Chapter 3 Thesis statements

Introductions
Conclusions

Where do you stand?

On a sheet of paper, briefly explain which of the
following items presents the most difficulty
for you as a writer.
Thesis statements
Introductions

Conclusions

What is a thesis statement?

A one- or two-sentence summary of a papers
content
Serves as an assertion about essays content
Highlights all main topics covered in essay

What is its purpose?

It establishes a focus
Establishes a basis on which to include or
exclude information
Forecasts authors discussion

What are the components of a thesis statement?

Makes an assertion/claim about essay topic
Dont be wishy-washy!

Specific
Dont be too broad!

What is a working thesis?

Hypothesis about topic or a claim intended to

be made
After drafting, success of working thesis can be
evaluated
Working thesis statements CHANGE!

What is its purpose?

Help guide research

If unable to prove through research, must

change and alter this assertion

Name and describe three types of thesis statements.

Explanatory thesis
Used as a call for information, not analysis

Fuel-cell technology has emerged as a

promising approach to developing energyefficient vehicles.

Mildly argumentative thesis
Used in reports, some analysis and
judgment
To reduce our dependence on nonrenewable
fossil fuel, the federal government should
encourage the development of fuel-cell
vehicles.

Name and describe three types of thesis

statements.
Strongly argumentative thesis
Used as a call for information, analysis, and

a firm point of view

The federal government should subsidize
the development of fuel-cell vehicles as
well as the hydrogen infrastructure needed
to support them; otherwise, the United
States will be increasingly vulnerable to
recession and other economic dislocations
resulting from our dependence on the
continued flow of foreign oil.

Drafting Thesis Statements

In groups

Create a topic (circus, driving, college????)

Write three theses on the topic: explanatory,

mildly argumentative, strongly argumentative

What are some strategies for writing introductions?

Quotation
Give quote and explain how it elucidates topic

Hillary Rodham Clinton once said that There cannot

be true democracy unless womens voices are heard
(BrainyQuotes). In 2006, when Nancy Pelosi became
the nations first female Speaker of the House, one
womans voice rang out clear. With this development,
democracy grew to its truest level ever in terms of
womens equality. The historical event also paved the
way for Senator Clinton as she warmed her own vocal
chords in preparation for a presidential race.

What are some strategies for writing introductions?

Historical Review
Background info so that reader can follow issue

Review of a Controversy
Like historical, but shows why issue is debated

From General to Specific

Takes reader from what they know to more detailed

info leading to essays specific topic

What are some strategies for writing introductions?

Anecdote and Illustration
Funny, touching, or otherwise appropriate story

Yesterday morning, he watched as his older sister left

for school with a bright white glob of toothpaste
gleaming on her chin. He felt no regret at all until...

Question
Ask simple question that isnt all that simple to

answer

What are some techniques

that the book neglected to
mention?
Statistics
Definition
Concession (acknowledging
different argument/approach)

Intro format suggestion

Opener
Background information
Thesis statement

What are some strategies for writing conclusions?

Statement of subjects significance
How essay applies to greater world

Call for further research

What needs to still be considered (often done in

scientific essays)

Solution/recommendation
Essays about problems/controversy can give what

should be done

What are some strategies for writing conclusions?

Anecdote
Tell a story so that readers discover significance to

another source

Quotation
Helps gain authority and credibility

Question
Calls on readers to assume an active role by offering

their own answers

Speculation
Get the reader thinking about possibilities
Consider what might happen as well as what has

happened

What are some strategies for writing conclusions?

Anecdote
Tell a story so that readers discover significance to

another source

Quotation
Helps gain authority and credibility

Question
Calls on readers to assume an active role by offering

their own answers

Speculation
Get the reader thinking about possibilities
Consider what might happen as well as what has

happened

What are some techniques

that the book neglected to
mention?
Statistics
Definition
Concession (acknowledging
different argument/approach)

Conclusion format suggestion

Summarize points
Restate thesis
Final thought

For Thursday...
Read Chapter 7 (pgs. 196-232, 235-238)