will not be covering It shows the focus of the essay for the reader

What is the difference between a subject and thesis? Subject-general Student loans Crime AIDS Thesis-specific Ohio should lower the interest rate on student loans. Crime can be diverted by instituting job, education and mentoring programs. AIDS can be fought with more education and funding.

How do I go from a subject-> thesis? First ask what your position is. By answering this question, you will establish a thesis that demonstrates the focus or main point of your essay. Once you have an idea of what you hold to be true, write it down but then delete the phrase “I believe”

For example I believe that Kurt Cobain is an amazing song writer. Becomes: Kurt Cobain is an amazing song writer. But there is still something missing…

Is my statement significant? Kurt Cobain is an amazing song writer. A few questions that arise: What is the criteria for this statement? Why is he amazing? What time frame is being used? Who thinks he is amazing: poets,musicians or political activists? What is important about this topic?

A more significant statement Kurt Cobain’s lyrics, variety of sounds, and scope of social issues make him one of the most influential musicians of all time. Topic- Kurt Cobain’s music Mapping of essay topics, criteria or focus The opinion or your position

Whether your essay is explanatory or argumentative, a strong thesis statement will provide the map, guiding the entire essay. Confusion arises, however, over the difference between a purpose statement and a thesis.

What is the function of a purpose statement? It announces the purpose, scope and direction of the paper. It makes a promise to the reader about the development of the argument

Sample purpose statement This paper will examine the ecological damage caused by Katrina on the Gulf Coast. The focus will be on the economic, political and social relationships affected by the environmental problems.

What are the characteristics of a good thesis statement? It answers a specific question. It is narrow or broad enough to be covered within the assignment parameters. It focuses on one main idea. It is controversial enough that a reasonable person could disagree.

How do I generate a good thesis statement? Read your sources looking for connections. Once you have analyzed your evidence, you will have a main idea or a working thesis. Like using a funnel, begin with a general subject, narrow it by the purpose, and end with a specific assertion, claim, or thesis.

Sample thesis statement The ecological damage produced by Katrina on the Gulf Coast was caused by the political and social environment of the region.

How do I generate a thesis if the topic is assigned? Any assignment can be narrowed down to a single question. First select the focal question that your essay will answer. If the assignment is a request for information, such as “Write a report on the benefits of expanding the Marina District in Downtown Toledo,” start by turning the request into a question— “What are the benefits of building the Marina District in Downtown Toledo?”

How do I generate a thesis if the topic is not assigned? Even if a specific question has not been posed by your instructor, you will need to create a question about the issue you plan to investigate. It is best if you first establish your subject; next, consider the purpose of the essay. From this point you should be able to ask a question about the topic to then state a position or thesis.

Brainstorm the topic What are your concerns? What concerns are facing your field of study? For example, you are in construction and you are concerned with the slow recovery in New Orleans after Katrina. You begin the thought process like this:

Because a majority of the damage caused by Katrina was due to inadequate construction, the federal government needs to establish more stringent building codes before financing reconstruction.

This is not a thesis; it is the start of a thesis. This is a general subject from which you could take your paper in many directions. Perhaps from your research you have found that there were oversights in the codes for homes constructed in hurricane and flood zones. While everyone will agree that rebuilding flimsy homes is a bad idea, narrowing your topic to who should make the reform and what specific types are needed will assert your position.

Test your thesis 1.Does it take a stand and capture the subject? 2.Does it invite discussion and avoid a simple response? 3.Is it specific to your paper? 4.Is your claim significant? 5.Are the words and phrases unified on a single idea?

Test the sample thesis Because a majority of the damage caused by Katrina was due to inadequate construction, the federal government needs to establish more stringent building codes before financing reconstruction.

1. Does it take a stand? Yes, the damage was due to inadequate construction and the federal government needs to step in.

2. Does it invite discussion? Yes, some reasonable people may feel that it is not the government’s responsibility to enforce codes and that no building could withstand the force of Katrina.

3. Is the thesis specific? Yes, it focuses on the aftermath of one storm and the steps to be taken before more federal funds should be used.

4. Is the claim significant? Yes, rebuilding still needs to take place.

5. Are the words focused on a single idea? Yes, not all issues are being addressed, just one aspect of a condition for rebuilding. Yet the thesis is still broad enough to allow the paper to explore examples of the types of destruction, building codes, and financial needs facing those devastated by Katrina.