Creating THESIS STATEMENTS

What does a thesis do? What is a “working thesis”?

· Reveals your main point

· Describes your overarching/controlling idea

· Asserts your opinion on a subject and leads to more discussion

· Can be modified as you progress through the writing process

Guidelines for a GOOD THESIS

1. CLEARLY states what you think about a particular subject

2. Asserts just ONE MAIN IDEA (don’t try to ride two horses at once, it makes for an unfocused paper)

3. Has something WORTHWHILE to say (Why should your readers care to read on? Don’t be stale or obvious)

4. NARROWED to fit the assignment

5. Stated in SPECIFIC terms

6. EASILY RECOGNIZABLE as the main idea

Things to AVOID when creating your thesis

1. Signposting

2. Cluttered expressions/DEADWOOD (e.g. “it is my opinion that…” or “I really believe…”)

3. Don’t be unreasonable, irrational, insulting or oversimplified

4. Don’t merely state a fact

5. Don’t use a question unless it is obvious to your reader that the answer is