Thesis--A sentence with a purpose
FACT OR TOPIC + EXPLANATION (Why/How) = THESIS
Topic:
New York Jets Defense
Poor:
New York Jets have the best Defense.
Getting there:
The New York Jets Defense is ranked #1 because of their effectiveness on third down.
Best:
The New York Jets Defense is ranked #1 because Calvin Pace creates matchup problems on third down and often sacks the QB.
-Be descriptive; exact
-Avoid unclear or vague words—Things
-Avoid Universal Statements
-Don’t summarize the plot
-Make a Why/How Statement
Good Examples:
Myrtle and Daisy are obsessed with the trappings of wealth in the material world, which ultimately leads to their tragedy.
Hester Prynne’s confidence allows her to take the initiative to define the scarlet letter on her chest in her own terms rather than letting it control her actions and reputation.
Fitzgerald uses the valley of ashes to emphasize that prosperity does not translate into moral character.
Ahab ignores his falsehood because he is not content as God’s subordinate.
Bad:
In the chapter, The Monkey Rope, Melville uses the image of the monkey rope and its importance on a whaling ship in order to symbolize why teamwork and trust have such magnitude in life.
-Universal Statement
Even though the blubber of a whale is most important to whalers and even to the whale, the skin of the whale possesses the most significance.
-Vague…what significance?
Ishmael and Queequeg are close friends but now they are literally joined together with a rope.
-Plot..why? What’s the significance?
FACT OR TOPIC + EXPLANATION (Why/How) = THESIS
A good thesis takes something you notice (FACT) in a text and explains WHY it happens. A good thesis takes an event (FACT) and explain HOW it’s possible. A good thesis mentions a character’s actions (FACT) and explains his motivations (WHY).
Topic:
New York Jets Defense
Poor:
New York Jets have the best Defense.
Getting there:
The New York Jets Defense is ranked #1 because of their effectiveness on third down.
Best:
The New York Jets Defense is ranked #1 because Calvin Pace creates matchup problems on third down and often sacks the QB.
-Make a claim
-Be clear-Be descriptive; exact
-Avoid unclear or vague words—Things
-Avoid Universal Statements
-Don’t summarize the plot
-Make a Why/How Statement
-Be adventurous, be a critic, TAKE A CHANCE EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT SURE
Good Examples:
Myrtle and Daisy are obsessed with the trappings of wealth in the material world, which ultimately leads to their tragedy.
Hester Prynne’s confidence allows her to take the initiative to define the scarlet letter on her chest in her own terms rather than letting it control her actions and reputation.
Fitzgerald uses the valley of ashes to emphasize that prosperity does not translate into moral character.
Ahab ignores his falsehood because he is not content as God’s subordinate.
Bad:
In the chapter, The Monkey Rope, Melville uses the image of the monkey rope and its importance on a whaling ship in order to symbolize why teamwork and trust have such magnitude in life.
-Universal Statement
Even though the blubber of a whale is most important to whalers and even to the whale, the skin of the whale possesses the most significance.
-Vague…what significance?
Ishmael and Queequeg are close friends but now they are literally joined together with a rope.
-Plot..why? What’s the significance?
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