LESSON 2:

THESIS STATEMENT
A THESIS STATEMENT:
tells the reader how you will
interpret the significance of the
subject matter under discussion.
is a road map for the paper; in
other words, it tells the reader
what to expect from the rest of
the paper.
makes a claim that others might
dispute.
directly answers the question
asked of you.
TYPES OF THESIS PAPER
An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an
idea into its component parts, evaluates the
issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and
evaluation to the audience.
An expository (explanatory) paper explains
something to the audience.
An argumentative paper makes a claim about a
topic and justifies this claim with specific
evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a
policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and-
effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal
of the argumentative paper is
to convince the audience that
the claim is true based on the
evidence provided.

EXPLICIT THESIS ANALYTICAL THESIS STATEMENTS

The primary focus of the thesis statement in the
directly states the writer's main analytical essay is to evaluate and give meaning
idea/position and provides a clear to a concept or situation. For example, analytical
direction for the essay. thesis examples answers “how” and “why”
questions. Basically, this sentence is prevalent in
analysis papers. In turn, an excellent example of
IMPLIED THESIS an analytical thesis statement is: “The process of
metamorphosis signifies the class struggles of
is not directly stated, but rather the organisms to break out of a life of being
suggested through the writer's oppressed.” Hence, the above thesis explains
“how” the animals behave during
ideas and supporting. points. metamorphosis. Besides, the statement indicates
Nonetheless, it should still the reasons “why” organisms struggle during the
provide an obvious process of transformation.
Thus, an analytical claim
focus for the reader.
evaluates various situations to
give meaning.

EXPOSITORY THESIS STATEMENTS

An expository thesis statement explains a situation to the reader. For instance, a thesis statement in
an expository essay should assert what one wants the reader to know, believe, or understand. In this
case, expository thesis examples must explain to a reader the meaning or implication of an essay.
Besides, the explanatory thesis statement should give a writer’s accurate opinion on the subject
matter. Basically, an expository thesis statement should be declarative. Along these lines, thesis
examples should reveal the primary intention of a writer. On the other hand, a reader can understand
what the essay explains by reading through this thesis example. Thus, an expository sentence
elucidates a situation to a reader.
 ARGUMENTATIVE THESIS STATEMENT
An argumentative thesis statement convinces a reader to believe in a specific point of view. For
instance, an argumentative sentence states an arguable claim. Along these lines, this thesis statement
provides reasons or evidence that supports the claim in the argumentative essay or persuasive essay.
Besides, its organization helps to convince the reader to adopt a specific position. An excellent
example of an argumentative thesis statement is: “Farmers should not eliminate Barn Owl’s nests
from storehouses because this bird helps to reduce insects and rodents.” In this case, the thesis
statement presented a debatable issue and evidence to support the writer’s perception. Thus,
argumentative thesis examples try to influence the reader’s opinion.

HOW TO TELL A STRONG THESIS 3. A strong thesis statement expresses

STATEMENT FROM A WEAK ONE one main idea.

1. A strong thesis statement takes
some sort of stand.
Remember that your thesis needs to
show your conclusions about a
subject.
Readers need to be able to see that your
paper has one main point. If your thesis
statement expresses more than one idea,
then you might confuse your readers
about the subject of your paper.
4. A strong thesis statement is specific.

2. A strong thesis statement justifies

A thesis statement should show exactly
discussion. what your paper will be about, and will
help you keep your paper
Your thesis should indicate to a manageable topic.
the point of the discussion.

PARAPHRASING AND OTHER ACADEMIC WRITING STRATEGIES

Paraphrasing and summarising allow you to develop and demonstrate your understanding and
interpretation of the major ideas/concepts of your discipline, and to avoid plagiarism.
Paraphrasing and summarising require analytical and writing skills which are crucial to success at
university.

What are the differences?

