Students often wonder why formal writing is more difficult (and thus less enjoyable)
than informal writing. They also often wonder why winnowing down some general
thoughts into one sentence is difficult. I can tell you the reason in one word:
synthesis. Synthesis is the highest level critical thinking skill we utilize. It takes a lot
of mental energy and brain power to do it. It's especially challenging if we aren't able
to relax, concentrate and focus. If we are hurried, distracted, or especially stressed,
it's nearly impossible. As you work on our thesis this week, keep this in mind. Carve
out time and space to do the work of creating one clear sentence that sums up what
you are trying to communicate to your reader and why it is important. The time is
well spent, because your thesis statement is both the spine and heart of your paper.
