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 WorkshopWeek 2ISPJoanna Luper

2. ThesisWhat 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 downTake one minute and jot down a few topics which you might like to write about..

4. Thesis Writing

5. What are the components…Title PageAbstractTable of ContentsBodyBibliography

6. BodyIntroductionThesis StatementBodySectionsParagraphs (like a million)Topic SentenceConclusionRestating the Thesis Statement

7. Thesis StatementA 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. FirstMake a preliminary or tentative thesisDo research on your topic.. Get informationThen finalize your thesis statementCLEAR… STRONG… EASY TO FIND

9. AttributesShould be contestable.. Proposing an arguable point with which people could disagreeSpecific and FocusedProvides the reader with a map to guideAvoids vague languageAvoids first person

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

11. 5 TestsDoes 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 AdvancedProficient: 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 ThesisSelect a TopicAsk an Interesting QuestionRevise the question into a thesisRemember 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 answerIt 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 paragraphAlways in the BeginningRelates to the Thesis StatementTopic sentence=topic +controlling idea

23. CoherenceEach sentence relates clearly to the topic sentence or controlling ideaSmooth flowing

24. Techniques to have CoherenceRepeat key words or phrasesCreate parallel structuresBe consistent in point of view, verb tense and numberUse transition words or phrases between sentences and between paragraphs.

25. Useful TransitionsTo show addition: again, and, also, besides, equally important, first (second, etc.), further, furthermore, in addition, in the first place, moreover, next, tooTo give examples: for example, for instance, in fact, specifically, that is, to illustrateTo compare: also, in the same manner, likewise, similarlyTo 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 upTo 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, whileTo 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