Paraphrasing:
does not match the source word for word
involves putting a passage from a source into your own words
changes the words or phrasing of a passage, but retains and fully communicates the original
meaning
must be attributed to the original source.
Summarising:
does not match the source word for word
involves putting the main idea(s) into your own words, but including only the main point(s)
presents a broad overview, so is usually much shorter than the original text
must be attributed to the original source.
Quotations:
match the source word for word appear between quotation marks
are usually a brief segment of the text must be attributed to the original source.
 WHAT IS PARAPHRASING?
Paraphrasing is a way of using different
words and phrasing to present the same
ideas. Paraphrasing is used with short
sections of text, such as phrases and
sentences.
A paraphrase offers an alternative to
using direct quotations and allows you to
integrate evidence/source material into
assignments. Paraphrasing can also be
used for note-taking and explaining
information in tables,
charts and diagrams.
WHEN TO PARAPHRASE
Paraphrase short sections of work only
i.e. a sentence or two or a short
paragraph:
as an alternative to a direct quotation
to rewrite someone else's ideas
without changing the meaning
to express someone else's ideas in
your own words
to support claims in, or provide
evidence for, your writing.

HOW TO PARAPHRASE
Read the original source carefully. It is essential that you understand it fully.
Identify the main point(s) and key words.
Cover the original text and rewrite it in your own words. Check that you have included the main
points and essential information.
Write the paraphrase in your own style. Consider each point; how could you rephrase it?

Ensure that you keep the original meaning and maintain the same relationship between
main ideas and supporting points.
Use synonyms (words or expression which have a similar meaning) where appropriate.
Keywords that are specialised subject vocabulary do not need to be changed.
If you want to retain unique or specialist phrases, use quotation marks (“ “).
Change the grammar and sentence structure. Break up a long sentence into two shorter
ones or combine two short sentences into one. Change the voice (active/passive) or
change word forms (e.g. nouns, adjectives).
Change the order in which information/ideas are presented, as long as they still make
sense in a different order.
Identify the attitude of the authors to their subject (i.e. certain, uncertain, critical etc)
and make sure your paraphrase reflects this. Use the appropriate reporting word or
phrase.

Review your paraphrase to check it accurately reflects the original text but is in your words and
style.
Record the original source, including the page number, so that you can provide a reference

WHAT IS A SUMMARY? WHEN TO SUMMARISE

Summarise long sections of work, like a long paragraph,
A summary is an overview of a text. The main page or chapter.
● To outline the main points of someone else's work in
aim of summarising is to reduce or condense your own words, without the details or examples.
a text to its most important ideas. Leave out ●To include an author's ideas using fewer words than the
details, examples and formalities. original text.
● To briefly give examples of several differing points of
Summarising is a useful skill for making notes,
view on a topic.
writing an abstract/synopsis, and ● To support claims in, or provide evidence for, your
incorporating material in assignments. writing.
HOW TO SUMMARISE
The amount of detail you include in a summary will vary according to the length of the
original text, how much information you need, and how selective you are.

1. Start by reading a short text and highlighting the main points.

2. Reread the text and make notes of the main points, leaving out examples, evidence, etc.
3. Rewrite your notes in your own words; restate the main idea at the beginning plus all
major points.

WHAT IS A QUOTATION?
A quotation is an exact reproduction of spoken or written words. Quotes can provide strong
evidence, act as an authoritative voice, or support a writer's statements.

For example:
Bell and Bell (1993) point out in their study of Australian-American cultural relations:
"culture is never simply imposed 'from above' but is negotiated through existing patterns
and traditions." (Bell & Bell 1993, p. 9)

USE A QUOTE:
when the author's words convey a
powerful meaning
when the exact words are important
when you want to use the author as an
authoritative voice in your own writing
to introduce an author's position you
may wish to discuss
to support claims in, or provide
evidence for, your writing.

HOW TO QUOTE
Quoting should be done sparingly and support your own work, not replace it. For example,
make a point in your own words, then support it with an authoritative quote.
Every direct quotation should:
○appear between quotation marks (" ")
○exactly reproduce text, including punctuation and capital letters.
A short quotation often works well when integrated into a sentence.
If any words need to be omitted for clarity, show the omission with an ellipsis ( ... ).
If any words need to be added to the quotation, put them between square brackets ([ ]).
Longer quotations (more than 3 lines of text) should start on a new line and be indented on both
sides.
OUTLINING READING TEXTS
What is an outline?

