The Thesis Statement Definition: “A thesis is an idea, stated as an assertion, that represents a reasoned response to a question at issue and that serves as of a composition” (Gage 70). The central idea2 How should we write the thesis statement?3A thesis statement is a declarative statement. It is not a title, a fragment, or a question. Example: Question: Why are biofeedback techniques excellent methods of stress reduction? Thesis: Because of its simplicity, accuracy, and lack of toxicity, biofeedback is often a successful technique for migraine relief. 4A thesis statement is an arguable idea, not a fact.Fact: Cortez conquered Mexico in 1509.Thesis: The colonial mentality which prompted Cortezs barbaric invasion of Mexico brought about not an advance of native society but a destruction of Aztec culture. 5A thesis statement is not an announcement of the authors purpose or assignment.Announcement: In this paper I will discuss the causes and effects of the French Revolution and then argue as to whether or not it was successful.Thesis: Though the reasons for the French Revolution were noble liberty, fraternity, equalitythe effects were devastating, ultimately leading to the unsuccessful reinstitution of the monarchy.6A thesis statement is specific and narrowed and is not a broad overgeneralization.Broad: Men are chauvinists. Narrow: Men who repress their true feelings leave themselves open to physical and psychological difficulties. 7A thesis statement covers only one topic. Many topics: The theme, characters, setting, irony, conflicts, viewpoint, and plot all contribute to making Madame Bovary a tragedy.One topic: Flauberts Emma Bovary is a tragic character because, never seeing reality, she misses some important clues that her life has gone awry, and she falls from her social height into prostitution.8 A thesis statement focuses the essay and guides its direction. Unfocused: Martin Luther King, Jr. is a role model for everyone to follow. Focused: Because of his determination, his courage to follow his beliefs and his unwavering sense of justice, Martin Luther King, Jr. is a symbol of American freedom.9Your thesis needs three components: (TAD) Topic: The narrowed, limited subject of your paper. Attitude:How you will treat and interpret the subject. Development: The proof/points you will cover in the paper.10If you were writing a paper to convince your parents to let you have your own car, can your thesis be something like: Its important for me to have a car. Why?!11How about: Its important for me to have a car so I can take road trips. Why?12What about this?Having my own car will give me more freedom to explore life, but it will also provide discipline through the expansion of my household responsibilities.13Now, Consider TheseMark Twains Huckleberry Finn is a great American novel.In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore.Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twains Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American democratic ideals, one must leave civilized society and go back to nature.14 Where is the thesis?Contrary to popular and parental opinion, quiet study time does not in fact enhance but instead impairs students productivity. Listening to music while studying is in fact a beneficial activity to add to a study regime for better grades because of the way music motivates students and keeps them alert.15Listening to music while studying is in fact a beneficial activity to add to a study regime for better grades because of the way music motivates students and keeps them alert.16Books can be factual about real events, real people, and established facts like magazines, textbooks and reference books. Books can also be imaginative about imaginary events, imaginary people and made-up facts like novels, poetry selections and play scripts. Whatever type a book belongs to, factual or imaginary, a well-written book benefits the reader from a different angle; therefore, people should read books of both types.17Whatever type a book belongs to, factual or imaginary, a well-written book benefits the reader from a different angle; therefore, people should read books of both types.18 Special gifts are gifts that people rarely give out or receive on a particular occasion. Just because of rareness, special gifts are enriched with the feeling from the giver. The decision to give a special gift, the efforts made in finding one coupled with the rareness of the present make a special gift deeply remembered. 19The decision to give a special gift, the efforts made in finding one coupled with the rareness of the present make a special gift deeply remembered. 20 What is an important decision? An important decision is one that influences us, especially our life to a great extent. An important decision can be either right or wrong. Its importance lies in its impact on such great matters as our career, our way of life and our success in the society. 21An important decision can be either right or wrong. Its importance lies in its impact on such great matters as our career, our way of life and our success in the society. 22Your thesis must take a stand, be specific, and engaging enough to justify what you are writing about. 23A strong thesis often contains words like: BecauseSinceSoAlthoughUnlessThroughHoweverWhy?They help with development!24 For ExampleBecause half of all crack babies are likely to grow up in homes lacking good mental and emotional stimulation, the federal government should finance programs to supplement parental care for crack addicted infants and children. 25Lets break this one downBecause half of all crack babies are likely to grow up in homes lacking good mental and emotional stimulation, the federal government should finance programs to supplement parental care for crack addicted infants and children. Topic:Federal GovernmentAttitude:Should Finance ProgramsDevelopment:1)Crack addicted babies are less likely to grow up in homes lacking good mental stimulation2)Crack addicted babies are less likely to grow up in homes lacking good emotional stimulation 26Lets Try AnotherBecause the internet is filled with tremendous marketing potential, companies should take advantage by using web pages that offer both advertising and customer support.Topic:CompaniesAttitude:Should use web pages that offer advertising and customer supportDevelopment:The tremendous marketing potential of the internet27One moreHunger persists in Appalachia because jobs are scarce and farming in the infertile soil is rarely profitable.Topic:Hunger in AppalachiaAttitude:PersistsDevelopment:1)Jobs are scarce2)Farming in infertile soil is rarely profitable28 Your topic needs to be:Single:Narrow-dont try to take on so much!Supportable:Is there enough evidence to support and defend your thesis statement? Significant:Why write about it if its not important? 29Basic Steps for Writing a Thesis Statement 1. After you have decided your topic, you need to narrow it down. Broad: British Poetry Narrow: Gender Characteristics in Two Poems More Narrow: John Donnes “Death Be Not Proud” contrasted with Elizabeth Barret Brownings “Sonnet 43”302. Put your topic into a sentence.Elizabeth Barret Brownings “Sonnet 43”is different from John Donnes Death Be Not Proud. 31 3. Add your argument, viewpoint, or opinion to your topic to make your thesis persuasive.Elizabeth Barret Brownings “Sonnet 43”is essentially a more feminine poem, while John Donnes Death Be Not Proud is more masculine.324. Elaborate on your thesis so that it addresses all parts of your assignment.Although Elizabeth Barret Browning and John Donne both personify death in their poems, the tone, language, and images are clearly feminine in “Sonnet 43” and masculine in Death Be Not Proud.33 5. Organize your thesis to guide the direction of your paper.Although Elizabeth Barret Browning and John Donne both personify death in their poems, the tone, images, and language are clearly more feminine in “Sonnet 43” than in Death Be Not Proud.346. Edit your thesis for content, word choice and precision.Although Elizabeth Barret Browning and John Donne both personify death in their poems, the images, language, and tone clearly reveal a womans perspective in Sonnet 43, and a mans perspective in Death Be Not Proud. 35谢谢观赏！谢谢观赏！