Writing a thesis statement Tips on Writing Your Thesis Statement

1. Writing a thesis statement Tips on Writing Your Thesis Statement

2. What is a Thesis • A thesis statement is your answer to a question. • The thesis should take a position on the question that is asked, and present an argument that can be both debated (i.e., there are other arguments) as well as defended using evidence • It should be brief and to the point

3. For An Acceptable Thesis • Must be explicitly stated in the introductory paragraph • Should appear as 1 or 2 sentences… • If it is in 2 sentences, they should be continuous • May NOT be a mere restatement of the question • Must cover all parts of the question

4. Examples RESEARCH QUESTION: What explains the fall of Rome? Bad examples: The fall of Rome was bound to happen for many reasons. Does not answer the question. How could this be proven? I am going to discuss why Rome fell. It is a very interesting topic. This states the topic, but does not answer the research question. A thesis is a single sentence. Rome may have fallen due to barbarian invaders, but there are other things that explain its collapse as well. While an explanation is given, there is clear uncertainty about the real answer. The “other things” need to be listed.

5. Important Guidelines • I will automatically reject any thesis containing the words “very” “many” “things” ”lots” or “stuff.” These words are too vague and amateur. • Try to begin your thesis with “While” “Despite” “In spite of” or “Although.” These words lead to a mature thesis that can structure the rest of your essay.

6. Good examples Although several economic factors impacted Rome’s decline, the fall of Rome stemmed mainly from a reliance on slave labor that had increased since the 3rd century B.C.E. A combination of factors, including weak emperors, external threats, declining living standards, and problems with the army, weakened Rome and led to its collapse. While Germanic invaders ultimately ended Rome’s Empire via conquest, the reality was that Rome had seen a steady decline in its power for centuries, resulting from weaknesses and ineffective decision-making in its political, military and economic policies.

7. A good introduction to a paper on the Fall of Rome THE FALL OF ROME After nearly 1000 years, the Roman Empire collapsed in 476 CE. Its immediate end was the result of Germanic invasions, but that one factor alone hardly explains the demise of this great and powerful ancient civilization. Rather, Rome witnessed a steady weakening of its power and society that began at least in the late 200s C.E. A combination of factors, including numerous weak emperors, external threats, declining living standards, problems with the army, and poor economic decisions combined to weaken Rome and allow German peoples to overrun and conquer it.