introducing Thesis Statements

1. Mrs. Gibson WCCS Writing Center introducingThesis Statements

2. Objectives 1 3 2 Write effective thesis statements to guide writing. Recognize components of thesis statements. Define thesis statement.

3. 1 1 Define thesis statement. What does this mean?

4. Road map Not a windy road… But a road map ….but a road map.

5. Definition • Specific claim supported by your essay • Central thought • Road map • Blueprint • An arguable statement (usually)

6. Clarity & Direction Direct your paper An effective thesis = A limited subject (usually 2-4 parts) & a claim (point of view) • X Writing a paper is very difficult work. • XWriting an effective paper requires three • specific steps. • Effective papers are difficult to achieve, but with clear organization, vivid details, and strong development, they can effectively communicate important ideas.

7. 2 Recognize components of thesis statements. What do they include?

8. Three parts Effective thesis statements include the following: The subject The claim (point of view, arguable statement) A blueprint of reasons/examples

9. Part One The Subject Your topic school basketball immigration laws shopping careers specific people places an author a literary work

10. Part Two The Claim Your point of view What is it that you want to say about your topic?

11. Part Three The Blueprint of Reasons How you will argue your opinion • Two to four strong pieces of evidence to support your opinion • OR • Two to four specific subtopics about your subject

12. Example 1 Identify the three parts in the thesis below. Multicultural education is vital to society because it teaches respect, cultural appreciation, and the importance of inclusion. subject claim blueprint

13. Example 1 Identify the three parts in the thesis below. Tupac’s urban background and Black Power connection inspired him to influence his generation as well as today’s generation to challenge the system. subject claim blueprint

14. Example 1 Identify the three parts in the thesis below. subject The life of the typical college student is characterized by time spent studying, attending class, and socializing with peers. claim blueprint

15. Example 1 Identify the three parts in the thesis below. How does this example differ from the previous examples? subject The starvation rate in Africa is a problem so serious that this continent is going to need all the help it can get. Yet Africa can also help itself. claim blueprint

16. 3 Write effective thesis statements to guide writing. How do I write one?

17. Step One Choose a subject. Let’s pretend you have to write about poetry. That’s too broad, so narrow it. You decide to write about the poem “I Too” by Langston Hughes.

18. Step Two State your claim. Your point of view/argument What do you want to say about this poem? What do you want to argue? What is worth discussing? What will meet your instructor’s requirements? Let’s say you want to argue that it sends a message that is still relevant today.

19. Step Three State your blueprint of reasons. Your evidence/subtopics • How will your prove your argument? Suppose your instructor told you to write about the literary elements in the poem. Can you choose three that are most important? • Let’s say you choose the following examples: • Imagery • Themes • Figurative language

20. Creating the Thesis Put it all together. Although written more than a half century ago, Langston Hugh’s poem “I, Too” continues to inspire and challenge people today through its use of imagery, powerful themes, and figurative language. The subject The claim Blueprint of reasons

21. It’s not just about the wording, but directing YOUR IDEAS.

22. Create Your Own Subject: Your claim (point of view): Blueprint of reasons (subtopics):

23. Thesis Statements What’s your message?