Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements

Tips for Writing Your Thesis Statement

1.Determine what kind of paper you are writing:

An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience. An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience. An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.

If you are writing a text which does not fall under these three categories (ex. a narrative), a thesis statement somewhere in the first paragraph could still be helpful to your reader. 2. Your thesis statement should be specificit should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and should be supported with specific evidence. 3. The thesis statement usually appears at the end of the first paragraph of a paper. 4. Your topic may change as you write, so you may need to revise your thesis statement to reflect exactly what you have discussed in the paper.

Thesis Statement Examples

Example of an analytical thesis statement:
An analysis of the college admission process reveals two principle problems facing counselors: accepting students with high test scores or students with strong extracurricular backgrounds.

The paper that follows should:

explain the analysis of the college admission process explain the two problems facing admissions counselors

Example of an expository (explanatory) thesis statement:

The life of the typical college student is characterized by time spent studying, attending class, and socializing with peers.

The paper that follows should:

explain how students spend their time studying, attending class, and socializing with peers

Example of an argumentative thesis statement:

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.

The paper that follows should:

present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community projects before entering college

Four Main Components for Effective Outlines

Ideally, you should follow these 4 suggestions to create an effective outline. The examples are taken from the Sample Outline handout.

Parallelism - How do I accomplish this?

Each heading and subheading should preserve parallel structure. If the first heading is a noun, the second heading should be a noun. Example:
1. 2. Choose Desired Colleges Prepare Application

("Choose" and "Prepare" are both verbs.)

Coordination - How do I accomplish this?

All the information contained in Heading 1 should have the same significance as the information contained in Heading 2. The same goes for the subheadings (which should be less significant than the headings). Example:
1. 2. 1. Visit and evaluate college campuses Visit and evaluate college websites note important statistics 1. look for interesting classes

(Campus and websites visits are equally significant, as are statistics and classes found on college websites.)

Subordination - How do I accomplish this?

The information in the headings should be more general, while the information in the subheadings should be more specific. Example:
1. 1. Describe an influential person in your life favorite high school teacher 1. grandparent

(A favorite teacher and grandparent are specific examples of influential people.)

Division - How do I accomplish this?

Each heading should be divided into 2 or more parts. Example:
1. Compile resume 1. List relevant coursework 1. List work experience 1. List volunteer experience

(The heading "Compile resume" is divided into 3 parts.)

Why and How to Create a Useful Outline

Why create an outline?

Aids in the process of writing Helps you organize your ideas Presents your material in a logical form Shows the relationships among ideas in your writing Constructs an ordered overview of your writing Defines boundaries and groups

How do I create an outline?

Determine the purpose of your paper. Determine the audience you are writing for. Develop the thesis of your paper.

Then:

Brainstorm: List all the ideas that you want to include in your paper. Organize: Group related ideas together. Order: Arrange material in subsections from general to specific or from abstract to concrete. Label: Create main and sub headings.

Remember: creating an outline before writing your paper will make organizing your thoughts a lot easier. Whether you follow the suggested guidelines is up to you, but making any kind of outline (even just some jotting down some main ideas) will be beneficial to your writing process.

Sample Outline
Here is an example of an outline that a student might create before writing an essay. In order to organize her thoughts and make sure that she has not forgotten any key points that she wants to address, she creates the outline as a framework for her essay.

What is the assignment?

Your instructor asks the class to write an expository (explanatory) essay on the typical steps a high school student would follow in order to apply to college.

What is the purpose of this essay?

To explain the process for applying to college

Who is the intended audience for this essay?

High school students intending to apply to college and their parents

What is the essay's thesis statement?

