Leiden University. The university to discover.

Reading and Writing for International Studies

Writing Forum Questions

PowerPoint for week 5

Leiden University. The university to discover.

Week 5• Discuss the thesis statement (TS).• Is the TS clearly defined? Does it indicate

scope, intention and approach of the paper? How specific is it at this point?

• Consider the verbs used in the TS. What do they tell the reader about the author’s intentions? Can the reader expect answers or a discussion?

• How does your TS fit into the wider academic field? How is the topic addressed in the paper relevant to the reader?

Leiden University. The university to discover.

• Do I answer the question?

• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose?

• Is my thesis statement specific enough?

• Does my essay support my thesis specifically and without wandering?

• Does my thesis pass the ‘how and why?’ test?

Discuss the thesis statement

Leiden University. The university to discover.

Discuss the thesis statement• Consider the verbs used in the TS.

What do they tell the reader about the author’s intentions? Can the reader expect answers or a discussion?

• How does your TS fit into the wider academic field? How is the topic addressed in the paper relevant to the reader?

Leiden University. The university to discover.

Defend your TS- In class

- Discuss (only positive criticism please)

- Work on your TS in your group