Thesis Statements

Question 1

Topic vs Thesis Statement

Answer 1

Topic: General category which identifies a subject area in BROAD terms

Thesis Statement: Specific

Topic: Makes no measurable claim

Thesis Statement: Makes an arguable claim

Thesis statement also articulates and limits the focus of an essay

Question 2

How to create a thesis statement

Answer 2

1. Identify a topic
2. Identify the single most important theme within that topic
3. Identify the claim and the reasons for that claim
4. Identify connections between the claim and the reasons.

• Are they causally related?
• Are the connections important?

Question 3

What is the purpose of a thesis statement?

Answer 3

• tells the reader how the writer will approach the subject matter
• is a road map for the paper
• is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself
• makes a claim that others might dispute
• is usually a single sentence somewhere in the first paragraph that presents the argument to the reader.

Question 4

What is an arguable proposition?

Answer 4

A statement that:

1. clearly articulates the proposition being argued
2. provides the reasons for the claim being made

Question 5

How does an arguable proposition help the reader?

Answer 5

allows a reader to determine whether the writer has provided sufficient evidence for an argument

Question 6

Explain the Because Clause

Answer 6

• part of the arguable proposition
  
  • identifies the relationship between the reasons for a claim and the claim itself