ENGL 1711 03

Tips FOR WRITING A WORKING THESIS STATEMENT: Make a statement that demands, “Prove it!” Don’t settle for a simple statement of fact, but choose something that seems debatable or requires explanation.

A good thesis statement tells readers what your topic is, and more important, what angle you plan to take or what point you hope to make. Your thesis also helps you focus on your topic throughout the research process and to prioritize your research time. It will help you decide whether to thoroughly read a particular book of just skim it, photocopy or print an article or take a few notes on it, view an entire Web sit or search for specific details.

The Process at Work

A thesis statement is usually a single sentence that contains two main parts: a limited topic plus a specific focus of that topic. To arrive at a working thesis, you might follow this process:

· Select a subject. The Deaf community

· Narrow your subject The cochlear implant and Deaf people

to a limited topic.

· Find a specific focus The controversy of the cochlear implant

or feature.

· Put your focus in the form Why should or shouldn’t the cochlear

of a question. implant be used for deaf children?

· Compose a working thesis Considering the negative consequences of

statement. the cochlear implant, it shouldn’t be the first option for a deaf child.

Following the steps, see if you can compose a working thesis for a subject.

· Select a subject.

· Narrow your subject

to a limited topic.

· Find a specific focus

or feature.

· Put your focus in the form

of a question.

· Compose a working thesis statement.