Forming a Thesis Statement

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Kelly Hopkins
5 years ago
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2 Forming a Thesis Statement

3 An effective thesis Clearly expresses your paper s purpose and main idea. Is ARGUABLE and clearly worded Is broad enough to allow you plenty of room for research Is narrow enough to clearly present your essay s purpose and main idea.

4 Brainstorming: Taking Inventory (Use your Topic to Working Thesis worksheet) 1. Write down your topic (broadest version) 2. What do you already know about your topic? 3. What opinions have you already formed about your topic? IMPORTANT: You must develop and prove an argument! Keep your argument in mind as you brainstorm.

5 Brainstorming: Ask questions (Use your Topic to Working Thesis worksheet) 1. What do you want to know about your topic? 2. What additional information might help you develop your argument? (If you get stumped, ask a neighbor (or a parent) what he/she would like to know about your topic. IMPORTANT: You must develop and prove an argument! Keep your argument in mind as you write down questions.

6 Brainstorming: Form an opinion! For now, think of what you already know about your topic, and form an initial opinion. This will become your working thesis. Try to form some initial sub-topics (areas of focus) for your research. Think of how you might go about proving your argument. (write these on the back or your worksheet) As you research, find answers! Were your predictions correct? Do your opinions need to change?

7 An Example: Topic = Napoleon Bonaparte Take Inventory 1. Ruled France in the late 18 th -early 19 th c 2. Conquered vast territories 3. Believed in equality among the classes 4. Wanted to free the people from the tyranny of a king 5. Wanted to bring more power to the people 6. Exiled, regained power, exiled again My current opinions: 1. Napoleon claimed to promote equality and liberty, but ruled like a tyrant.

8 An Example: Topic = Napoleon Bonaparte Ask Questions 1. How did he come to power? 2. Was he voted in? 3. What was his background (growing up)? 4. Was he from the upper class? 5. What were the classes in France? 6. What was the political situation in France when he rose to power? 7. How did he conquer? 8. Why did he choose to conquer? 9. What was his goal in conquering? Note: All my questions relate in some way to forming my argument!

9 An Example: Topic = Napoleon Bonaparte My current opinions: Napoleon claimed to promote equality and liberty, but ruled like a tyrant. Working Thesis: Although Napoleon claimed to promote freedom and equality, his actions proved him to be a manipulative, power-hungry tyrant.

10 Brainstorm a few sub-topics to guide my research: Working Thesis: Although Napoleon claimed to promote freedom and equality, his actions proved him to be a manipulative, power-hungry tyrant. 1. How did he come to power? 2. Was he voted in? 3. What was his background (growing up)? 4. Was he from the upper class? 5. What were the classes in France? 6. What was the political situation in France when he rose to power? 7. How did he conquer? 8. Why did he choose to conquer? 9. What was his goal in conquering? I. Napoleon s background (How did it make him manipulative & power-hungry?) II. Historic background (How did it contribute to his rise to power?) III. Napoleon s militaristic strategies (prove power-hungry?) IV.Napoleon s political strategies (prove manipulative?)

11 The most important thing to ask yourself after writing your thesis: 1. Could someone disagree? Although Napoleon claimed to promote freedom and equality, his actions proved him to be a manipulative, power-hungry tyrant. If you can t find the counterargument, you do not have an arguable thesis!

12 Keep in mind, this is your working thesis. It SHOULD change and evolve with your paper. As you research and narrow your topic, your thesis should change to fit the focus of your paper.

13 Don t forget The thesis must control the entire argument. Your thesis determines what you are required to say in a paper. It also determines what you cannot say. Every paragraph in your essay exists in order to support your thesis (must directly relate to your argument).

14 BRING THURSDAY Completed Topic to Working Thesis worksheet Begin securing your book sources. On Thursday we will discuss finding credible online sources, searching the database, and note cards.

Write three supporting reasons that would convince the reader to agree with your position (in order of importance).

Write three supporting reasons that would convince the reader to agree with your position (in order of importance). Brainstorm for Persuasive Essay with counterargument TOPIC OR PROBLEM: What do you want the reader to believe? Start here: COUNTERARGUMENT: Why might someone disagree with you? SOLUTION OR COMPROMISE: