thesis statement vs topic sentence

8/8/2019 thesis statement vs topic sentence

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Thesis StatementThat contains the focus of your essay and tells your

reader what the essay is going to be about.

A thesis statement declares what you believe and whatyou intend to prove.


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PositionUsually at the end of the introduction


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CharacteristicsExplanation and Interpretation

The thesis statement should not be a simple

presentation of fact. It should provide a clearinterpretation of how to perceive an idea. It should beable to explain the idea to extract significance out of it.

Precise and Specific

A good thesis statement should only target a singularand specific idea. It should assert an idea to be validand true out of assumptions for a particularobservation and analysis of things.


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CharacteristicsPersuasive and Radical

The thesis statement should at least change the

readers mindset towards understanding a notionIt should persuade the reader that the idea is true and

acceptable

Radically changes the general stereotype notions can

capture more interested audiences


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How to developPrepares for the main sections of a chapter

Prepares for the main chapters of a thesis

Summarizes main points of a paperGives a purpose for reading

It anticipates and refutes the counter-arguments

It avoidsvague language (like "it seems").

It avoids the first person. ("I believe," "In myopinion")


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How to develop It should be contestable, proposing an arguable point

with which people could reasonably disagree

It tackles a subject that could be adequately coveredin the format of the project assigned.

It clearly asserts your own conclusion based onevidence


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ExamplesExample of an analytical thesis statement:

An analysis of the college admission process reveals

one challenge facing counselors: accepting studentswith high test scores or students with strongextracurricular backgrounds.

The paper that follows should:

explain the analysis of the college admission processexplain the challenge facing admissions counselors


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ExamplesExample of an expository (explanatory) thesis

statement:

The life of the typical college student is characterizedby time spent studying, attending class, andsocializing with peers.

The paper that follows should:

explain how students spend their time studying,attending class, and socializing with peers


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What is a Topic Sentence?a single controlling idea, which is expressed in a

sentence

The main idea or theme of a paragraphA generalization which gives rise to a number of lesser

observations or details which prove or relate to thetopic sentence


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PositionBest: beginning of a paragraph

Also: middle or end


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Characteristics and ExamplesIt must be interpretive it must have asubjectandastanceon that subject, or anattitude. In

other words, each hasa topic anda controllingidea. Avoid facts theystate the obviousanddonot interest your audience in reading further.

Weak: Bart Simpson is a poor student.

Better: Bart Simpson performs poorly because helearns differently.


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Characteristics and ExamplesIt isnot toogeneralor too much todiscussorsupport inone paragraph.

Weak: All skateboarders resent authority figures.Better: Skateboarders tend to ignore the rules about

where they can and cant skate.

Weak: Bathing pets is easy.

Better: Bathing a monkey is easy.


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Characteristics and ExamplesIt isnot sospecific that you are unable tosupportit.

Weak: Pitchers must have an out pitch.Better: Pitchers must have an array of pitches to rely on

Itavoids qualifiers wordslike never, always, orall.

Weak: All teenagers lie.Better: Sometimes teenagers lie.


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Characteristics and ExamplesItavoids using there is/are, here is/are, Im going

to tell you about, thisisabout,I am going to write

about, etc..Weak: There are several reasons why my curfew should

be extended.

Better: My curfew should be extended for several

reasons.Weak: Im going to tell you why I should be allowed to

have a small party.

Better: I should be allowed to have a small party.


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Characteristics and ExamplesIt usesstrong, specific words to make your point orsubject clear.

Weak: Watching The Simpsons is fun.

Better: The Simpsons provides social satire andcommentary, often entertaining.

It containsnoslang, both improper for academicwritingand unclear.

Weak: Waunakee football will put the smack down onDeForest.

Better: Waunakee football promises to be competitiveagainst all opponents.


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Characteristics and ExamplesIt isasinterestingas possible remember, you are

trying to engage your reader. Inits efforts to

engage, it also established the mood for theparagraph.

Weak: Metallica and Guns N Roses fans got angrywhen Axl refused to perform.

Better: Metallica and Guns N Roses fans became afrenzied, destructive mob in

Montreal when Axl refused to perform.


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Characteristics and ExamplesItdoesnot containsupportingdetails, whichshould follow.

Weak: I believe I should receive an allowance because Ihave proved responsible by

doing all of my homework.

Better: I should receive an allowance because I have

proved myself responsible.


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Characteristics and ExamplesIt isa complete thought, not a fragment.

Weak: How to tie your shoe.

Better: Tying a shoe involves 4 easy steps.It must unify the content ofa paragraph anddirects theorderof the sentences;andit advisesthe readerof the subject to be discussedand how

the paragraph willdiscussit.Each detail of the paragraph must fit with the topic

sentence to achieve this unity.


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Thank You.

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thesis statement vs topic sentence