The do's and do not's of thesis writing

1. THESIS
CONTROLLING IDEA
CENTRAL IDEA
PROPOSITION
ASSERTION
WARRANT
(PROMISE)
writer makes to the reader
DO’S (PROMISE)
 Express the point of the
paper
Tourists find Mexico City
best in springtime.
 Make it defensible
Travel changes people’s
perspectives about their
place in the world.
 Be specific
The United States should
pull out of Afghanistan.
 Be concise
Microwaves hasten cooking
time.
 Use strong verbs if
possible
Exposure to chemicals
harms children.
 Write a statement – a
declarative sentence
Good government tells its
people the truth.
Don’ts
 Don’t bifurcate
(divide into two
branches)
Brains function for
thinking and eating.

2.  Don’t describe the
strategy of the
paper.
I am going to persuade
you to read Water for
Elephants.
 Don’t be wordy
River Gull inflatable
kayaks make adventure
serendipitous because
you can carry one in
your car, blow it up
anywhere, and paddle it
anytime you come upon
a scenic lake or river.
 Don’t write the
thesis as a question
Do you believe in the
death penalty?
ONE SENTENCE THAT SAYS WHAT THE PAPER SAYS