Download - Developing a thesis hp
Developing a Thesis Leisen.
2009.
A these statement is
• an arguable position or opinion• provable with logic• specific and manageable• clearly stated in your introduction
(advanced writers may not directly state the thesis until later in the paper)
A thesis statement is NOT
• a value judgment• a statement of fact• a short, simple sentence
(it may even be two sentences)
Bad Thesis:To Kill a Mockingbird was a good book.
Getting there. . .
To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the best books ever written.
Good thesis:
Haper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird stands asthe most important novel of the 20th century, and should be required reading for high school students.
Bad Thesis:The narrator in Old School was came from a middle
class background.
Getting there. . .
The narrator in Old School was motivated by his desire to conceal his background from his school
mates.
Good thesis:Tobias Wolff shows us that, above all, a writer must experience what he or sheis writing about in order to be honest.
Bad Thesis:Odysseus was determined to return to Ithaca.
Getting there. . .
Penelope was not the main reason Odysseus wanted to return to Ithaca.
Good thesis:
It is Odysseus’ father and land that give himsubstance and stature, and these are his main motivations for returning home rather than romantic love for Penelope.
Bad Thesis:Odysseus is cursed by the gods.
Getting there. . .
Odysseus’ own actions and choices led to his suffering.
Good thesis:
Homer’s epic, The Odyssey, remains the most influential, and thus, important piece of Western literature that we have today.
Key Words in thesis statements:• primary• most important• the result of • main motivation, overt
reasons• greatest effect• should have, could have,
would have• reason or reasoning• we learn, shows us, • demonstrates• in reality, in actuality • contrary to popular belief
Your thesis statement is not due until Tuesday, January 26. However, as you continue your research, ask yourself:
What am I learning about my subject?Where am I going with this?What are my opinions about my subject?What are the authors and quotes telling me?
What will I be able to prove?