An outline is a plan for your writing. It will include the main ideas and show
how they are organised and the overall structure. It is often used for essays, in
which case it will include elements of the introduction such as the thesis
statement, an overview of each paragraph including the topic sentences and
supporting ideas, and elements of the conclusion, for instance the summary.
It can also be used for other types of writing such as reports.

Secondly, it will help ensure your writing

WHY OUTLINE?
An outline will assist you in your
writing for three main reasons.
First, it will help you to organize your
ideas. This is especially important for
longer writing, such as researched
essays, where there may be large
amounts of information to keep track
of. Even for shorter essays, however,
it is important to put the information
in a logical order so that the reader
can follow your main
argument.
has unity. Unity means that all ideas
relate to the central theme of the
paragraph. Writing an outline will help
you to focus on the central theme and
thereby include only those ideas which
relate to it, while omitting any which are
irrelevant.
Finally, an outline will aid in the process
of writing by breaking down the task into
more manageable components. Writing
a 1500 word essay is a daunting task;
writing a 100 word 'map'
of the essay is much easier.

WHAT DOES AN OUTLINE LOOK LIKE?

An outline can take many forms. The simplest form, recommended for exam essay writing
when time is limited, comprises simply adding numbers and/or letters to ideas generated
during brainstorming so that you can put them in a logical order before writing. Most
outlines, however, are written out in a linear way, using a format similar to linear notes for
reading or listening.

The following is an example outline for the section Why outline? above.

The above outline is fairly detailed, showing the topic sentence, main ideas and supporting
details. Below is a simpler outline for the same paragraph, showing only the main ideas.
A topic outline allows writers to organize the topics of a paper quickly without
going into details. It may use noun phrases, infinitive phrases, or gerund
phrases instead of sentences.

A sentence outline lists full sentences. A full sentence has a subject, a verb,
and a predicate. Each sentence in a sentence outline is the first sentence of a
paragraph as it will appear in the paper, and it shows exactly what you will say.

ALPHANUMERIC OUTLINES DECIMAL OUTLINES

This is the most common type of
The decimal outline is similar
outline and usually instantly
recognizable to most people. The in format to the alphanumeric
formatting follows these characters, outline. The added benefit is a
in this order: system of decimal notation
Roman Numerals that clearly shows how every
Capitalized Letters level of the outline relates to
Arabic Numerals the larger whole.
Lowercase Letters

PLAGIARISM AND ITS TYPES

Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s work or ideas as your own, with or without their consent, by
incorporating it into your work without full acknowledgement. All published and unpublished
material, whether in manuscript, printed or electronic form, is covered under this definition.
Plagiarism may be intentional or reckless, or unintentional. Under the regulations for examinations,
intentional or reckless plagiarism is a disciplinary offence.

DIRECT PLAGIARISM SELF PLAGIARISM

Direct plagiarism is the word-for-word Self-plagiarism occurs when a student
transcription of a section of someone submits his or her own previous work, or
mixes parts of previous works, without
else’s work, without attribution and
permission from all professors involved. For
without quotation marks. The example, it would be unacceptable to
deliberate plagiarism of someone incorporate part of a term paper you wrote
else's work is unethical, academically in high school into a paper assigned in a
dishonest, and grounds for college course. Self-plagiarism also applies
disciplinary actions, including to submitting the same piece of work for
assignments in different classes without
expulsion.
previous permission from both professors.

MOSAIC PLAGIARISM ACCIDENTAL PLAGIARISM

Mosaic Plagiarism occurs when a student
borrows phrases from a source without
using quotation marks, or finds
synonyms for the author’s language
while keeping to the same general
structure and meaning of the original.
Sometimes called “patch writing,” this
kind of paraphrasing, whether intentional
or not, is academically dishonest and
punishable – even if you footnote your
source!
Accidental plagiarism occurs when a person
neglects to cite their sources, or misquotes their
sources, or unintentionally paraphrases a
source by using similar words, groups of words,
and/or sentence structure without attribution.
Students must learn how to cite their sources
and to take careful and accurate notes when
doing research. Lack of intent does not absolve
the student of responsibility for plagiarism.
Cases of accidental plagiarism are taken as
seriously as any other plagiarism and are
subject to the same range of consequences as
other types of plagiarism.