The Thesis StatementNotes

The thesis statement is a sentence that clearly and concisely indicates the subject of your paper, the main points you will cover, and the order in which you will discuss them. It is not the subject; it is an interpretation of the subject.

Important Thesis Notes

A thesis statement is a declarative statement. It is not a title, a fragment, or a question.

Example: Question: Why are biofeedback techniques

excellent methods of stress reduction? Thesis: Because of its simplicity, accuracy,

and lack of toxicity, biofeedback is often a successful technique for migraine relief.

A thesis statement is an arguable idea, not a fact.

Fact: Cortez conquered Mexico in 1509.

Thesis: The colonial mentality which prompted Cortez's barbaric invasion of Mexico brought about not an advance of native society but a destruction of Aztec culture.

A thesis statement is not an announcement of the author's purpose or assignment.

Announcement: In this paper I will discuss the causes and effects of the French Revolution and then argue as to whether or not it was successful.

Thesis: Though the reasons for the French Revolution were noble— liberty, fraternity, equality—the effects were devastating, ultimately leading to the unsuccessful reinstitution of the monarchy and the restructuring of a classist society into a militaristic one.

A thesis statement is not obvious.Obvious: Litter creates pollution of the environment.Thesis: Recycling programs, though expensive at

first, are ultimately an efficient, cost effective, and environmentally sound means of reducing waste in our environment.

Obvious: The computer was an important technological advancement in the twentieth century.

Thesis: Even though computers have their idiosyncrasies, they have improved our lives tremendously by simplifying word processing, streamlining data storage, and promoting an international exchange of information.

A thesis statement is specific and narrowed and is not a broad

overgeneralization.

Broad: Men are chauvinists.Narrow: Men who repress their true

feelings leave themselves open to physical, psychological, and relationship difficulties.

A thesis statement covers only one topic.

Many topics: The theme, characters, setting, irony, conflicts, viewpoint, and plot all contribute to making Madame Bovary a tragedy.

One topic: Flaubert's Emma Bovary is a tragic character because, never seeing reality, she misses some important clues that her life has gone awry, and she falls from her social "height" into prostitution.

A thesis statement focuses the essay and guides its

direction.Unfocused: Martin Luther King, Jr. is a role

model for everyone to follow.

Focused: Because of his determination, his courage to follow his beliefs and his unwavering sense of justice, Martin Luther King, Jr. is a symbol of American freedom.

Your thesis needs three components: (TAD)

Topic: The narrowed, limited subject of your paper.

Attitude:How you will treat and interpret the subject.

Development: The proof/points you will cover in the paper.

If you were writing a paper to convince your parents to let you have your own car, your thesis would not be something like:

It’s important for me to have a car.

Why?!

How about:

It’s important for me to have a car so I can take road trips.

Why?

What about this?Having my own car will give me

more freedom to explore life, but it will also provide discipline through the

expansion of my household responsibilities.

Now, Consider These…

Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn is a great American novel.

In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore.

Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain's Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American democratic ideals, one must leave "civilized" society and go back to nature.

Where is the thesis?Contrary to popular, parental, and librarian opinion, 'quiet study time' does not in fact enhance but instead impairs students' productivity. Listening to music while studying is in fact a beneficial activity to add to a study regime for better grades because of the way music motivates students and keeps them alert.

Listening to music while studying is in fact a

beneficial activity to add to a study regime for better

grades because of the way music motivates students

and keeps them alert.

Your thesis must take a stand, be specific, and engaging

enough to justify writing about.

A strong thesis often contains words like:

BecauseSinceSoAlthoughUnlessThroughHowever

Why?

They help with

development!

For Example…

Because half of all crack babies are likely to grow up in homes lacking good mental and emotional stimulation, the federal government should finance programs to supplement parental care for crack addicted infants and children.

Let’s break this one down…Because half of all crack babies are likely to grow up in homes lacking good mental and emotional stimulation, the federal government should finance programs to supplement parental care for crack addicted infants and children.

Topic:Federal GovernmentAttitude:Should Finance ProgramsDevelopment:1) Crack addicted babies are

less likely to grow up in homes lacking good mental stimulation

2) Crack addicted babies are less likely to grow up in homes lacking good emotional stimulation

Let’s Try Another…Because the internet is filled with tremendous marketing potential, companies should take advantage by using web pages that offer both advertising and customer support.

Topic:Companies

Attitude:Should use web pages that use advertising and customer support

Development:The tremendous marketing potential of the internet

One more…Hunger persists in Appalachia because jobs are scarce and farming in the infertile soil is rarely profitable.

Topic:Hunger in Appalachia

Attitude:Persists

Development:1)Jobs are scarce

2)Farming in infertile soil is rarely profitable

Your topic needs to be:Single:

Narrow-don’t try to take on so much!

Supportable:Is there enough evidence to support and defend your thesis statement?

Significant:Why write about it if it’s not important?

Basic Steps for Writing a Thesis Statement

1. After you have decided your topic, you need to narrow it down.

2. Put your topic into a sentence.

3. Add your argument, viewpoint, or opinion to your topic to make your thesis persuasive.

4. Elaborate on your thesis so that it addresses all parts of your assignment.

5. Organize your thesis to guide the direction of your paper.

6. Edit your thesis for content, word choice, precision, and mechanics.