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Writing a Thesis Statement

Notes from

A Pocket Style Manual


By Diana Hacker
and

Elements of Language

Forming a Thesis

Subject + your opinion


on or what you want to
prove about the subject
(based on research) =
Thesis

The thesis
expresses

not just your opinion but


also your informed, reasoned
judgment.
is a conclusion that you draw about
your author based on research.
will appear at the end of the first
paragraph.
may be 1-3 sentences.

The thesis
will

keep you on track as you


write your report.
in the final draft, will keep your
reader on track.
may change as you research and
write.
should be revised as you write.

Your thesis should


take a stand on a debatable
issue an issue about which

intelligent, well-meaning
people might disagree. Each
writers job will be to
convince such people that his
or her view is worth taking
seriously.

Your thesis should


answer the central question that you
pose.

What adjectives would best describe my


authors style?
Ex.: realistic, confessional, mysterious, eerie,
humorous, satirical

What adjectives would best describe my


authors works?

More central questions

What influences (personal or historical)


have shaped my authors style of writing
and his/her works?

How has my author (his/her style of writing


and works) influenced others or a time
period?

My author wrote in what time period or era?

Example Thesis Statements


See page 202 in EL
Mexican writer Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz
became a noted intellectual in spite of both
social and religious obstacles to her
education.
Three characters from The Great Gatsby
George Wilson, Jay Gatsby, and Daisy
Buchanan reveal by their empty lives the
economic, spiritual, and moral desolation
which results from chasing hollow dreams.

More information and tips


on writing a thesis
statement
See pages 466 468 in EL
Complete Exercise 3 on page 468
Read also The Structure of
Introductions in Elements of
Literature on pages 471

Analyzing Thesis Statements Ex.


#3
1. Effective
2. Effective
3. Effective
4. This statement needs to be revised to express a specific idea
about a limited topic. The following demonstrates a possible
revision:
Community parks are important to city-dwellers because they
provide a place to congregate, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors.
5. Effective

Rough Draft of Phase I & II


due on Wednesday, 3/9!

Good luck writing!

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