Thesis Statements I can write a strong well focused thesis statement

Douglass Paper You are answering the question: What is Douglass saying about the Power of Knowledge?

Characteristics of a good thesis thesis answers a question, resolves a problem, or takes a position on a debatable topic. requires proof or further development through facts and details it is not itself a fact or a description

Is this a good thesis? In this essay, I am going to explain what Douglass is saying about the Power of Knowledge.

No Because: –It announces that you are writing a paper. –It does not make a specific statement about the Power of Knowledge, only that it is a topic you are discussion. –The only thing you would be proving is that your paper is about this topic.

Is this a good thesis? Douglass argues that slavery was injurious to his mistress, that teaching a slave to read was an unpardonable offence, and that he learned about freedom from the Columbian Orator.

No! Because: –It is factual. –This is a list of evidence used in the paper, but no specific statement is made about the chapter yet.

Is this a good thesis? In chapter seven of The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Douglass argues that the power of knowledge has the ability to set someone free.

Yes! Because: –It makes a specific statement about the text and about the power of knowledge. –It is a statement that needs support and evidence from the chapter. –It is something that can be proven or disproven.

Is this a good thesis? I think Douglass is arguing in chapter seven that knowledge made him discontent as a slave, but knowledge also paved the way toward his freedom.

Yes and No! (more Yes than No) Because: –This statement is a great example of how to meet in the middle. Douglass is not saying that knowledge is good or bad. It is much more complex. –Never use “I think” or “I believe.” Give yourself some authority as a writer and state all your thoughts and beliefs as fact.

Is this a good thesis? Douglass argued that learning to read was bad.

Yes and No! (more no than Yes) Because: –It does make a specific statement. –The statement is a huge understatement. –I think it would be hard to say Douglass is saying that reading and learning is a bad thing. –It is an over-simplification of the issue discussed. –While he does say negative things about learning, it was only to express his continued difficulty to stay in slavery when he realized he was worth more. –Bad is a non-descriptive word.

Exit Slip Write a well developed thesis statement that makes a specific statement about what Douglass is saying about the Power of Knowledge.