MLA Formatting

1. MLA Formatting Thesis Statements Hello, I’m lito

2. What is a Thesis Statement? • The Point • The Main Event • 1 Sentence (To Rule Them All)

3. Types of Thesis Statements • Analytical – Breakdown & Evaluation • Expository – Identify & Explain • Narrative – Character + Plot = Theme • Argumentative – Claim & Prove

4. Types of Thesis Statements An analysis of the college admission process reveals one challenge facing counselors: accepting students with high test scores or students with strong extracurricular backgrounds. • Explains the analysis of the college admission process • Explains the challenge facing admissions counselors Analytical Thesis Example

5. Types of Thesis Statements The life of the typical college student is characterized by time spent studying, attending class, and socializing with peers. • Explains how students spend their time studying, attending class, and socializing with peers Expository Thesis Example

6. Types of Thesis Statements My life did not begin until I learned to write an essay in the 9th grade; suddenly, I understood my family, friends, and the world around me. • Explains how the narrator learned to write an essay, and how it changed her perception of the world around her Narrative Thesis Example

7. Types of Thesis Statements High school graduates should be required to take a year off to pursue community service projects before entering college in order to increase their maturity and global awareness. • Presents an argument and gives evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community projects before entering college Argumentative Thesis Example

8. When Should I Write aThesis Statement? • First (Sort Of) • And then revise…

9. Drafting the Thesis: The Rhetorical Situation • Topic • Audience • Genre • Style • Opportunity • Research • The Writer • Purpose

10. Drafting the Thesis: The Assignment Writing Strategies • Summary • Argument • Narrative • Evaluation • Analysis • Response • Examination/Investigation • Observation

11. What Makes a StrongThesis Statement? • Specific & Clear • Argumentative & Arguable • Supported • End of 1st Paragraph

12. Should I Change My Thesis Statement? • Yes! (Sort Of) The Research Questionvs.The Working Thesis

13. Research Question > Working Thesis Statement > Revised Thesis Statement Working Thesis Should employers monitor their employees’ activities in the workplace? Employers should not monitor their employees’ online activities because electronic surveillance can compromise workers’ privacy. Revised Thesis Although companies often have legitimate concerns that lead them to monitor employees’ Internet usage–from expensive security breaches to reduced productivity–the benefits of electronic surveillance are outweighed by its costs to employees’ privacy and autonomy. Research Question

14. Outlines! Dun Dun Dun • Why do I need an Outline? • What’s the point if it’s all going to change?

15. Like a Friend in Need, Your Thesis Needs Support: Challenge • Sources, Facts, Examples, Evidence • Background information & context • Explaining terms or concepts • Lending authority to your argument • Anticipating & Countering Objections or Interpretations • CHALLENGE!

16. Revising Thesis Statements • How much should I revise? • Depends on: • Time • Assignment • Research • Opinion

17. Tips for Revising your Thesis & Outline (Topic Sentences) • One Page Outline • 1st Draft • 2nd Draft • Final Draft

18. Works Cited Hacker, Diane, and Nancy Sommers. A Writer’s Reference. 7th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2011. Print. The Purdue OWL Family of Sites. The Writing Lab and OWL at Purdue and Purdue U, 2013. Web. 1 Mar. 2013.