Writing a Thesis
–
A thesis
statement expresses a main idea that can be developed with stated reasons. This statement is usually an opinion, feeling
attitude, belief, or point of view about the topic. It should not be a statement of fact that
needs no development.
–
The thesis must
create an adequate focus for the paper.
If the main idea is too broad, it cannot be adequately developed on one
paper; if it is too narrow, an entire paper is not needed to develop it.
–
The thesis can be
the first sentence of the introduction, or can be placed anywhere in the
introductory paragraph.
What kind of information to include?
–
Include
information that proves, illustrates, explains, or defines the thesis.
–
Support your
thesis and give specific information and concrete details that include
examples, facts, statistics, and other concrete information.
–
The specific
details should relate directly to the main idea. Supporting sentences often explain how the
specific detail proves the thesis statement.
–
Supporting
sentences should express unity. Every
sentence should support the thesis.
Building Strong Sentences
–
Plan your
sentences using a map or outline
–
Put your
sentences in a logical order. Sentences
that have a logical connection and consistency illustrate cohesion.
–
Two tools that
help make sentences coherent are transitions and repeated key words. These help clarify the relationship between
ideas.
Organizing Supporting Sentences
–
The most logical
ways to organize supporting statements are
Time relation (present to past OR past to present)
Space relation (near to far OR far to near; circular;
height positions)
Order of importance (often the strongest supporting
sentences come first and last)
Writing the Introduction
–
Because the
introduction establishes the reader’s attitude toward the topic and toward the
writer, it is the most important part of the essay.
–
The introduction
should
Get the reader interested in the topic (attention-getter)
Provide background information about the topic (factual
material)
State the thesis of the essay (main idea)
–
Attention-Getter
and Background Information
Some
essays start gradually by getting the reader ready for the thesis. Background information gets the reader in the
mood for the rest of the essay.
–
Strategies for
attention-getting and background information:
A
good story or anecdote
History,
facts, or initial information
An
appropriate quotation
A
problem the reader should know about concerning the topic
A
question that limits your topic
A
statement that popular ideas about your topic are wrong
A
reference to something historical, something in the news, a current event, or a
literary work
A
strong opinion.
–
Appeal to
Audience: address the audience of the
essay.
–
Length and
Placement: how much background information
to provide depends upon the length of the essay and the strategy the writer
uses to get the reader prepared for the thesis.
–
Thesis or Thesis
statement: This sentence should be in
the introduction in order to create a focus for the essay.
Body Paragraphs
–
Each paragraph in
the body of the essay develops one main point that supports the thesis.
–
The body
paragraphs usually follow the traditional paragraph pattern of topic sentence,
supporting sentences, and conclusion.
Not every paragraph necessarily has a stated topic sentence, but every
paragraph has a main idea.
–
Effective body
paragraphs use transitions within and between paragraphs to create coherence.
Order of Body Paragraphs
–
You can organize
your paragraphs in a number of ways; the important consideration is to make the
order clear and logical to the reader.
–
Possible
presentations:
Chronological order
Order of importance
Combination of plans
Conclusion
–
The conclusion is
the final paragraph. If the essay is
very long, the conclusion might be more than one paragraph, but usually have
only one paragraph.
–
Strategies for
concluding:
–
Refer back to the
story, problem, question, or quote that began the introduction
–
Emphasize the
important point. Remind the reader of
the thesis of the essay and how its major details are developed.
–
Avoid beginning
the conclusion with “in conclusion” or “finally” or “to summarize.” This is obvious to the reader.
–
Do not repeat the
thesis statement word for word and list the major details explained in the
introduction.
–
Avoid beginning a
new argument in the conclusion.
