Developing a Thesis Leisen.

2009.

A these statement is

• an arguable position or opinion• provable with logic• specific and manageable• clearly stated in your introduction

(advanced writers may not directly state the thesis until later in the paper)

A thesis statement is NOT

• a value judgment• a statement of fact• a short, simple sentence

(it may even be two sentences)

Bad Thesis:To Kill a Mockingbird was a good book.

Getting there. . .

To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the best books ever written.

Good thesis:

Haper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird stands asthe most important novel of the 20th century, and should be required reading for high school students.

Bad Thesis:The narrator in Old School was came from a middle

class background.

Getting there. . .

The narrator in Old School was motivated by his desire to conceal his background from his school

mates.

Good thesis:Tobias Wolff shows us that, above all, a writer must experience what he or sheis writing about in order to be honest.

Bad Thesis:Odysseus was determined to return to Ithaca.

Getting there. . .

Penelope was not the main reason Odysseus wanted to return to Ithaca.

Good thesis:

It is Odysseus’ father and land that give himsubstance and stature, and these are his main motivations for returning home rather than romantic love for Penelope.

Bad Thesis:Odysseus is cursed by the gods.

Getting there. . .

Odysseus’ own actions and choices led to his suffering.

Good thesis:

Homer’s epic, The Odyssey, remains the most influential, and thus, important piece of Western literature that we have today.

Key Words in thesis statements:• primary• most important• the result of • main motivation, overt

reasons• greatest effect• should have, could have,

would have• reason or reasoning• we learn, shows us, • demonstrates• in reality, in actuality • contrary to popular belief

Your thesis statement is not due until Tuesday, January 26. However, as you continue your research, ask yourself:

What am I learning about my subject?Where am I going with this?What are my opinions about my subject?What are the authors and quotes telling me?

What will I be able to prove?