Eng-103 Thesis Notes Pt 2 - Recording-2025-01-22T07:49:30.077Z

Overview of Thesis Statements

• A thesis statement is the main point or overall message of a paper, representing the argument around which the work revolves.

• Considered a working or evolving statement until the final draft submission.

• Often comprises more than one sentence.

Deciding on a Main Idea

• Choosing a Topic:

  • Select something of personal interest and relevant to the audience.

  • Ensure the topic's significance to the audience to maintain engagement.

• Researching:

  • Conduct a preliminary search to gather information about the chosen topic.

  • Utilize personal experiences as part of the research but prioritize reliable information.

  • Be cautious of unreliable sources, focusing on credible sites like .edu.

Thesis Reasons

• Identifying Thesis Reasons:

  • After initial research, select a few aspects that support the topic.

  • The number of thesis reasons should align with the paper's scope.

• Relevance of Thesis Reasons:

  • Ensure chosen reasons are interesting and relevant to both the writer and the audience.

• Engagement:

  • Consider what will keep the reader engaged throughout the paper.

Example Thesis Reasoning

• Example Topic: Positive and Negative Impacts of Social Media on Face-to-Face Communication

  1. Negative Impact: Cyberbullying prevalence.

  2. Negative Impact: Social media distances rather than connects people.

  3. Positive Impact: Instantaneous communication offered by texting and social media.

Helpful Questions for Thesis Development

• Where does the thesis go?

  • Typically located near the end of the introduction paragraph.

• Is the statement too general?

  • Consider if the thesis needs more detail to narrow focus.

• Is the thesis statement clear?

  • Ensure clarity and purpose in wording.

• Does the thesis reflect a strong opinion on the issue?

  • It should express a clear stance with supporting evidence.

• Is the statement original and arguable?

  • Avoid statements of fact; aim for originality and debate capacity.

Importance of Word Choice

• Avoid Vague Terms:

  • Clarify terms like "bad," "good," "easy" with more specific descriptions.

• Avoid Abstract Language:

  • Contextualize terms like "values" and "culture" to strengthen clarity.

• Avoid Jargon:

  • Ensure understanding of all terms used; consult a thesaurus for clarity.

Thesis Statement Templates

• Template Example 1:

  • "From examining thesis reasons 1, 2, and 3, it is clear that [opinion about the topic]."

  • Example Application: "From examining the effects of cyberbullying and less face-to-face communication, it is clear that texting and social media have desocialized our society."

• Template Example 2:

  • "[Topic] should be [opinion about the topic] because [thesis reasons]."

  • Example: "Texting and social media should be monitored more closely with adolescents because it desocializes, causes cyberbullying, and reduces face-to-face communication."