Writ 1133 theses

1. Introductions: Summaries +
Theses

2. Overall, a strong intro lays out an original and thought-provoking
thesis: an argument for (in this case) your interpretation of the
artifact you’ve chosen.
• It begins with a summary paragraph that provides the context your
audience needs to understand your thesis— no less and no more.
• A strong thesis responds to the whole question; it doesn’t simply
restate the question or respond to parts of it.
• It’s based not on generalities but on an analysis of specific,
concrete features and details of the artifact.
• It advances a debatable claim about the meaning of the artifact;
it’s not a statement of simple fact.
• It provides the reasoning behind that claim, using concepts and
terminology from Hunt.
• It’s clear enough that its readers will understand precisely what
the writer is arguing.
• A strong thesis is complex; it logically connects all of its key ideas.
• features of a strong introduction

3. • features of a strong introduction
• Summary provides the right amount of context.
• Thesis is original and thought-provoking.
• Responds to the question — the whole question.
• Based on analysis of specific, concrete features and details.
• Makes a debatable claim about meaning.
• Provides reasoning (using Hunt’s terms and concepts).
• Suitably specific.
• Suitably complex.
• Logically connected.

4. • where people often go awry
• Summary not tailored to thesis.
• Thesis is familiar and/or uncontroversial.
• Neglects to address parts of question.
– By what means does the artifact teach?
– How is that lesson rewiring our psyches and our societies?
• Claims are disconnected