When applying to college, a student follows a certain process which includes choosing the right schools and preparing the application materials.
The College Application Process 1. Choose Desired Colleges 1. Visit and evaluate college campuses

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Visit and evaluate college websites 1. 2.

look for interesting classes note important statistics 1. student/faculty ratio

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2. retention rate 2. Prepare Application Write Personal Statement 1. Choose interesting topic 1. Describe an influential person in your life 1. favorite high school teacher 1. grandparent 2. Include important personal details 1. volunteer work 1. participation in varsity sports 3. Compile resume

List relevant coursework List work experience List volunteer experience tutor at foreign language summer camp counselor for suicide prevention hotline

Where do I begin?
Though everyone has a unique proofreading process, there are some general strategies that can be helpful to most writers. Begin improving your proofreading skills by trying out the guidelines listed below.

General Strategies
Take a break! Allow yourself some time between writing and proofing. Even a five-minute break is productive because it will help you get some distance from what you have written. The goal is to return with a fresh eye and mind. Leave yourself enough time. Since many errors are made and overlooked by speeding through writing and proofreading, taking the time to carefully look over your writing will help you to catch errors you might otherwise miss. Always read through your writing slowly. If you read at a normal speed, you won't give your eyes sufficient time to spot errors. Read aloud. Reading a paper aloud encourages you to read every little word. Role-play. While reading, put yourself in your audience's shoes. Playing the role of the reader encourages you to see the paper as your audience might. Get others involved. Asking a friend or a Writing Lab tutor to read your paper will let you get another perspective on your writing and a fresh reader will be able to help you catch mistakes that you might have overlooked.

Personalizing Proofreading
In addition to following the general guidelines above, individualizing your proofreading process to your needs will help you proofread more efficiently and effectively. You won't be able to check for everything (and you don't have to), so you should find out what your typical problem areas are and look for each type of error individually. Here's how:

Find out what errors you typically make. Review instructors' comments about your writing and/or review your paper with a Writing Lab tutor. Learn how to fix those errors. Talk with your instructor and/or with a Writing Lab tutor. The instructor and the tutor can help you understand why you make the errors you do so that you can learn to avoid them. Use specific strategies. Use the strategies detailed on the following pages to find and correct your particular errors in usage, sentence structure, and spelling and punctuation.

Finding Common Errors

Proofreading can be much easier when you know what you are looking for. Although everyone will have different error patterns, the following are issues that come up for many writers. When proofreading your paper, be on the lookout for these errors. Always remember to make note of what errors you make frequentlythis will help you proofread more efficiently in the future!

Spelling
Do NOT rely on your computer's spellcheckit will not get everything! Examine each word in the paper individually by reading carefully. Moving a pencil under each line of text helps you to see each word. If necessary, check a dictionary to see that each word is spelled correctly. Be especially careful of words that are typical spelling nightmares, like "ei/ie" words and homonyms like your/you're, to/too/two, and there/their/they're.

Left-out and doubled words

Reading the paper aloud (and slowly) can help you make sure you haven't missed or repeated any words.

Fragment Sentences
Make sure each sentence has a subject. In the following sentence, the subject is "students": The students looked at the OWL website. Make sure each sentence has a complete verb. In the following sentence, "were" is required to make a complete verb; "trying" alone would be incomplete: They were trying to improve their writing skills. See that each sentence has an independent clause; remember that a dependent clause cannot stand on its own. The following sentence is a dependent clause that would qualify as a fragment sentence: Which is why the students read all of the handouts carefully.

Run-on Sentences
Review each sentence to see whether it contains more than one independent clause. If there is more than one independent clause, check to make sure the clauses are separated by the appropriate punctuation. Sometimes, it is just as effective (or even more so) to simply break the sentence into separate sentences instead of including punctuation to separate the clauses.

