How to Have an Idea and Thesis Construction

1. How to Have an Idea and Thesis Construction

2. “Rules” for a Thesis: • A thesis is never a question. • A thesis should not be a list. • The thesis must advance an argument. • A thesis should never be vague, combative or confrontational. Avoid being seen as moralistic and judgmental. • An effective thesis has a definable, arguable claim. Say to yourself, “Perhaps what the author says is true, but I am not convinced. I want to read further to see how the author argues this claim.” • A thesis should be as clear and specific as possible. Avoid overused, general terms, and abstractions.

3. An Effective Thesis • Cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” • Is not a topic; • Is not a fact; • Is an opinion.

4. An Effective Thesis: • Has two parts. • Should declare what will be argued. • Should “telegraph” how you plan to argue. • Could declare the particular support to be used to uphold the claim.

5. How to Have an Idea: Places to look for an interesting thesis *Changes • Something starts out one way, but changes as the story progresses. • (At first, Mrs. Mallard’s primary emotion about her husband’s death seems to be sadness, but as she realizes how his death provides freedom, her new feelings show how oppressive and unequal marriage can be.) *Contradictions • 2 things that are true at the same time, but seem to contradict each other. • (While Mrs. Mallard recognizes that her marriage was not unkind or unloving, her husband’s death reveals the importance of individual freedom within a relationship.) *Surprises • Although X should be true, actually, instead, Y is true. • (Although Mrs. Mallard should be distraught over her husband’s death, instead, she sees a world of opportunities that never existed before, revealing how a person can lose themselves within the confines of married life.) *Secrets • Things that are different than they may seem on the surface. • Although it seems at first like X is true, if you look at it more closely, you find that really, Y is true. • (On the surface, the Mallards’ marriage seemed happy; however, upon Mr. Mallard’s death, Mrs. Mallard discovers true happiness in her newfound freedom and the opportunities it provides, realizing how limiting subjecting to a partner’s authority can be.)

6. Thesis Statement Websites • UNC • Indiana University • Purdue ***If these links don’t work, just Google “writing a good thesis statement” and you will find these sites. ***You must be in View Show mode to get to the links