Thesis Statements: What makes a good one?

1. Thesis Statements: What makes a good one?

2. What is a thesis? A thesis statement declares what you believe and what you intend to prove. A good thesis statement makes the difference between a thoughtful essay and a simple retelling of facts.

3. Attributes of a good thesis: It should be contestable, proposing an arguable point with which people could reasonably disagree. A strong thesis is provocative; it takes a stand and justifies the discussion you will present. It tackles a subject that could be adequately covered in the format of the project assigned. It should be specific and focused. A strong thesis proves a point without discussing “everything about …” Instead of MUSIC (broad), think (specific) "American jazz in the 1930s" and what you want to say about it. Remember SPECIFICITY ADDS AUTHENTICITY

4. Attributes continued It provides the reader with a map to guide him/her through your work. It anticipates and refutes the counter-arguments It avoids vague language (like "it seems"). It avoids the first person. ("I believe," "In my opinion") It should pass the So what? or Who cares? test (Would your most honest friend ask why he should care or respond with "but everyone knows that"?) For instance, "people should avoid driving under the influence of alcohol," would be unlikely to evoke any opposition

5. Pick the best: 1) Advertising is complex. 2) To appeal to readers, magazine advertisements must skillfully use language, color and design. 3) Magazine advertisements must be creative. 4) Magazine advertisements appeal to readers.

6. Pick the best: 1) Playing tennis for fun and exercise requires agility, stamina, and strategy. 2) Tennis is excellent exercise. 3) Tennis requires various skills. 4) Playing tennis is fun.

7. Best? 1) Hamlet is a play about revenge and I really think it is an interesting play. 2) Hamlet must avenge his father's death. 3) Some characters in the play want revenge. 4) In the play, Hamlet, Fortinbras and Laertes all seek revenge. (what is missing?)

8. Not sure? Try these five questions: Does the thesis  inspire a reasonable reader to ask, "How?" or Why?" Would a reasonable reader NOT respond with "Duh!" or "So what?" or "Gee, no kidding!" or "Who cares?" Does the thesis  avoid general phrasing and/or sweeping words such as "all" or "none" or "every"? Does the thesis lead the reader toward the topic sentences (the subtopics needed to prove the thesis)? Can the thesis be adequately developed in the required length of the paper or project?

9. Evaluate: I would like to become a chef when I finish school Although both chefs and cooks can prepare fine meals, chefs differ from cooks in education, professional commitment, and artistry. I enjoy white water rafting. A first water rafting experience can challenge the body and spirit and transform an adolescent into an adult

10. More… Men are chauvinists. Our American family structure encourages men to repress their true feelings, leaving them open to physical, psychological, and relationship difficulties. Hip hop is the best thing that has happened to music in twenty years Though many people dismiss hip hop as offensive, hip hop music offers urban youth an important opportunity for artistic expression, and allows them to articulate the poetry of the street.

11. Conclusion The thesis needs to provide an overall obvious plan for development of essay. Topic sentences will have a direct relationship to the thesis. The thesis needs to challenge the reader to think. The thesis cannot be simply a statement of fact.

12. I chose to use option B for the prompt of my essay and am having trouble with my thesis statement. I chose Rex and Rose Mary as my characters and was going to discuss their similarities and differences on topics such as parenting, religion, etc, but I was not sure if I need to take a stand on whether they were good parents or not,or if I should just discuss their views? So far, your idea is very broad...it would be helpful to have more focus-- Rex and Rosemary both fail to conform to traditional ideas of parenting and social obligation, and as a result, they (are good or bad role models?) or___they teach jeanette x, y and z, or ___________?

13. The Glass Castle metaphor symbolizes the relationship between Jeanette and her father as one filled with hope, dreams and empty promises that slowly cracks and shatters, leading Jeanette to create and fulfill her own dreams and hopes of a better life. The metaphor of TGC shows how although most of Rex’s promises aren’t achieved, they inspire confidence and encourage creativity to help his family through tough times. (with optimism?)

14. Thesis:Although it may seem like Rex's many character flaws and actions reflect a lack of concern for his children's livelihood, I believe the Glass Castle became a metaphor of Rex's love for his children and a representation of his life without his many defects. Revision # 1 Although it may seem like Rex's many character flaws and actions reflect a lack of concern for his children's livelihood, I believe the Glass Castle became a metaphor of Rex's love for his children and the hope that he will one day defeat his addiction becoming the provider he deeply desires. # 2/ Although Rex’s character flaws and actions reflect a lack of concern for proving a stable home life, he creates the idea of building a glass castle to represent love, and security for his children.

15. TGC metaphor is a representation of Rex Walls’ hopes and plans for his family’s future and through his struggle with multiple addictions, and ultimate failure, Jeanette learns independence, street smarts and creativity as a result of realizing the shattering effects of that false promise. TGC represents failure, struggle and compromise and ultimately provides hope, instills confidence, and marks a coming of age for Jeanette.

16. Because of Rex/Rosemary’s non-traditional values and poverty, Jeanette learns to value family unity, non-materialistic things and education: (summer’s ideas) Jeanette’s poverty was challenging but it ended up being a good thing –how? Why? What does she learn?

17. Due to the neglect of rex and rosemary, jeanette and her siblings develop a bond amoung each other. These bonds demonstrate that unity between siblngs make up for lack of parenting, lack of financial, stbility, lack of formal education

18. Although positive attitude is not necessary in all situations, being optimistic can provide hope to families, change the point of view of a situation, and provide a sense of togetherness in tough times