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Defining the Thesis Statement What is a thesis statement? Every paper you write should have a main point, a main idea, or central message. The argument s you make in your paper should reflect this main idea. The sentence that captures your position on this main idea is what we call a thesis statement.
How long does it need to be? A thesis statement focuses your ideas into one or two sentences. It should present the topic of your paper and also make a comment about your position in relation to the topic.
Your thesis statement should tell your reader what the paper is about and also help guide your writing and keep your argument focused. You should provide a thesis early in your essay -- in the introduction, or in longer essays in the second paragraph -- in order to establish your position and give your reader a sense of direction.
In order to write a successful thesis statement: Avoid burying a great thesis statement in the middle of a paragraph or late in the paper. Be as clear and as specific as possible; avoid vague words. Your thesis statement should be as clear and specific as possible. Normally you will continue to refine your thesis as you revise your argument sso your thesis will evolve and gain definition as you obtain a better sense of where your argument is taking you.
Are there two large statements connected loosely by a coordinating conjunction i. Would a subordinating conjunction help i.
Or do the two statements imply a fuzzy unfocused thesis? If so, settle on one single focus and then proceed with further development. Is your thesis statement too general? Your thesis should be limited to what can be accomplished in the specified number of pages.
Shape your topic so that you can get straight to the "meat" of it. Being specific in your paper will be much more successful than writing about general things that do not say much. The opposite of a focused, narrow, crisp thesis is a broad, sprawling, superficial thesis.
Compare this original thesis too general with three possible revisions more focused, each presenting a different approach to the same topic: Because modern cinematic techniques have allowed filmmakers to get more graphic, horror flicks have desensitized young American viewers to violence.
The pornographic violence in "bloodbath" slasher movies degrades both men and women. Is your thesis statement clear? Your thesis statement is no exception to your writing: By being as clear as possible in your thesis statement, you will make sure that your reader understands exactly what you mean.
In order to be as clear as possible in your writing: Always avoid jargon, unless you are confident your audience will be familiar with it.
Never assume that the meaning of a sentence is obvious. To avoid misunderstandings, be as specific as possible. Compare the original thesis not specific and clear enough with the revised version much more specific and clear: Although the timber wolf is a timid and gentle animal, it is being systematically exterminated.
Although the timber wolf is actually a timid and gentle animal, it is being systematically exterminated because people wrongfully believe it to be a fierce and cold-blooded killer.
Does your thesis include a comment about your position on the issue at hand?
Avoid merely announcing the topic; your original and specific "angle" should be clear. In this way you will tell your reader why your take on the issue matters. In this paper, I will discuss the relationship between fairy tales and early childhood.
Not just empty stories for kids, fairy tales shed light on the psychology of young children. We must save the whales.
When you make a subjective judgment call, specify and justify your reasoning. Socialism is the best form of government for Kenya. If the government takes over industry in Kenya, the industry will become more efficient.Nov 21, · Looking for examples of topic sentences? In formal writing, the topic sentence is usually the first sentence in a paragraph.
Remodeling a kitchen successfully requires research and a good eye. Remember that topic sentences set the tone for the paragraph and should relate back to the thesis or the main idea of the paper.
YourDictionary. Thesis sentences A, B and C are all potentially usable as working theses for a research paper. Thesis B is an example of a working thesis for an analytical research paper while thesis C is an example of a working thesis for an argumentative research paper.
Compose a draft thesis statement. If you are writing a paper that will have an argumentative thesis and are having trouble getting started, the techniques in the table below may help you develop a temporary or "working" thesis statement. How to Write a Thesis Statement.
A thesis statement expresses the central argument or claim of your essay. Learn more in this pamphlet. HTML PDF VIDEO.
A thesis statement clearly identifies the topic being discussed, it should only cover what is being discussed in the paper, and is written for a specific audience. Your thesis statement belongs at the end of your first paragraph, also known as your introduction. Research Paper Introduction Example.
Theory is good, but practice is quite another. Of course, to write an excellent introduction, you need to read an example, so here you are.