Intellectual Property
nouf
the_thesis_statement.pptxThe Thesis Statement
The One Sentence That Will
Change Your Life (Or Your Grade)
Components of a Thesis Statement
One concise sentence
Conveys topic
Conveys which side you are arguing
Briefly lists the main reasons you will use to support your argument.
One possible formula:
“Claim/argument BECAUSE Reason 1, Reason 2, and Reason 3.”
Where is the Thesis Statement?
Depending on the kind of paper you’re writing, the thesis statement can appear in a variety of places. But MOST often, the thesis statement comes at the very end of the first paragraph. It’s often the last sentence of your introduction.
Examples
Taylor Swift should be allowed to trademark phrases such as ‘this sick beat’ from her new album 1989 because these phrases are recognizable by consumers as Swift’s creations, and Swift deserves the proceeds from merchandise inspired directly by her music.
Old Ox Brewery should not have to submit to Red Bull’s requests because these two companies produce different products, their labels are already distinguishable, and Old Ox Brewery is so small that it is unlikely to threaten Red Bull’s profits.
Scientists should not be able to patent genetically engineered DNA because it is impossible to prove ownership of entire DNA sequences, and both the science community and laypeople would benefit from openly sharing new ideas to advance medical technology.
Note that the words in red are the “claim,” the argument you’re making. The claim is followed by TWO or THREE reasons the author will use to support, back up, prove his claim. The word “because” joins the claim and the reasons.
Discuss with students how each of these examples highlight the topic, side, and reasons. VERY IMPORTANT.
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The “Goldilocks” of Thesis Statements
Mistake 1: Too broad, or too narrow
Mistake 2: Too easy to prove, or too difficult to prove
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1: Too Broad, Too Narrow
Remember, you want your claim/argument to be specific enough to prove in 4-5 pages.
Too Broad:
You shouldn’t be able to trademark words and phrases.
Too Narrow:
Taylor Swift makes enough money through concerts alone.
Just Right: Taylor Swift should not be able to trademark phrases from her album 1989 because many of these phrases are not original, merchandise companies should be able to profit from Swift’s fans, and Swift will make enough money through concerts alone.
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2: Too Difficult to Prove, Too Easy to Prove
In research writing, you want to avoid claims that are too opinionated – that is, claims that can’t be disproven, as well as claims that are too obvious – everyone already agrees with you!:
Too Difficult to Prove/Too Opinionated:
“I think big companies are stupid and need to stop squashing small, innocent, helpless companies.”
Too Easy to Prove/Too Obvious:
“Red Bull and Old Ox Brewery both use similar logos, and bulls and oxen can be difficult to distinguish.”
Just Right: Old Ox Brewery should grant Red Bull’s requests because Red Bull was established much earlier than Old Ox, bulls and oxen are difficult to distinguish, and both companies may eventually want to expand their product lines, which could lead to consumer confusion.
A good test to know whether your thesis sentence is too subjective is to ask yourself, “Can my statement be proven using 2-3 solid logical reasons?” If not, it’s probably not a solid, arguable claim.
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5 Steps to Generating a Thesis Statement
1. Narrow down your topic to a manageable size – can you write about this topic in 4-5 pages?
If needed, move down the “abstraction ladder” (use an idea map)
2. Find an argument that can be made about that topic
What are people currently arguing about your topic? What are 2 or 3 different points of view in this debate? (Remember stakeholders and what’s at stake)
3. CHOOSE A SIDE. Which side are you on?
4. Add “because”
5. List the 2-3 REASONS you plan to use in the remainder of your paper.
“There and Back Again”
One last analogy: You have probably heard the idea that your thesis statement is the map to the rest of your paper. The thesis statement should mirror the organization of your paper - and the organization of your paper should be a lot like this map from The Hobbit. You may make a few stops along the way, but every leg of the journey contributes to the ultimate goal – getting back your gold, or proving your argument. Your entire paper, much like the hobbits’ journey, should be “there and back again”. You set out to prove something, you prove it using evidence and examples, and then you remind the reader that you proved what you said you would.
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Here and There and All Over the Place
Don’t be like this map. If anyone is familiar with Game of Thrones, you will know that there is no “there and back again.” Every journey in GoT is either sabotaged before it begins or rudely interrupted with an unexpected wedding, an ambush, or a beheading. Don’t let this be the organization of your paper. Don’t let your arguments die half way through the journey – don’t let your ideas become sidetracked with bandits or weddings. Don’t confuse the reader and make him or her wonder if there is even any point in continuing! What does this have to do with thesis statements? Write a “there and back again” thesis statement – a thesis statement that clearly tells the reader what you are going to prove and how you are going to prove it.
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