Example run-on: I have to write a is that I'm interested in it. Edited version: I have to write a subject is that I'm interested in Another option: I have to write a is that I'm interested in it.

research paper for my class about extreme sports all I know about the subject research paper for my class about extreme sports, and all I know about the it. research paper for my class about extreme sports. All I know about the subject

Comma Splices
Look at the sentences that have commas. Check to see if the sentence contains two main clauses. If there are two main clauses, they should be connected with a comma and a conjuntion like and, but, for, or, so, yet. Another option is to take out the comma and insert a semicolon instead.
Example: I would like to write my paper about basketball, it's a topic I can talk about at length. Edited version: I would like to write my paper about basketball, because it's a topic I can talk about at length. Edited version, using a semicolon: I would like to write my paper about basketball; it's a topic I can talk about at length.

Subject/Verb Agreement
Find the subject of each sentence. Find the verb that goes with the subject. The subject and verb should match in number, meaning that if the subject is plural, the verb should be as well and vice versa.
Example: Students at the university level usually is very busy. Edited version: Students at the university level usually are very busy.

Mixed construction
Read through your sentences carefully to make sure that they do not start with one sentence structure and shift to another. A sentence that does this is called a mixed construction.
Example: Since I have a lot of work to do is why I can't go out tonight. Edited version: Since I have a lot of work to do, I can't go out tonight.

Parallelism
Look through your paper for series of items and make sure these items are in parallel form.
Example: Being a good friend involves good listening skills, to be considerate, and that you know how to have fun. Edited version: Being a good friend involves knowing how to listen, be considerate, and have fun.

Pronoun Reference/Agreement
Skim your paper, stopping at each pronoun. Search for the noun that the pronoun replaces. If you can't find any noun, insert one beforehand or change the pronoun to a noun. If you can find a noun, be sure it agrees in number and person with your pronoun.

Apostrophes
Skim your paper, stopping only at those words which end in "s." If the "s" is used to indicate possession, there should be an apostrophe, as in Mary's book. Look over the contractions, like you're for you are, it's for it is, etc. Each of these should include an apostrophe. Remember that apostrophes are not used to make words plural. When making a word plural, only an "s" is added, not an apostrophe and an "s."

Suggestions for Proofreading Your Paper

One of the most difficult parts of the writing process is proofreading. It is easy for us to see what we want to see, not necessarily what our readers will see. These suggestions should help you take a step back and view your writing more objectively.

Suggestions for Editing (Proofreading) your Paper

Read your Paper Aloud
Any time your text is awkward or confusing, or any time you have to pause or reread your text, revise this section. If it is at all awkward for you, you can bet it will be awkward for your reader.

Examine your Paragraphs

Examine the overall construction of your paragraphs, looking specifically at length, supporting sentence(s), and topic sentence. Individual paragraphs that are significantly lacking length or sufficient supporting information as well as those missing a topic sentence may be a sign of a premature or under-developed thought.

Track Frequent Errors

Keep track of errors that you make frequently. Ask your teacher or visit the Writing Lab for assistance in eliminating these errors.

Symptoms and Cures for Writer's Block

Because writers have various ways of writing, a variety of things can cause a writer to experience anxiety, and sometimes this anxiety leads to writer's block. Often a solution can be found by speaking with your instructor (if you are in school), or a writing tutor. There are some common causes of writer's block, however, and when you are blocked, consider these causes and try the strategies that sound most promising:

SYMPTOM
You have attempted to begin a paper without doing any preliminary work such as brainstorming or outlining...

POSSIBLE CURES
Use invention strategies suggested by a tutor or teacher

Write down all the primary ideas you'd like to express and then fill in each with the smaller ideas that make up each primary idea. This can easily be converted into an outline

SYMPTOM
You have chosen or been assigned a topic which bores you....

POSSIBLE CURES
Choose a particular aspect of the topic you are interested in (if the writing situation will allow it...i.e. if the goal of your writing can be adjusted and is not given to you specifically, or if the teacher or project coordinator will allow it) Talk to a tutor about how you can personalize a topic to make it more interesting

SYMPTOM
You don't want to spend time writing or don't understand the assignment...

