Thoughtful research:

1
Process for developing the thoughtful thesis
topic
questions
tentative thesis
thesis
2
Why, a thesis?

• A thesis statement declares what you intend to
  prove.
• A thesis gives your work focus.
• A good thesis statement makes the difference
  between a thoughtful research project and a
  simple retelling of facts.
• It makes the work worth doing!

3
I have a thesis. Where do I put it?

• The thesis statement is typically located at the
  end of your opening paragraph. (The opening
  paragraph serves to set the context for the
  thesis.)

4
How do I know if I have a solid tentative thesis?
5
What does a thesis look like?
2 Simple equations Specific topic
Attitude/Angle/Argument Thesis (or 3 Ts
Topic Tude Thesis) What you plan to
argue How you plan to argue it
Your thesis
6
Attributes of a good thesis

• Contestableproposes an argument with which
  people could reasonably disagree.
• Provocativetakes a stand and justifies the
  discussion you will present.
• Coverablecould be adequately covered in the
  format of the project assigned.
• Specific and focusedproves a point without
  discussing everything in the world about
• Provableasserts your own conclusion based on
  solid evidence.

7
Dont rush your thesis!

• A good tentative thesis will help you focus your
  search for information.
• You must do a lot of background reading before
  you know enough about a subject to identify the
  key or essential questions.
• You may not know how you stand on an issue until
  you have examined the evidence.
• You will likely begin your research with a
  working, preliminary or tentative thesis which
  you will continue to refine until you are certain
  of where the evidence leads.

8
Be flexible!

• The evidence may lead you to a conclusion you
  didn't
• think youd reach.
• It is perfectly okay to
• change your thesis!

9
How will you find a thesis?

• As you read look for
• Interesting contrasts or comparisons or patterns
  emerging in the information
• Something about the topic that surprises you
• Ideas that make you wonder why?
• Priorities you can weigh
• Something an expert says that makes you
  respond, No way! That cant be right! or Yes,
  absolutely. I agree!

10
Try these five tests on your own tentative thesis
1. Does the thesis  inspire a reasonable reader
to ask,How? or Why? 2. Would a reasonable
reader NOT respond with Duh! or So what? or
Gee, no kidding! or Who cares? 3. Does the
thesis avoid general phrasing and/or sweeping
words such as all or none or every? 4. Does
the thesis lead the reader toward the topic
sentences (the subtopics needed to prove the
thesis)? 5. Can the thesis be adequately
developed in the required length of the paper or
project? If you cannot answer YES to these
questions, what changes must you make in order
for your thesis to pass these tests?
11
Are these good thesis statements? (Use the five
tests to decide.)

• 1. Terrorism should not happen.
• 2. The causes of the Civil War were economic,
  social, and political.
• 3. The Simpsons represents the greatest animated
  show in the history of television.
• 4. The Simpsons treats the issues of ethnicity,
  family dynamics, and social issues effectively.
• 5. Often dismissed because it is animated, The
  Simpsons treats the issue of ethnicity more
  powerfully than did the critically praised All In
  The Family.

12
Now you are ready!Go forth and do powerful,
thoughtful research!

• Remember, you are not alone. Check frequently
  with your teacher or librarian for guidance!