This document provides guidance on writing a thesis statement. It explains that a thesis statement declares what you believe and intend to prove in a clear, specific, and arguable way. It should avoid vague language and inspire the reader to ask "how" or "why." The document provides examples of strong and weak thesis statements and discusses how to develop topics, ask interesting questions, and use topic sentences and transitions to ensure paragraph coherence.

1. Writing Workshop Week 2 ISP Joanna Luper

2. Thesis What is a Thesis…. A document submitted in support of candidature for an academic degree or professional qualification presenting the author’s research and findings.

3. Jot down Take one minute and jot down a few topics which you might like to write about..

4. Thesis Writing

5. What are the components… Title Page Abstract Table of Contents Body Bibliography

6. Body Introduction Thesis Statement Body Sections Paragraphs (like a million) Topic Sentence Conclusion Restating the Thesis Statement

7. Thesis Statement A Thesis Statement declares what you believe and what you INTEND to prove. A good thesis statement makes the difference between a thoughtful research project and a simple retelling of facts

8. First Make a preliminary or tentative thesis Do research on your topic.. Get information Then finalize your thesis statement CLEAR… STRONG… EASY TO FIND

9. Attributes Should be contestable.. Proposing an arguable point with which people could disagree Specific and Focused Provides the reader with a map to guide Avoids vague language Avoids first person

10. Simple equation.. specific top + attitude/angle/argument = Thesis What you plan to argue + How you plan to argue it =Thesis

11. 5 Tests Does the thesis inspire a reasonable reader to ask “HOW? Or WHY?” Would a reasonable reader NOT respond with “duh” or “So What” or “Who cares??” Does the thesis avoid general phrasing and or sweeping words such as “all” or “none” or “every”? Does the Thesis lead the reader towards the topic sentences? Can the Thesis be adequately developed in the required length of the paper or project?!

12. Proficient vs Advanced Proficient: Inspires the reasonable reader to ask “how?” or “why?” Advanced: Inspires the reasonable reader to ask “how” or “why” and exclaim “WOW!”

13. Brainstorming a Thesis Select a Topic Ask an Interesting Question Revise the question into a thesis Remember this argument is your “preliminary” or “working” thesis.

14. Is it a Thesis?? I would like to become a chef when I finish school. Although both chefs and cooks can prepare fine meals, chefs differ from cooks in education, professional commitment, and artistry.

15. Hip hop is the best thing that has happened to music in twenty years. Though many people dismiss hip hop as offensive, hip hop music offers urban youth an important opportunity for artistic expression, and allows them to articulate the poetry of the street

16. Practice: Identify the best thesis statement from each group and state why it’s the best on the line provided. For those you do not select, explain why you did not by writing: Too general, So what?, Why?, or How?

17. a. There are many causes of anorexia. b. Anorexia has both emotional and social causes that work hand-in-hand. c. Anorexia occurs most often in young women aged 13-2

18. a. Business practices in the former Soviet Union countries. b. Business practices in the countries of the former Soviet Union have changed drastically since the break-up. c. Since the break-up of the former Soviet Union, business practices in those countries have changed most in the fields of marketing and customer service, reflecting the changes in government and political philosophy

19. Shakespeare intended the audience to question the existence of Hamlet’s father’s ghost. b. The appearance of Hamlet’s father’s ghost raises an important psychological as well as dramatic dilemma in the play. c. Critics throughout the ages have debated the significance of Hamlet’s father’s ghost.

20. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents are the best teachers. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer It has recently been announced that a large shopping center may be built in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer

21. Businesses should hire employees for their entire lives. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. A company is going to give some money either to support the arts or to protect the environment. Which do you think the company should choose? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

22. Topic Sentence “focus sentence” Encapsulates or organizes an entire paragraph, and should be included in every MAJOR paragraph Always in the Beginning Relates to the Thesis Statement Topic sentence=topic +controlling idea

23. Coherence Each sentence relates clearly to the topic sentence or controlling idea Smooth flowing

24. Techniques to have Coherence Repeat key words or phrases Create parallel structures Be consistent in point of view, verb tense and number Use transition words or phrases between sentences and between paragraphs.

25. Useful Transitions To show addition: again, and, also, besides, equally important, first (second, etc.), further, furthermore, in addition, in the first place, moreover, next, too To give examples: for example, for instance, in fact, specifically, that is, to illustrate To compare: also, in the same manner, likewise, similarly To contrast: although, and yet, at the same time, but, despite, even though, however, in contrast, in spite of, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, still, though, yet

26. To summarize or conclude: all in all, in conclusion, in other words, in short, in summary, on the whole, that is, therefore, to sum up To show time: after, afterward, as, as long as, as soon as, at last, before, during, earlier, finally, formerly, immediately, later, meanwhile, next, since, shortly, subsequently, then, thereafter, until, when, while To show place or direction: above, below, beyond, close, elsewhere, farther on, here, nearby, opposite, to the left (north, etc.)

27. To indicate logical relationship: accordingly, as a result, because, consequently, for this reason, hence, if, otherwise, since, so, then, therefore, thus