Thesis Writing

Definition
Thesis= a sentence used in an essay that serves as the guide for the essay and directly answers the question or task asked of you Thesis= a main point, a main idea, or central message. The argument(s) you make in your paper should reflect this main idea

An essay without a thesis statement is like a car without a driver.

Characteristics
-addresses the prompt clearly -makes a claim or presents an argument -is arguable -in the first paragraph of the essay

subject + your opinion = thesis

Our Thesis Should:

Be the last sentence of your introductory paragraph Contain your three main points that you will explain in your body paragraphs

Example
Topic: What is the best animal? Thesis: Dogs are the best animal because they can guard your house, they always want to play, and they can keep you in shape.

Example
Thesis: Dogs are the best animal because they (1) can guard your house, they always want to play, and they can keep you in shape. Paragraph 1 will be about them guarding your house.

Example
Thesis: Dogs are the best animal because they can guard your house, (2) they always want to play, and they can keep you in shape. Paragraph 2 will be about how they always want to play.

Example
Thesis: Dogs are the best animal because they can guard your house, they always want to play, and (3) they can keep you in shape. Paragraph 3 will be about how they can keep you in shape.

Now, let's try to spot a thesis!

Making goals for myself and working toward them keeps me on my toes and makes my life interesting. There are many goals that I would like to achieve throughout my life. I have begun working toward many of them by looking into going back to school and thinking about what Id like to do for a career. One major goal I would like to accomplish in the next few years is getting a better job. My plan to get a better job is to finish school, prepare a resume, and then search for jobs.
1.) What is the topic? 2.) Where is the thesis? 3.) What are the 3 body paragraphs going to be?

Making goals for myself and working toward them keeps me on my toes and makes my life interesting. There are many goals that I would like to achieve throughout my life. I have begun working toward many of them by looking into going back to school and thinking about what Id like to do for a career. One major goal I would like to accomplish in the next few years is getting a better job. My plan to get a better job is to finish school, prepare a resume, and then search for jobs.

Making goals for myself and working toward them keeps me on my toes and makes my life interesting. There are many goals that I would like to achieve throughout my life. I have begun working toward many of them by looking into going back to school and thinking about what Id like to do for a career. One major goal I would like to accomplish in the next few years is getting a better job. My plan to get a better job is to finish school, prepare a resume, and then search for jobs.

The Break Down:

1- the first two sentences introduce the topic and create interest in it. 2- the third sentence provides some background information for the reader. 3- The final two sentences identify the main idea and preview the rest of the essay.

Music is one of the oldest cultures in the history. It has existed longer than language. The reason we love music is that music is a global language and it expresses our emotion instead of words. Music is a part of our life so it is very important, but these days, as music is studied further, another reason that we need music in our life emerged. Researchers started to understand the relationship between music and the brain, and found that music affected humans body, mind, and personality.

Music is one of the oldest cultures in the history. It has existed longer than language. The reason we love music is that music is a global language and it expresses our emotion instead of words. Music is a part of our life so it is very important, but these days, as music is studied further, another reason that we need music in our life emerged. Researchers started to understand the relationship between music and the brain, and found that music affected humans body, mind, and personality.

What are the most important things a thesis should include?

Lets Practice!
Topic: Detroit Claim: 3 Points of Support: Thesis:

Sources
http://www.paperomatic.com/assignme nts/ http://www.writing.wisc.edu/Workshops /UndergraduateStudents_SeniorThesis _WritingGroup.html http://writingproject.fas.harvard.edu/pa ges/senior-thesis-writing-guides