Thesis Statements

1
Thesis Statements

• BAC 101

2
Definition

• Definition from text declares your specific
  subject and point of view, reflects your writing
  purpose and audience, and acts as the organizing
  principle of your paper. OR In one or two
  sentences it tells readers what to expect.
  (Carter, pg 291)
• When you write in one sentence the point you
  want to present to your reader, you have written
  a thesis statement. (Wilson, pg 227)

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Thesis Statement Stats

• All writers have an idea in mind that they want
  to present to the reader.
• Ideas may develop in various ways, but behind
  what is written, is the REASON for writingthe
  thesis statement.
• According to the text it typically comes at the
  conclusion of the introductory paragraph BUT
  there is no hard and fast placement rule.

4
Thesis Statement Stats

• Your thesis statement should guide your
  writing.
• Two good rules of thumb
• Must be a sentence with a subject and a verb (not
  just a topic!) http//owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/r
  esource/730/01/
• Must be an idea that you can explain or defend
  (more than just a statement of fact!)
• OWL http//owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/5
  45/01/

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Thesis or Fact?

• It took me a long time to plan my wedding.
• I have finally learned the secrets to applying
  for a scholarship.
• Chain-letter type e-mails are extremely annoying.
• Sharks have no bones in their bodies.

6
The Acid Test

• Lets discuss and share some of your thesis
  statements . . .