1. Bellringer:
In your own words, please explain what a thesis statement is.

2. Reminders:
Due Dates:
Thesis & rough outline =
Next time in IMC =
HW =

3. Explain what a thesis statement is.
Learning Objectives
You will be able to:
Explain what a thesis statement is.
Construct your own thesis statement.

4. Goals for Preliminary Thesis:
Why write a thesis now? I haven’t done any research yet.
Focus your search for information
But…
Be flexible
Change your thesis if the evidence leads you to do so
Continue to refine as you do more research

5. Let’s play: Is it a thesis?
I think high school sports and extra-curricular activities are good for students.
ANSWERS?

6. Let’s play: Is it a 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.

7. Let’s play: Is it a thesis?
Steroid abuse is wrong.
Steroids, even those legally available, are addictive and should be banned from sports.

8. What is a thesis statement?
Words to remember…
_ _ _ _ _ _ T _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ H _ _ _ _
_ _ E _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ S
_ _ _ _ _ _ I _ _
_ _ S _ _ _ _ _

9. What is a thesis statement?
A thought-provoking sentence requiring debate rather than a simple retelling of the facts
A thread that will be woven throughout the entire essay
A statement of specific conclusions.
Instead of: “Music”
…think “American Jazz in the 1930’s” and your comment on the subject.

10. What is a thesis statement?
A framework that provides focus for gathering research & generating questions
Provides the reader with the author’s clear intention
A declaration of the author’s position on a topic

11. A good thesis…
Writing a good thesis can be a difficult step for many students, so
READ THE DIRECTIONS!

12. A good thesis… The best thesis statements: 1 sentence
Located at the end of your opening paragraph
Avoids using vague language (“it seems”)
Avoids using 1st person (“I believe”, “In my opinion”)

13. A good thesis… Proposes an arguable point.
Try thinking of your thesis in two parts: a topic & a comment

14. Requirements: A preliminary thesis statement: Is a hypothesis
Creates the framework for a rough outline
Which should guide your note taking
Has a topic and a comment
Includes 3 subtopics in the comment

15. How to Write a Thesis: Steps: Identify topic.
Write a research problem.
What is a research problem?
Answer the research problem

16. How to Write a Thesis: Example: Identify topic: World War II
Write a research problem:
How did WWII affect the allied powers in the years following 1945?

17. How to Write a Thesis: Example: Answer the research problem
World War II had a devastating impact on Europe, helped end European domination of the world, and solidified the United States as the world power.

18. How to Write a Thesis: Practice
Now you try the steps:
With a partner try creating a research question & thesis for:
Topic: School uniforms in public schools
Write a research problem.
the central question you want to explore.
ask an interesting question
Answer the research problem
one sentence answer = thesis

19. How to Write a Thesis: Practice
Now you try the steps:
With a partner try creating a research question & thesis for:
Topic: Standardized Testing
Write a research problem.
the central question you want to explore.
ask an interesting question
Answer the research problem
one sentence answer = thesis

20. Agenda: Apply to Your Topic
Use your notes to create a research problem.
Based on your knowledge of the topic, write a hypothesis to answer the question.
Use the subtopics of your thesis to begin a rough outline.