of
your paper
Thesis Statement
– the of
your paper
The thesis statement is the heart of your paper. Everything in your paper goes back to the thesis statement. All your points should support your thesis statement.
What is a thesis statement?
˙ A single sentence toward the end of your introductory paragraph
˙ It tells the reader how you have interpreted and analyzed your research
˙ It is an arguable statement – not everyone should be able to agree with it
˙ It tells the reader what you will prove in your paper (all points must support the thesis statement)
Finding a strong thesis statement is a process. Don’t worry if you struggle with this. Remember – the thesis statement is the heart of your paper. If you don’t have a strong heart, you die. In other words, take your time coming up with a strong thesis statement.
An example of the revision process of creating a strong thesis statement:
Draft #1: The North and South fought the Civil War for many reasons, some of which were the same and some different.
Why is this a weak thesis statement? ___________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________.
Draft #2: While both sides fought the Civil War of the issue of slavery, the North fought for moral reasons while the South fought to preserve it sown institutions.
Why is this a stronger thesis statement? ________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________.
Draft #3: While both Northerners and Southerners believed they fought against tyranny and oppression, Northerners focused on the oppression of slaves while Southerners defended their own rights to property and self-government.
What makes this an exemplary thesis statement? __________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________.
Now, begin brainstorming thesis statements for your research paper. What are you trying to prove about your person and his/her influence in the world? (Information edited from: http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/thesis.html)
Thesis Statements:
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