SKILL 7.4, Identify the effective thesis statements and topic sentences

What is a fact statement and why should it be avoided in a thesis?

A fact statement provides a subject but it does not include a point of view about the subject that will provide a basis for an extended discussion on the subject. A fact statement is a detail and should be used as a detail within an essay, NOT as a point of view.

Thesis

A thesis is the controlling idea of an essay. Typically a general statement. Should allow the reader to argue or explain the subject. A good thesis gives structure to an essay and helps focus the writers thoughts.

What is the problem with a vague thesis?

A vague thesis statement may not give the essay a purpose, it may not provide a strong enough idea to assert or point out. The subject needs to be solid enough to give it an assertion for a friend.

Assertion of Thesis

A viewpoint or opinion about the subject. The assertion provides the motive or purpose for the essay and it may be an arguable point or one that explains a POV. For example, "cell phones are destroying the way we interact with others" would be an assertion to the subject of cell phones in a thesis.

Outline

Lists main areas or points as topics for each paragraph. Can also be a list of abbreviated words or ideas. Organize in 6 parts with INTRO, THESIS, CONCLUSION. Three body should be present.

Do you need a point of view when you start a thesis?

No. Get a workable thesis going, find your subject and assertion and as you write and research continue to build a point of view that will show clearly in the essay.

Should a thesis be a vague question?

No. a thesis should not be based on a vague question, this will not give a clear point of view to assert in the extended essay. A vague question does not guide the essays purpose or scope.

Should a thesis involve an "announcer"?

Not particularly. A statement like "I will discuss ways to go vegan for cheap" in a thesis will not give the full scope of the essay, it is only suggested. It does not give a viewpoint, it rather announces what the writer is going to talk about, instead of saying "Going vegan for cheap will improve your health and help your wallet" this is giving POV.

Can a thesis be stated in multi point form?

Only if the points are stated in parallel form, the writer should clearly lay out the plan for the reader if this is used as a thesis statement format.

When writing a topic sentence keep these four guidelines in your mind.

Relate the topic to the thesis statement. State clearly and concretely the subject of the paragraph. Provide some transition from the previous paragraph. Avoid topic sentences that are facts, questions or "announcers".

Subject of Thesis

Relates directly to the topic but expresses the specific area that has been chose not discuss. For example, "cell phones are a modern invention" is a subject for a thesis.

Where does the thesis go on your MTEL essay?

The thesis needs to be placed in the first paragraph to key the reader to the essays main idea.

Topic Sentence

The topic sentence states a central idea, provides a transition in the paragraph and it relates totes essays thesis. These help provide unity throughout the essay.

These are framed as facts, questions or announcements but they are undeveloped.

Weak thesis statements