Slide1: ? ? ? ? ? What is a thesis ? ? ? ? ? ?


What is a thesis?: What is a thesis? A thesis statement declares what you believe and what you intend to prove. A good thesis statement makes the difference between a thoughtful research project and a simple retelling of facts.


What is a thesis?: What is a thesis? A good tentative thesis will help you focus your search for information. But don’t rush. You must do a lot of background reading before you know enough about a subject to identify 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.


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


What is a thesis? : What is a thesis? Remember, your reader will be looking for your thesis. Make it clear, strong and easy to find.


Attributes of a good thesis:: Attributes of a good thesis: It should be contestable, proposing an arguable point with which people could reasonably disagree. A strong thesis is provocative; it takes a stand and justifies the discussion you will present.


Attributes of a good thesis:: Attributes of a good thesis: It tackles a subject that could be adequately covered in the format of the project assigned. It is specific and focussed. A strong thesis proves a point without discussing “everything about …” Instead of “Quebec independence movements” think “October Crisis”.


Attributes of a good thesis:: Attributes of a good thesis: It clearly asserts your own conclusion based on evidence. The evidence may lead you to a conclusion you didn’t think you would reach. It is okay to change your thesis.


Attributes of a good thesis:: Attributes of a good thesis: It provides your reader with a map to guide her through your work. It anticipates and refutes the counter-arguments. It avoids vague language (like “it seems”). It avoids the 1st person. (“I believe,” “In my opinion”).


Attributes of a good thesis:: Attributes of a good thesis: It should pass the So what? Or Who cares? Test. For instance, “Brian Mulroney was the most hated Prime Minister Canada had ever had,” is perhaps too obvious to bother trying to prove.


Thesis Equations: Thesis Equations Specific topic + Attitude/Angle/Argument=Thesis What you plan to argue+How you plan to argue=Thesis


Five tests for a good thesis: Five tests for a good thesis Does the thesis inspire a reasonable reader to ask “How?” or “Why?” Would a reasonable reader NOT respond with “So what?” or “Who cares?” Does the thesis avoid general phrasing such as “all” or “none” or “every”? Does the thesis lead the reader toward the topic sentences (the subtopics needed to prove the thesis)? Can the thesis be adequately developed in the required length of the paper?


Sample Thesis Statements: Sample Thesis Statements E-coli contamination should not happen. The causes of the Walkerton water tragedy were economic, social, and political.


Sample Thesis Statements: Sample Thesis Statements The Simpsons represents the greatest animated show in the history of television. The Simpsons treats the issues of ethnicity, family dynamics, and social issues effectively. Often dismissed because it is animated, The Simpsons treats the issue of ethnicity more powerfully than did the critically praised All In The Family.


Thesis Brainstorming As you read look for:: Thesis Brainstorming As you read look for: Interesting contrasts or comparisons or patterns emerging in the information Is there something about the topic that surprises you? Do you encounter ideas that make you wonder why? Does something an "expert" says make you respond, ”No way! That can’t be right!" or "Yes, absolutely. I agree!"


Example of brainstorming a thesis:: Example of brainstorming a thesis: Select a topic: television violence and children Ask an interesting question: What are the effects of television violence on children? Revise the question into a thesis: Violence on television increases aggressive behavior in preschool children. Remember this argument is your “preliminary” or “working” thesis. As you read you may discover evidence that may affect your stance. It is okay to revise your thesis.


Create a list of sample questions:: Create a list of sample questions: How many hours of television does the average young child watch per week? How do we identify a "violent" program? Which types of programs are most violent? Are there scientific research studies that have observed children before and after watching violent programs? Are there experts you might contact? Which major groups are involved in investigating this question?


Now, let's play: Is it a thesis?: Now, let's play: Is it a thesis? I would like to become a chef when I finish school Although both chefs and cooks can prepare fine meals, chefs differ from cooks in education, professional commitment, and artistry.


Now, let's play: Is it a thesis?: Now, let's play: Is it a thesis? I enjoy white water rafting. A first water rafting experience can challenge the body and spirit and transform an adolescent into an adult


Now, let's play: Is it a thesis?: Now, let's play: Is it a thesis? Men are chauvinists. Our Canadian family structure encourages men to repress their true feelings, leaving them open to physical, psychological, and relationship difficulties.


Now, let's play: Is it a thesis?: Now, let's play: Is it a thesis? Steroid abuse Steroids, even those legally available, are addictive and should be banned from sports.


Now, let's play: Is it a thesis?: Now, let's play: Is it a thesis? Hip hop is the best thing that has happened to music in twenty years Though many people dismiss hip hop as offensive, hip hop music offers urban youth an important opportunity for artistic expression, and allows them to articulate the poetry of the street.


Now, let's play: Is it a thesis?: Now, let's play: Is it a thesis? Many people object to today's violent horror movies. Despite their high-tech special effects, today's graphically violent horror movies do not convey the creative use of cinematography or the emotional impact that we saw in the classic horror films of the 1940s and 50s.