Thesis, topic sentence & controlling idea
What is a subject ?
The topic / focus
Where does a topic sentence come from ?
The reasons that you stated in your thesis
What should you ask yourself about your topic sentence?
"Why does this prove my thesis?" & " how does this prove my thesis?"
A good topic sentence allows for good transitions from..
1 idea to another, 1 paragraph to another. Easy flow from topic to topic (reason)
How long is a thesis ?
1 sentence (placed in the introductory paragraph)
A thesis should take a stand not...
Announce a subject
What is reason reasoning supported by ?
Body paragraph, concrete details, inferences & analysis ( comment )
A strong topic sentence is...
Clear and concise (specific )
A good topic sentence must be...
Coherent and logical (think of the writing process & revision step)
What does your paper lack without a controlling idea?
Commentary and cohesiveness ( failing grade )
A thesis should not include ...
Contractions and personal pronouns (I, me, we 1st & 2nd person)
What is a topic sentence ?
First sentence of a body paragraph giving opinion of how it proves/connects to thesis
How do you improve a thesis ?
Improve vocabulary, sentence variance, revising/editing and include rhetoric
Thesis
Narrow, specific claim that is supported by the essay. Roadmap for the entire paper. Arguable
Is a thesis a question ?
No, it is a statement
What is a position ?
Opinion/ side you are taking
A thesis should not include ...
Slang
What is the formula for a thesis
Subject + position/truism + reasons
Topic sentence formula
Topic (reason) + controlling idea (proves position)
A good topic sense allows the reader to know the main idea of the paragraph.
True
A good topic sentence helps you to stay focused on the topic of your paragraph.
True
A strong topic sentence should use key words or phrases from the thesis to indicate which part of the thesis will be discussed?
True
A thesis should be concise and meaningful
True
A thesis should include content that can be proven or argued
True
A topic sentence is a mini thesis for your body paragraph
True
A thesis should not include ...
Uncertainty, broadness, wordiness and absolutes (all/everyone)
A thesis should not include ...
Unclear or vague wording that leave readers with questions
What is reasoning ?
Why you should believe me & why my position is right
Does a thesis identify the subject
Yes
Should a thesis encourage the reader to agree/ disagree ?
Yes