POSSIBLE CURES
Resign yourself to the fact that you have to write Find out what is expected of you (consult a teacher, textbook, student, tutor, or project coordinator) Look at some of the strategies for writing anxiety listed below

SYMPTOM
You are anxious about writing the paper...

POSSIBLE CURES
Focus your energy by rehearsing the task in your head. Consciously stop the non-productive comments running through your head by replacing them with productive ones. If you have some "rituals" for writing success (chewing gum, listening to jazz etc.), use them.

SYMPTOM
You are so stressed out you can't seem to put a word on the page...

POSSIBLE CURES
Stretch! If you can't stand up, stretch as many muscle groups as possible while staying seated. Try tensing and releasing various muscle groups. Starting from your toes, tense up for perhaps five to ten seconds and then let go. Relax and then go on to another muscle group. Breathe deeply. Close your eyes; then, fill your chest cavity slowly by taking four of five short deep breaths. Hold each breath until it hurts, and then let it out slowly.

Use a calming word or mental image to focus on while relaxing. If you choose a word, be careful not to use an imperative. Don't command yourself to "Calm down!" or "Relax!"

SYMPTOM
You're self-conscious about your writing, you may have trouble getting started. So, if you're preoccupied with the idea that you have to write about a subject and feel you probably won't express yourself well...

POSSIBLE CURES
Talk over the subject with a friend or tutor. assure yourself that the first draft doesn't have to be a work of genius, it is something to work with. Force yourself to write down something, however poorly worded, that approximates your thought (you can revise this later) and go on with the next idea. Break the task up into steps. Meet the general purpose first, and then flesh out the more specific aspects later. Try one of the strategies on the next page of this resource.

Other Strategies for Getting Over Writer's Block

If you have tried the other strategies and are still having problems, try some of these general techniques for getting over writer's block. These strategies will prove more helpful when you're drafting your writing.

Begin in the Middle

Start writing at whatever point you like. If you want to begin in the middle, fine. Leave the introduction or first section until later. The reader will never know that you wrote the paper "backwards." Besides, some writers routinely save the introduction until later when they have a clearer idea of what the main idea and purpose of the piece will be.

Talk Out the Paper

Talking feels less artificial than writing to some people. Talk about what you want to write someone--your teacher, a friend, a roommate, or a tutor. Just pick someone who's willing to give you fifteen to thirty minutes to talk about the topic and whose main aim is to help you start writing. Have the person take notes while you talk or tape your conversation. Talking will be helpful because you'll probably be more natural and spontaneous in speech than in writing. Your listener can ask questions and guide you as you speak, and you'll be more likely to relax and say something unpredictable than if that you were sitting and forcing yourself to write.

Tape the Paper

Talk into a tape recorder, imagining your audience sitting in front of you. Then, transcribe the tape-recorded material. You'll at least have some ideas written down to work with and move around.

Change the Audience

Pretend that you're writing to a child, to a close friend, to a parent, to a person who sharply disagrees with you, or to someone who's new to the subject and needs to have you explain your paper's topic slowly and clearly. Changing the audience can clarify your purpose and can also make you feel more comfortable and help you write more easily.

Play a Role
Pretend you are someone else writing the paper. For instance, if your have been asked to write about sexist advertising, assume you are the president of the National Organization of Women. Or, pretend you are the president of a major oil company asked to defend the high price of oil. Consider being someone in another time period, or someone with a wildly different perspective from your own. Pulling yourself out of your usual perspective can help you see things that are otherwise invisible or difficult to articulate, and your writing will be stronger for it. (Many of these ideas are from Peter Elbow's Writing with Power, [Ch. 8; 59-77] and Mack Skjei's Overcoming Writing Blocks.)

What is an Action Verb?

