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WRITING A THESIS STATEMENT. Research paper. What is a thesis statement?. A one-sentence statement identifying the main idea , topic and purpose of your research paper. Tells the readers what they will encounter in your paper. It is the last sentence in your introductory paragraph.
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WRITING A THESIS STATEMENT Research paper
What is a thesis statement? • A one-sentence statement identifying the main idea, topic and purpose of your research paper. • Tells the readers what they will encounter in your paper. • It is the last sentence in your introductory paragraph. • It is what you will argue to prove through your entire paper.
What does the thesis statement do? • Builds reader interest • Helps the reader know what to expect • Helps the writer focus the composition • Helps the writer check that necessary information is included • Helps the writer decide what research and arguments to include • Helps the writer make edits – cuts and additions – to the composition
Example Thesis Statements • In the following thesis statements, what do you expect the content of each writer’s composition to be? • Year-round school schedules help reduce overcrowding in classrooms and improve overall academic performance. • Benefits of year-round schooling • As computers make information gathering easier, individuals must work harder to safeguard their privacy. • Ways computer users can safeguard their privacy
Drafting a Thesis Statement: An Example • Consider the jail system. • The jail system is bad. • How is it bad? • The jail system doesn’t work. • Why? • The jail system is ineffective. • How is it ineffective? • The jail system is ineffective because…. • Overpopulation, inadequate resources, doesn’t fix the problem • What do all of these issues have in common? • The jail system is ineffective because it lacks rehabilitation and educational services. • Now, what are some ideas/opinions I could discuss in my paper?
Example Thesis Statements: Should or Should Not? • Last week, the school board agreed on a plan to station police officers in the hallways of Parker High School. • A thesis statement SHOULD NOT be a simple statement of fact. • Using police officers in the hallways of Parker High School is a first step down the terrifying road of a dictatorship. • A thesis statement SHOULD NOT express a sweeping opinion. • Stationing police officers in our high school hallways is a misuse of city resources and sends the unfair message that students are not trusted. • A thesis statement SHOULD make a point that can be supported by facts.
How To Write a Thesis Statement • Look over your research. Think about all of the facts and ideas you have collected about your topic. • Ask yourself: What is the main idea about the topic that these facts and details suggest? What is the opinion that I want my readers to accept? • Write a sentence or two expressing this idea or opinion. Reread it and revise it as necessary. Ask yourself: • Did I use specific language? • Is my main idea clear? • Can I support this position in my composition? • Refer back to this thesis statement as you draft your composition. Make sure that all of the information you include supports this statement.