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Writing Thesis Statements. So, you’ve been given an essay topic…. Read all the instructions! Underline key words Think of examples Write down ideas Organize your ideas Write a ‘working’ thesis. TERMS FREQUENTLY USED IN WRITING ASSIGNMENTS. From queensu.ca/writingcentre.
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So, you’ve been given an essay topic… • Read all the instructions! • Underline key words • Think of examples • Write down ideas • Organize your ideas • Write a ‘working’ thesis
TERMS FREQUENTLY USED IN WRITING ASSIGNMENTS From queensu.ca/writingcentre
What is a thesis statement? What is a strong thesis statement?
Thesis Checklist What • Is the thesis related precisely to the assigned topic or to the assigned literature? • Does my thesis articulate a particular argument, stance or viewpoint?
How • Have I identified the specific aspects that I plan to discuss in the body of the essay? • Rather than simply listing the evidence that I will use to support the argument, does my thesis show how the points that I will discuss in my essay support the overall argument?
Why • Have I explained the relevance/significance of my argument? • Is my thesis original? Have I avoided repeating what was said in lecture or borrowing from secondary sources?
And... • Is the thesis clearly expressed in a sentence or two? • Is my thesis specific and focused?
WeakThe Artists of the Group of Seven focussed on the Canadian Landscape.
BetterThrough their use of vibrant colour and bold shapes, the Group of Seven revitalized the art of landscape painting in Canada.
BestThrough their innovative use of colour and shape, the Group of Seven not only revitalized the art of landscape painting but also redefined the Canadian vision of both the landscape and the nation itself.
Ernest Hemmingway uses water as an important symbol in the novella The Old Man and the Sea.
The imagery, tone and metaphors all contribute to the theme of the poem “The Skater.”
Roberts’ poem “Tantramar Revisited” reflects the anxieties of its time concerning memory, history and nature.
In “Sonnet 130,” the persona creates a realistic portrayal of his mistress through imagery, tone, and his use of comparisons.
By ironically juxtaposing the inaccuracy of conventional poetic imagery against the realism of his description of his mistress, the persona in “Sonnet 130” renders his final profession of love more credible.
One Man Band Topic: Analyze the shape symbolism in the short film One Man Band. Or Discuss the portrayal of gender roles in the short film One Man Band.