An action verb expresses action, or something that a person can do. You should use action verbs abundantly in resumes to describe all skills, jobs, or accomplishments. Using action verbs will enable you to highlight the tasks you can do; word choice is critical in order to describe what you have done. In order to make a striking first impression, use action verbs as the first word of each bullet point to emphasize job descriptions in your resume. Examples of using action verbs in resume job descriptions: Accelerated the introduction of a new technology which increased productivity by 15% Organized consumer databases to efficiently track product orders Supervised a team of six service employees In the next section of this handout, you'll find a categorized list of action verbs and examples to accentuate any sentence, job description, or list of skills and accomplishments. In addition, we have provided a sample resume using several action verbs in the Work Experience Section to demonstrate how to effectively use some of the listed action verbs.

Categorized List of Action Verbs

This categorized list of action verbs and examples below are not the only action verbs that you may be limited to use in a resume, cover letter or any other type of professional writing document. The examples are illustrations that provide you with an outlook on how some of the action verbs can be used. You'll also find a link above to a sample resume utilizing action verbs.

Communication Skills
Negotiated price reductions of up to 30% with key suppliers. Interpreted financial information from the companys annual report.

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Translated all relevant company information into three different languages. Other words: Advocated, Clarified, Corresponded, Encouraged, Interpreted, Negotiated, Persuaded, Presented, Publicized, Solicited, Spoke, Translated

Creative Skills
Created an interior design layout for a 500 square foot retail venue. Introduced a new method of navigating through the A Software Program. Presented a new research project to the managers at the location. Other words: Acted, Applied, Composed, Created, Established, Founded, Improvised, Introduced, Navigated, Originated, Presented

Data / Financial Skills

Computed and recorded inventory valuation on a monthly basis. Documented inventory counts at the end of each working day. Verified the amount owed to the creditor in the Accounts Payable account. Other words: Adjusted, Allocated, Budgeted, Compared, Computed, Counted, Documented, Estimated, Forecasted, Inventoried, Invested, Predicted, Projected, Quantified, Recorded, Retrieved, Verified

Helping Skills
Assisted customers with choosing appropriate products. Trained new employees in the plant through demonstration techniques. Volunteered in the nursing home every weekend to serve the community. Other words: Aided, Assisted, Built, Demonstrated, Facilitated, Familiarized, Helped, Performed, Represented, Solved, Supported, Trained, Upheld, Volunteered, Worked

Management / Leadership Skills

Administered a variety of surveys to collect data about the employees. Implemented a safety communication program to promote safety awareness. Recommended an alternative solution to one of the companys problems. Other words: Achieved, Administered, Assigned, Attained, Challenged, Coordinated, Decided, Delegated, Established, Executed, Handled, Headed, Implemented, Incorporated, Intervened, Launched, Led, Managed, Mediated, Motivated, Organized, Oversaw, Planned, Prioritized, Recommended, Scheduled, Supervised, United

Efficiency Skills
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Eliminated unnecessary cost of each unit of production. Maximized profits by 15% during the month of July. Heightened the level of employee moral through program incentives. Other words: Accelerated, Allocated, Boosted, Centralized, Downsized, Edited, Eliminated, Enhanced, Expanded, Expedited, Heightened, Lessened, Leveraged, Maximized, Merged, Optimized, Outlined, Outsourced, Prevented, Prioritized, Reorganized, Reduced, Revised, Simplified, Standardized, Stream-lined, Synthesized, Systematized, Upgraded

Research Skills
Examined a new mechanism that may reduce sickness on the campus. Identified a major defect in a microscopic organism last month. Surveyed a group of Purdue students in regards to Product A. Other words: Analyzed, Collected, Compared, Controlled, Detected, Diagnosed, Evaluated, Examined, Gathered, Identified, Investigated, Located, Measured, Organized, Reported, Replicated, Researched, Reviewed, Searched, Surveyed, Wrote

Teaching Skills
Defined a new product strategy and discussed how it would be implemented. Instructed Department B on how to reduce inventory and raise net sales. Prepared a tutorial manual for an English class last semester. Other words: Aided, Advised, Clarified, Communicated, Defined, Developed, Encouraged, Evaluated, Facilitated, Fostered, Guided, Helped, Incorporated, Informed, Initiated, Instructed, Lectured, Prepared, Supported, Supervised, Stimulated, Taught

