Writing a Thesis

Determine your direction

Identify your interest and possible topics

Think about where you are headed

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement is a

single declarative sentence that

summarizes your essay
Narrows

your subject
Specific, significant claim
Purpose of your writing
Previews the arrangement of the paper

Examples of Thesis
Statement
---- Bad example
The United States economy has gone into
a state of stalemate.
--- Good example
Financial crisis and unemployment
situations have put the United States
economy into a state of stalemate.

Examples of Thesis
Statement
---- Bad example
Smoking should be prohibited.
[This thesis statement is too vague or
ambiguous apart from being too short. It
does not really argue for or against any
specific point.]
--- Good example
There should be an absolute ban against
smoking in public because secondhand
smoke endangers the health of non-

Write a thesis

Topic (for a causal argument)

If I accept that promotion at work
A claim about the topic
my family will be affected because
Add main points
my husband will have to work less,
we will be able to buy a house, and
I will receive the job satisfaction.

Write a thesis

Main points eventually may become the

topic sentence of paragraphs:
First, if I get a promotion, my husband
will have to work less, which will result
in his being able to spend more time
with the children, which we agree would
benefit all of us.
Then add supporting details and
examples.

Write a thesis

Second, because we will receive

significantly more income, we will be
able to buy that house we have been
researching, which also happens to be
closer to both of our work sites and in a
better school district.
Then add supporting details and
examples.

Write a thesis

Finally, I will receive the job satisfaction

for which I have been working so hard,
which will increase my overall health
and well being.
Then add supporting details and
examples.

Plan your route

Visually organize

Options for organizing can be

Outline
Conceptual map

Write Now. Make a plan.

Write a working thesis statement

Write an outline or conceptual map of
writing

Working together

Evaluate the working thesis:

Is it specific?
Is it manageable?
Is it interesting?
Evaluate the plan:
Is it focused?
Is it complete?
What still needs to be done?

RETURNING AND REVISING

Evaluate your draft

Does the paper meet the assignment?

Do you have a clear focus?
Are your main points adequately
developed?
Do you consider your readers
knowledge and points of view?
Do you represent yourself effectively?

Learn strategies for

rewriting

Visualize audience
Sharpen focus
Define key terms
Develop as needed
Link paragraphs

Learn strategies for

rewriting

Consider your title

Consider your introduction
Consider your conclusion
Improve your text visually

Respond to others

First reading: Read aloud your own text

Second and third readings: Exchange
papers

What does the writer do especially well?

What one or two things would most
improve
the draft in a revision?

Pay attention to details last

Edit for particular goals

Check transitions between sentences
Check sentences for completeness
Eliminate wordiness
Use precise vocabulary

Pay attention to details last

Proofread carefully
Spell check and check for usage
Check for grammar and punctuation