Thesis statements

1. LeidenUniversity.Theuniversityto discover.
Reading and Writing for International Studies
Writing ForumQuestions
PowerPointforweek 5

2. LeidenUniversity.Theuniversityto discover.
Week5
• Discuss the thesis statement (TS).
• Is the TS clearly defined? Does it indicate scope, intention and
approach of the paper? How specificis it atthis point?
• Consider the verbs used in the TS. What do they tell the reader about
the author’s intentions? Canthe reader expect answers or a
discussion?
• How does your TS fit into the wider academic field? How is the topic
addressed inthe paper relevant to the reader?

3. LeidenUniversity.Theuniversityto discover.
• Do I answer the question?
• Have I takena position thatothers might challenge or oppose?
• Is my thesis statement specific enough?
• Does my essay support my thesis specifically and without wandering?
• Does my thesis pass the ‘how and why?’ test?
Discuss the thesis statement

4. LeidenUniversity.Theuniversityto discover.
Discuss the thesis statement
• Consider theverbs used in theTS. What do they tellthe
reader about theauthor’s intentions?Can thereader expect
answers or a discussion?
• How does your TS fit intothe wider academic field? How is
the topic addressed in thepaper relevant to thereader?

5. LeidenUniversity.Theuniversityto discover.
Defend your TS
- In class
- Discuss (only positive criticism please)
- Work on your TS in your group