Technical Skills
Assembled an entire computer programming simulation for my CPT course. Designed a new form of Widget C for a manufacturing facility. Programmed 3 new computer programs tailored for ITaP systems. Other words: Analyzed, Assembled, Built, Calculated, Computed, Conducted, Designed, Devised, Engineered, Maintained, Operated, Programmed, Reengineered, Remodeled, Transmitted Sources/References: Rosalie Maggio, How to Say It, Webster's Thesaurus

What Is a Cover Letter?

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A cover letter introduces you and your resume to potential employers. It is the first thing an employer sees, so it is often the first impression you will make! Take advantage of this important first impression and prepare the reader for your application, stating why you are writing, why you are the best person for the job, and when you will contact him or her. Cover letters do more than introduce your resume, though. A cover letter's importance also includes its ability to: Explain your experiences in a story-like format Allow you to go in-depth about important experiences/skills and relate them to job requirements Show the employer that you are individualizing this job application Provide a sample of your written communication skills The following handouts are a compilation of tips and strategies to guide you throughout the writing of your cover letter. Please refer to the sample cover letters for a picture of the finished product. Good luck writing!

Quick Content Tips for Cover Letters

There are four basic parts to a cover letter: heading, introduction, argument/body, and a closing. Here are some tips on what to include in each section:

Heading
Provide your contact information. Include the date you are writing the letter. Include the address of the company.

Introduction
Greet the specific person you address the letter to. State the position you are applying for and where you heard about it. Name drop if you have a good connection. State why you believe you are a strong candidate, including 2-3 key qualifications that you will address in the rest of the letter.

Argument/Body
Tailor cover letter for each job application. Focus each paragraph on one qualification. Give specific examples to prove where you got these skills and how you have used them before.

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Tell a story; do not just list your skills. Refer to your resume; do not repeat it. Do not use contractions.

Closing
Close with a strong reminder of why you are a good candidate. Request an interview in some way. Provide contact information. Thank them! Sign your name and print it underneath.

Quick Formatting Tips for Cover Letters

Remember that the basic format of a cover letter follows that of a business letter. As you design the page, think about the following:

Length
Keep to one page! Write one paragraph of introduction, one-three paragraphs to prove your skills, and one paragraph to conclude.

Spacing
Single-space your cover letter. Leave a space between addresses and dates in the heading. Leave a space between your heading (contact info) and greeting ("Dear..."). Leave a space between each paragraph. Leave at least three spaces between your complimentary close ("Sincerely,") and typed name. Sign your name in ink between your complimentary close and typed name.

Margins and Alignment

Use standard margins (one-inch margins, usually). Can use smaller margins (to about 0.7-inch) as long as you are consistent on all sides. Center your letter in the middle of the page.

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Align all paragraphs to the left of the page. (You can also indent the first line of each paragraph, but that is not used as often.)

Should I show off my knowledge of the company?

While it is important to use your knowledge of a company to show how you are a good match, you do not want to talk just about them. The cover letter should focus on you and how you meet a company's needs. For example:
American Advertising is committed to providing their clients with superior customer satisfaction and one-on-one collaboration. My experience shows I can work with people from different backgrounds and cultures, proving I know how to put customer satisfaction first

What should I do before sending off my cover letter?

In order to provide the most professional image of yourself to potential employers, you want to have a polished resume with no mistakes. Here are some final tips to get this professional look: Proofread the cover letter after a few hours or days (improve sentences, grammar, typos). Give your cover letter to friends, professors, and/or colleagues for proofreading and suggestions. Go to the Purdue University Writing Lab in Heavilon 226 for a free cover letter tutorial (if you are affiliated with Purdue).

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