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Developing an Effective Thesis Statement for Your Essay

Learn about the importance of a thesis statement in an essay, the three primary types, and how to develop a strong one. Understand how to support your thesis and organize your essay for maximum impact. Discover the significance of a captivating introduction and conclusion.

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Developing an Effective Thesis Statement for Your Essay

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  1. Chapter 2 The Basic Essay

  2. What is a Thesis Statement? • A sentence that conveys the main claim of a paper. • It addresses… • The topic in question • The topic’s significance • Contentions regarding the topic

  3. Three Primary Types of Thesis Statements • Academic/Analytical • Examines an idea by separating it into distinct components • Assess those components • Argumentative • Sets forth a contention that the essay will attempt to prove • The thesis should clarify the topic in questions and the claim being made • Informative/Expository • Clearly and objectively articulates the topic in question

  4. Developing a Thesis Statement • Thesis statements demand great thought and attention since they are the anchor of your entire essay. • This should be the first step in writing, but thesis statements can change as your essay develops. • This is called a Working Thesis! • Use this as your guide when creating an effective thesis statement.

  5. Thesis Development Example • Topic: • The Beatles • What about The Beatles? Be more specific. • Working Thesis: • The Beatles is the greatest band of all time. • Why is The Beatles the greatest band of all time? • Effective Thesis: • Due to the band’s musical diversity, pondering lyrics, stage presence, and genre defining songs, The Beatles is the greatest band that has ever existed.

  6. Placing of the Thesis Statement • Where the statement goes will depend on the type of writing that you are creating. • However, the thesis should appear in the introduction of the essay. • An implied thesis (a thesis that is not explicitly stated) has a strong impact when used properly.

  7. Where is the Thesis? • When I attended high school, reading and writing were not my strong suites. As a college student, I have learned that reading and writing are key ingredients in my success. Over the years, I have changed my views on reading and writing since I was in high school and reading and writing in college will help propel me through out my career.

  8. Supporting Your Thesis • Throughout your essay, you are supporting your ideas (thesis). • There are two effective methods of giving support: • Detail, Commentary, Commentary • Point, Illustration, Explanation (PIE)

  9. Which Method? • The Beatles had an ever changing sound that allowed the band to remain popular for many years. While some of the band’s counterparts (The Monkeesfor example) remained static with their musicality, The Beatles welcomed change and paid attention to the needs of the fans. As a result, fans were introduced to new ideas and musical sounds that they would have otherwise not been exposed.

  10. Which Method? • Life experiences, not just a simple need for change, allowed The Beatles to modify and adapt its sound. For instance, “Across the Universe” was heavily influenced by the band’s time in India with Yogi Maharishi Mahesh. The Beatles utilized the Sitar, Tanpura and chanted Sanskrit, “Jai Guru Deva, Om”, to which the average American of the time had little to no exposure.

  11. Organization • This is a very important concept in writing. • Without organization, an essay is very difficult to follow and understand. • Make sure that every sentence and paragraph follow a logical sequence for the essay that you are writing. • Use transitions to clearly connect one thought to another.

  12. Paragraphs • Paragraphs are units of thought. • A sentence is a thought, and a paragraph contains all the thoughts on a specified topic. • If you keep this idea of a paragraph in mind, it will be easier for you to notice lapses of support—there will be something missing from the thought.

  13. Introduction • Not only does the introduction introduce your essay and topic, but it also introduces you. • A reader can tell how you feel about a topic and how versed in the topic you are by this all important first paragraph. • Grab your audience’s attention!

  14. Conclusion • The conclusion is as important as your introduction because it is the last thing you audience will read. • This is you final word—how will you leave it? • This tells the reader what to take away from this essay!

  15. Fantastic Titles • A title should tell the reader what the essay is about, but make it intriguing enough to make the reader want to read the essay! • Rate the following: • My Argument Essay • The Beatles • The Beatles: The Greatest Band of All Time • “Jai Guru Deva”: How Life Influenced The Art of The Beatles

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