Chap 2 & 3: Thesis, Topic Sentence, Support

Developing and Writing an Effective Thesis Statement, Topic Sentence, Effective/Adequate Support & EvidenceThe Main Parts of an Essay,

A thesis statement includes

• your distinct standpoint on the subject

• a brief summary of the main arguments

• a roadmap for the paper.

What is a thesis?

It declares the main point or controlling idea of your entire essay.

Where is the thesis usually located in an essay?

Near the beginning of the essay.

What should everything in your essay do in relation to the thesis?

Support the thesis

What three questions does a thesis answer?

• What is the subject of this essay?

• What is the writer’s opinion on this subject?

• What is the writer’s purpose in this essay?

What are examples of a writer’s purpose in a thesis?

To explain something, argue a position, move people to action, or entertain

What should a writer clearly state in the essay?

State the writer’s clearly defined opinion on some subject.

Tell your reader what you think.

Don’t dodge the issue; present your opinion specifically and precisely.

What should the thesis statement communicate?

The purpose of your essay—whether to evaluate, analyze, describe, or inform.

What are the three main types of essay purposes?

• Expressive – Conveying a mood or impression

• Informative – Listing major points or giving an objective overview

• Persuasive – Taking a strong stand or outlining an argument

Why do many essays drift into confusion?

Because the writer tries to explain or argue two different, large issues in one essay.

What’s the solution to keeping your essay clear and focused?

Assert one main idea and explain or argue it in convincing detail.

Why is it important to choose your subject carefully?

Some subjects are predictable and can make your writing boring.

What should you ask yourself before writing the thesis?

Does your position lead to stale or overly obvious ideas?

What makes a thesis worthwhile?

A fresh, engaging perspective that avoids cliché or predictable arguments.

What should your thesis demonstrate about the subject?

That you’ve narrowed it to an appropriate size for your essay.

What should your thesis avoid doing in a short essay?

Promising more than you can effectively deliver.

What dooes a vague thesis usually indicate?

A lack of clarity in the writer’s mind, leading to an unfocused essay.

What is a common problem with vague theses in essays?

They often result in essays that talk around the subject without making a coherent point.

What types of words should you avoid in your thesis?

Avoid words whose meanings are imprecise and those that depend largely on personal interpretation, such as “interesting”, “good”, “bad” etc.

Where is a good thesis typically located in an essay?

In the first or second paragraph.

Why are some students hesitant to place the thesis early?

They feel uncomfortable “giving away” the main point too soon.

What’s the risk of placing the thesis at the end of the ssay?

It can weaken the essay because the reader lacks a clear direction early on.

Why is an early thesis important for the reader?

It helps the reader understand and assess the supporting details thoughout the essay.

What’s wrong with making your thesis just an announcement or description?

It doesn’t take a stand or provide a clear argument—your thesis should be more than stating your intentions.

Why should you avoid phrases like “in my opinion” or “I believe” in your thesis?

They weaken your thesis and make you sound timid or uncertain—speak directly and confidently.

Why is it a mistake to make unreasonable or oversimplified claims in your thesis?

It shows a lack of understanding and can alienate readers—avoid insults, name-calling, and profanity.

Why shouldn’t you merely state a fact in your thesis?

A thesis should assert an opinion that invites discussion, not something obvious or dead-ended.

Should a thesis be stated as a question?

No, unless the answer is already obvious to the reader—otherwise, it lacks a strong, clear position.

Does every paper need a thesis statement?

Yes

Where is the thesis located?

At the end of the introduction.

Can it be longer than 1 sentence?

No

Can I rewrite it if I change my mind?

Yes.

You are encouraged to revisit your thesis statement as you work on the paper.

5 groups of never use words:

Personal pronouns — I, you, we

Uncertainty qualifiers — might, maybe, perhaps

Extermism symptoms — everything, all, none, always, never

Vague formulations — some, kind of, somewhat

Obvious exaggerations — life-saving, best of the best

Checklist for an Effective Thesis Statement

• Could somebody disagree with it?

• Is your standpoint clear and precise?

• Does it pass the “so what” and “who cares” questions?

• Doesn’t it include any odd details?

• Does it tell everything your paper will cover in brief?

• Does it answer the question “how” or “why”?

• Check it for must-use and never-use words.

What are the main parts of an essay?

Introduction, Main Body, Conclusion

What should the background statement in the introduction do?

Set the context for your essay.

What is the purpose of stating issue(s) in the introduction?

To outline specific issues relevant to your essay.

What does the thesis statement do?

State your position in relation to the issue.

What does the scope outline in an introduction?

What will be covered in the essay in relation to your argument.

What should each paragraph in the main body focus on?

Only one idea per paragraph.

How can the main idea of a paragraph be developed?

Through explanation, evaluation exemplification, or research data.

What is the minimum number of sentences per paragraph recommended?

No less than three sentences per paragraph.

How should each paragraphs in the body be linked?

Use connective words for cohesion and linkage between paragraphs.

How should you begin the conclusion?

With a link to the preceding paragraph.

What two things should a conclusion include?

A restatement of the thesis and a summary of principal points

What should the essay end with?

A broad statement on the significance of your argument.

What is the main function of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

It acts like a guidepost, usually placed at the beginning, helping the reader follow the paragraph’s main point.

Why should beginning writers use clear topic sentences?

To stay focused and ensure each sentence relates directly to the paragraph’s main idea, maintaining unity.

What does it mean for a paragraph to have unity?

Every sentence relates directly to the main idea introduced by the topic sentence.

What criteria make support [evidence] effective in a paragraph?

Support must be:

• relevant

• specific

• adequate

• representative

• properly document

What does relevant support mean?

The evidence directly relates to the thesis or topic sentence; irrelevant information should be removed.

Why should support be specific?

To avoid vague generalities by using clear examples and explanations

What does adequate support entail?

Providing enough evidence to fully explain and back up the point, tailored to the audience and scope.

What does representative support mean?

Using typical, not rare or misleading, examples to support the point.

Why is documentation important for support?

To properly cite all sources and avoid plagiarism.

Name types of support you can use to develop a paragraph

Examples, facts, and expert opinions, reasons, statistics, details, personal experiences, visuals.

List some ways to develop paragraphs with support.

Brainstorming, freewriting, discussing with others, reading more, and researching (with permission if needed).