2. Why so much focus on
thesis?
Thesis presupposes ARGUMENT
We’re not limited to 2-sides, 3
supports
We need some guiding framework to
SLIGHTLY shape our research and
drafting…
and then to turn it from writer-based to
reader-based draft:
the conclusion you reach has to
appear early to help the reader. 2
3. More on your thesis
Reminder – your thesis can change
throughout, as you should be guided
by the evidence,
The final result should be UNIFIED
Your “conclusion” in a draft can often
work as the real introduction.
In our Big Research paper – thesis
statement ends the first paragraph
3
4. Fun experiment:
Try the opposite thesis statement on
for a while, too.
If there is no alternate side, is YOUR
statement truly a thesis?
4
5. Understanding your argument
The next few slides are a pre-writing
exercise to help you understand your
argument better.
◦ I have examples for a topic of a different
paper, but stay with YOUR topic every
time!
5
6. Step 0: Get ready
You can handwrite or type this in
something you can access later.
These prompts are for writing, not
talking!
I will set the timer for about 4 minutes
for each prompt. Keep writing the whole
time.
If you can’t think of what to say, just repeat the 6
7. Step 1: Research Q&A
Remember do these about YOUR topic
State the issue or question you are
arguing:
◦ “Are Video Games addictive?”
State your preliminary answer –
◦ “Yes, designed around what behavior
psychology tells is triggers the reward
centers in the brain.”
7
8. Step 2: Your values
State what beliefs motivate you,
and some key definitions, even if
they feel obvious written down.
◦ games = fun.
◦ Fun = good.
◦ “too much” fun = bad.
◦ Addiction = bad.
◦ Games (for this project) = ones played
alone, clicking a lot.
◦ Addiction = “brain change”
8
9. Step 3: Audience
Who is your audience?
◦ general adults
◦ ages 30-50.
◦ M & F
◦ interested in their own game habits
Who is NOT your audience?
◦ Psychologists
◦ Adolescents or college students
◦ Parents in their role as parents
9
10. Step 4: Audience’s Beliefs
State the beliefs you think your
audience holds.
◦ Games = social also
◦ Games = a way to measure progress?
◦ Self-improvement = good, but hard
10
11. Step 5: Why does this topic
matter?
To you?
◦ “Do I waste my life with video games?”
To your audience?
◦ “Can video games be used for good, like
gamification of workouts?”
11
12. Step 6: Evidence
What evidence do you need to
support your claims?
(list both things you have already or would be
useful for this audience)
What evidence would be perfect if you
could find it?
What gaps in your research do you
need to fill?
12
13. Let’s Share
Chat with your row/team about
some of the things you wrote.
◦ Any new insights?
◦ Which prompt was most useful?
◦ What are your next steps?
13