The Four Big Mistakes:
The Four Big Mistakes It makes no debatable claim It is too obvious, or just a statement of fact It makes a claim based only on personal belief or opinion It makes an overly broad claim
1. It makes no debatable claim:
1. It makes no debatable claim Needs work: This essay will look at the theme of war in Persepolis . A better example: Marjane Satrapi uses the theme of war in Persepolis to highlight the social inequality in Iran. You need to have an arguable point because your essay is going to make (and win!) that argument.
2. It is too obvious:
2. It is too obvious Needs work: Marjane Satrapi’s life during the war was hard. A better example: Marjane Satrapi’s experiences during the war were what separated her from her new friends in Europe. If no sane person would disagree with your thesis, it’s probably too broad or just stating a fact.
3. It makes a claim based only on personal belief or opinion:
3. It makes a claim based only on personal belief or opinion Needs work: Marji’s parents should not have sent her away at such a young age. A better example: Because she was not mature enough to make adult decisions for herself, Marji’s parents should not have sent her away at such a young age. Make sure you are giving the reader the idea that the paper will be more than just your opinions.
4. It makes an overly broad claim:
4. It makes an overly broad claim Needs work: Sexism is unfair. A better example: The strict rules about women’s clothes in Iran were more about sexist repression than the teachings of Muhammad. More specific is more better! Remember that if no sane person would disagree with your thesis, it probably needs work.
Grilling your thesis!:
Grilling your thesis! Start with asking: Is there a debatable claim? Is it obvious? Is it just an opinion or statement of fact? Is it overly broad? Then really work it over with: Who?! What?! Where?! When?! Why?! HOW?!
Ok, now WRITE!:
Ok, now WRITE!