2. It is typically one sentence; however, sometimes you may
need more than one sentence. It states the main idea or argument of
your essay. It lets your reader know what to expect. It is the
basis for your entire essay. It is the most important part of your
essay. It is awesome (kinda).
3. What does a thesis statement do? A thesis statement provides
the point you want to prove. Presents your argument in a concise
form. gives the structure your essay will follow. can provide the
opposite point of view.
4. Are there different types of thesis statements? Open vs.
Closed An Open Thesis does not contain the body points. i.e.
Everyone should drive a hybrid car. A Closed Thesis includes the
body points. i.e. Everyone should drive a hybrid car because they
pollute less, they get better mileage, and they help reduce
gasoline costs.
5. Your thesis is the foundation of your essay The entire essay
attempts to prove that your thesis is correct. Constantly refer
back to your thesis to make sure that your essay is staying on
track If you used a Closed Thesis, your body paragraphs should
cover one of the points mentioned in your thesis. Your body
paragraphs should go in the same order as the points they cover
were mentioned in the thesis.
6. How do I write a thesis statement?
7. Just as E = mc Subject + Opinion = Thesis
8. Simple or Complex? A beginning THESIS STATEMENT: A is B. A
better THESIS STATEMENT: A is B because of x, y, and z A more
complex THESIS STATEMENT: Although C is D, A is B because of x, y,
and z.
9. Thesis Formula Although , ________ because _,_____________
and _______________________. gasoline-powered cars are
popularpeople should drive hybrid cars they cut down on pollution
they save you money on gas, hybrid owners receive special tax
breaks
10. _________________________ + __________________________
Subject Opinion because _____________________________,
_____________________________, reason 1 reason 2
_________________________________________ reason 3 Although
_________________________________________________, counter argument
(opposite of your opinion) the war on drugs is a travesty of
justice sentencing laws are discriminatory more prisons than
colleges are built and addition is treated as a crime rather than a
disease. most politicians support ongoing funding for the DEA
11. Thesis Formula Although , ________ because _____. many
people remain skeptical the govt should fund research on bigfoot
compelling evidence suggests it exists
12. Simple or Complex? Examples: BASIC THESIS (just alright!):
Community colleges are an important part of Californias educational
system. MORE COMPLEX THESIS (much better!): Community colleges are
an important part of Californias educational system because they
are a more cost-effective way to attain a degree, classes are
smaller, and they prepare students for the demands of University
life.
13. Simple or Complex? Examples: VERY COMPLEX THESIS
(perfect!!): Although many students want to go straight from high
school to a four-year university, community colleges are an
important part of Californias educational system because they are a
more cost-effective way to attain a degree, classes are smaller
than at most four-year universities, and they prepare students for
the demands of University life.
14. A Few Examples The Adventures of Tom Sawyer was written by
Mark Twain in 1876. Some people think that The Adventures of Tom
Sawyer is Mark Twains best novel. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is
Mark Twains best novel. Although some scholars argue that
Huckleberry Finn is Twains crowning achievement, the Adventures of
Tom Sawyer is Mark Twains best novel because of its use of satire,
imagery, and symbolism. WEAK WEAK STRONG STRONGER
15. Once all necessary and relevant background knowledge is
stated, it is typically then that a thesis statement can be
declared in the last sentence of the introduction paragraph.
16. Try it!
17. Prompts What do you believe are the benefits of daily
exercise? Are online courses better than traditional course? Why or
why not? Do you believe that television has more of a negative or
positive impact on society? Why or why not? What age do you think
is more appropriate for someone to be able to get their drivers
license, and why? What do you think should be the main priorities
for Californias budget? Should marijuana be legalized in CA?
18. The Five Paragraph Essay Although dangerous martial arts
beneficial because they teach discipline, patience, and
character.
19. The Five Paragraph Essay In defense of the 5 paragraph
essay Ill Effects of the Five Paragraph theme The length of your
essaythe number of paragraphs, the sentences in each paragraph,
etcdepends on the audience. Dont make the mistake of thinking that
essays should only be five paragraphs long. Even if you list three
points in your thesis, you may need 20 paragraphs to explain those
three points.
20. Strategies for Introductions Controversial statement
Rhetorical Question Story or anecdote Startling statistic Statement
of popular opinion that is contradicted or shown to be untrue
Comparison or analogy Rhetorical Devices: poetic, repetition,
anticipation, emphasis
21. Introductions Scan some website, news sites, blogs, etc.,
and look for an article with an engaging introduction. What makes
it engaging? Why do you want to read it?
22. Individual Work Exercise: Try it!
23. Group Work Exercise: Write the first few sentences of an
introduction using rhetorical device(s). Topic: What would you
change about Valley College?
24. Where Does the THESIS STATEMENT Go?
25. Strategies for Conclusion Aristotle, in The Rhetoric, tells
us a good writer should do this in the conclusion: "make the
audience well-disposed towards ourselves and ill- disposed to our
opponent." Go beyond restating and/or summarizing. One way to
achieve this is to explain the benefits if the audience accepts our
view. It's a good opportunity to make inferences or predictions.
Ask the audience to consider what would happen if they dont accept
our point of view. Make a connection to society in general, the
bigger picture, the human condition.
