Transcript Monday, September 12, 2005 Regular Bell Schedule – “E”

Bellringer:
In your own words, please explain what a
thesis statement is.
Reminders:
• Due Dates:
– Thesis & rough outline =
• Next time in IMC =
HW =
Learning Objectives
• You will be able to:
1. Explain what a thesis statement is.
2. Construct your own thesis statement.
Goals for Preliminary Thesis:
Why write a thesis now? I haven’t done
any research yet.
• Focus your search for information
But…
• Be flexible
• Change your thesis if the evidence
leads you to do so
• Continue to refine as you do more
research
Let’s play: Is it a thesis?
• I think high school sports and extracurricular activities are good for
students.
• ANSWERS?
Let’s play: Is it a thesis?
• 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.
Let’s play: Is it a thesis?
• Steroid abuse is wrong.
• Steroids, even those legally available,
are addictive and should be banned
from sports.
What is a thesis statement?
Words to remember…
_ _ _ _ _ _
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_ _
_ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _
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T
H
E
S
I
S
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _
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What is a thesis statement?
A thought-provoking sentence
requiring debate rather than a
simple retelling of the facts
A thread that will be woven
throughout the entire essay
A statement of specific
conclusions.
• Instead of: “Music”
• …think “American Jazz in the 1930’s”
and your comment on the subject.
What is a thesis statement?
A framework that provides focus for
gathering research & generating
questions
Provides the reader with the author’s
clear intention
A declaration of the author’s position on
a topic
A good thesis…
• Writing a good thesis can be a difficult
step for many students, so
READ THE DIRECTIONS!
A good thesis…
• The best thesis statements:
–1 sentence
–Located at the end of your opening
paragraph
–Avoids using vague language
(“it seems”)
–Avoids using 1st person
(“I believe”, “In my opinion”)
A good thesis…
• Proposes an arguable
point.
–Try thinking of your
thesis in two parts: a
topic & a comment
Requirements:
A preliminary thesis statement:
• Is a hypothesis
• Creates the framework for a rough outline
 Which should guide your note taking
• Has a topic and a comment
• Includes 3 subtopics in the comment
How to Write a Thesis:
• Steps:
1. Identify topic.
2. Write a research problem.
• What is a research problem?
3. Answer the research problem
How to Write a Thesis:
• Example:
1. Identify topic: World War II
2. Write a research problem:
How did WWII affect the allied
powers in the years following
1945?
How to Write a Thesis:
• Example:
3. Answer the research problem
World War II had a devastating
impact on Europe, helped end
European domination of the
world, and solidified the United
States as the world power.
How to Write a Thesis: Practice
Now you try the steps:
• With a partner try creating a research
question & thesis for:
1. Topic: School uniforms in public schools
2. Write a research problem.
• the central question you want to explore.
• ask an interesting question
3. Answer the research problem
• one sentence answer = thesis
How to Write a Thesis: Practice
Now you try the steps:
• With a partner try creating a research
question & thesis for:
1. Topic: Standardized Testing
2. Write a research problem.
• the central question you want to explore.
• ask an interesting question
3. Answer the research problem
• one sentence answer = thesis
Agenda: Apply to Your Topic
1. Use your notes to create a research
problem.
2. Based on your knowledge of the topic,
write a hypothesis to answer the
question.
3. Use the subtopics of your thesis to
begin a rough outline.