1. …Developing a thesis and synthesizing sources…

2. How does your research question become a thesis statement? A thesis statement is the result of your investigation into a topic. This thesis, sometimes referred to as a main point or main claim, will answer your research question or questions and make a statement about your findings.

3. A thesis statement is NOT: 1.A summary of findings 2.A pointless walk through data 3.A repetition of what readers already know or believe 4. A general or vague statement

4. A strong thesis statement must be: Substantive Contestable Explicit

5. Substantive, contestable and explicit? A substantive claim says something meaningful and important. It does not merely discuss what you have done or what your paper will do. · A contestable claim is a challenge to its readers. It has a controlling idea, or hint of an argument, and asks the reader to think in a different way. · An explicit thesis statement uses specific language to alert the reader to concepts that the paper will develop.

6. Synthesizing Sources: Weaving other voices into your own

7. Incorporating sources effectively: Summarizing Paraphrasing Direct quotation

8. Summarizing, Paraphrasing and Plagiarism!!! When you summarize you shorten a longer text in your own words. When you paraphrase you rephrase a specific section of a text in your own words. When you plagiarize you use someone else’s words or ideas.

10. When do I use direct quotation? Use quotes wisely and sparingly. If you overuse them, they are less effective as support. You can lose your own voice along the way.

11. Use quotes in the following ways: 1. When the writer’s words are very precise, and a paraphrase would not be as clear or effective. 2. When the author says something memorable, forceful or especially vivid. 3. When the words or ideas from the source are incredibly useful to your own paper.

12. How do I incorporate the quotes into my paper smoothly? The best way to do this is to always make your reader aware of the connection between the quote and your point. This can be done by either weaving them into your own sentences, or by analysis or commentary before or after the quoted material. Also, use signal words like the following:

13. Signal words: acknowledges considers writes adds denies shows admits describes reports advises

14. Most importantly: Stay in control of your quotes!!

15. The End