This document provides guidance on writing strong thesis statements and grabbing the reader's attention in introductions. It discusses the components of a good thesis statement, including taking a position and being provable. It also gives examples of strong vs weak thesis statements. For introductions, it recommends using a quotation, dramatic scene, or fact-based approach to engage the reader. The document aims to help writers craft effective introductions and thesis statements for research papers.

1. Writing Research Paper Thesis Paragraph 1 = Introduction Paragraph 2 - 4 = Body Paragraph = Conclusion

2. Writing THESIS STATEMENTS And Attention Grabbing INTRODUCTIONS

3. Part 1. THE THESIS STATEMENT The thesis statement is simply A SUBJECT and AN OPINION on that SUBJECT

4. Common Errors to Avoid A Thesis Statement must take a position. Examples: 1) Some people say the we should limit free speech. 2) In my opinion there are certain limits to free speech. A Thesis Statement does not mention the writer. Examples: 1) In this paper I will be discussing why we should limit free speech. 2) My paper is about free speech and how it can be misused.

5. Common Errors to Avoid The Thesis must be provable using the tools you have. Example: Americans today are not prepared to give up the concept of free speech. (requires a sociological survey) A Thesis Statement must be contestable. It must present a view that someone can reasonably argue. Example : 1) Free Speech is our right but there are always alternatives to racist language. 2) Although we have the right to say what we want we should avoid hurting other peoples feelings.

6. THE THESIS STATEMENT Example: The Haitian earthquake was is so destructive that it will take 100 years for the society to recover. The subject : The Haitian earthquake . My opinion : It will take the society 100 years to recover.

7. Sample Prompt: Convince your reader whether school uniforms should be mandatory in public schools. Examples: It is outrageous for students to be forced to wear school uniforms. Students who are forced to wear school uniforms have their creativity stifled. School uniforms should not be mandatory in public schools because it would stifle students’ creativity, take away students’ rights, and cause students to lose interest in school Thesis Statements STRONG vs. WEAK

8. School uniforms should not be mandatory in public schools because it would stifle students’ creativity, take away students’ rights, and cause students to lose interest in school. Body Section 1 It would stifle student creativity Body Section 2 It would take away student rights Body Section 3 It would cause students to lose interest in school. BODY OF THE PAPER

9. THE THESIS STATEMENT Example 1: In the novel, “ G-Dog and the Homeboys ”, Spanky’s personality and emotions are revealed by his words and actions. The subject is Spanky. My opinion is that his personality and emotions are revealed by his words and actions. Example 2: In the novel “ G-Dog and the Homeboys ”, Spanky’s childhood relationship with his mother informs his personality and emotions as a young man. The subject is Spanky’s relationship with his mother. My opinion is that this relationship tells us about his personality and emotions.

10. Prompt: Compare and contrast the reasons why the North and South fought the Civil War. The North and South fought the Civil War for many reasons, some of which were the same and some different. 2 While both sides fought the Civil War over the issue of slavery, the North fought for moral reasons while the South fought to preserve its own institutions. 3. While both Northerners and Southerners believed they fought against tyranny and oppression, Northerners focused on the oppression of slaves while Southerners defended their own right to self-government Thesis Statements STRONG vs. WEAK

11. “Grabbing the Readers Attention” “ INTRODUCTION”

12. “Grabbing the Readers Attention” Make it Unique Use a quotation Use a dramatic scene Use the fact based approach Read and discuss the examples on your handout. . . .

13. Use a quotation “She, (my mother) hit me with the hose, extension cord from the iron, the metal wires from the TV. Anything she could find.” In the novel, “ G-Dog and the Homeboys ”, Juan Carlos Lopez, street name Spanky, recalls in his own words, his earliest memories of his mother.

14. Use The Fact Based Approach According to GRYD the Mayor’s gang intervention taskforce, there are over 40,000 gang members in Los Angeles. To many these young men are mostly faceless and voiceless. and the Homeboys ”, the author gives both face and voice to one them, Juan Carlos Lopez, street name Spanky. In Celeste Fremon’s “G-Dog

15. Writing prompts usually provide us with a Thesis Statement in their instructions.

16. The Body Paragraph 1 “Prove your Thesis” Use Concrete Detail : Concrete Detail are quotes and excerpts from the writing, which you use to prove your thesis statement. Commentary: Follow Concrete Detail with your opinion on how that detail proves your point.