Examples of thesis statements
Workshop for final papers
Thesis and definition of terms are
unclear
• In this paper I will explore the model minority
myth. I will do this by comparing and
contrasting case studies about Japanese and
Chinese diaspora communities in the US. I will
argue that the model minority myth does not
exist within the Japanese and Chinese
diaspora communities.
Not quite there
• “Model minority refers to a minority ethnic, racial,
or religious group whose members achieve a higher
degree of success than the population average”. When
thinking such a term, which immigrant pops into your
mind? In America, there were many immigrants
immigrating, and there could only be one ethnic group
that was the model minority. Two ethnic groups I will
be comparing are the Japanese, and Chinese diasporan
communities in the US. The argument that will be
followed is which of the two; Japanese and Chinese
diasporians are favored among the US.
Almost there
• In this paper I will explore the stereotypical image
Americans have by comparing and contrasting case
studies about Native Americans and Asian Americans
diaspora communities in the US. Films and other
popular culture are major sources of stereotypes about
members of these two groups. I will argue how Native
Americans and Asian Americans want to be seen as
“human beings” rather than just “ people” in American
films, books, and also in real life. They do not want to
be objects but to redeem the image of an equal
American. Asians do not want to be treated as a being
of knowledge but to be a normal “human being” just
like everyone else.
Very, very close!!
•
According to my knowledge, Trans-nationalism means: to go from your homeland
to a host land, back and forth, for different reasons [cite a source here], and to end
up including both nations as important places in your culture. To be a
transnational person is to have or feel allegiance to such a community. In other
words, the community does not have to be in one geographical space.
Furthermore, members are not necessarily co-ethnics [cite a source]. In this paper
I will explore transnationalism among the Nigerians and the Chinese in the United
States. I will do this by comparing and contrasting case studies about their reasons
for moving to the U.S. and I will discuss how they are maintaining allegiance to two
places. I will also discuss how the host land is receiving them, especially given that,
in the U.S. case, most of the Nigerians and some Chinese are Muslims. I ask: what
are some difficulties they are experiencing after the 9/11? Is the result worth
having a Diaspora communities in the US? I will argue that Trans-nationalism is for
the most part to get a better life for them and their families even though,
sometimes, it may feel like they are here because of the collective forced
dispersion of people from a homeland, a definition of Diaspora taken from
Challiand and Rageau (date).
1st part of the intro paragraph
• According to my knowledge, Trans-nationalism
means: to go from your homeland to a host land,
back and forth, for different reasons [cite a
source here], and to end up including both
nations as important places in your culture. To be
a transnational person is to have or feel
allegiance to such a community. In other words,
the community does not have to be in one
geographical space. Furthermore, members are
not necessarily co-ethnics [cite a source].
2nd part of the Intro Paragraph
• In this paper I will explore transnationalism among the Nigerians
and the Chinese in the United States. I will do this by comparing
and contrasting case studies about their reason for moving around
and I will discuss how they are maintaining allegiance to two places.
I will also discuss how the host land is receiving them, especially
given that, in the U.S. case, most of the Nigerians and some Chinese
are Muslims. I ask: what are some difficulties they are experiencing
after the 9/11? Is the result worth having a Diaspora communities
in the US? I will argue that Trans-nationalism is for the most part to
get a better life for them and their families even though,
sometimes, it may feel like they are here because of the collective
forced dispersion of people from a homeland, a definition of
Diaspora taken from Challiand and Rageau (date).
Work-shopping your thesis statements
– read out loud a few thesis statements  good and
problematic
– discuss how to improve them
– exchange your thesis statement with neighbor; read; discuss
– does my neighbor get my point? Do I get his/her point?
– Re-write your thesis statement on blank sheet of paper 
make it clearer; ask your neighbor
– Read a few statements out loud  Discuss how to improve
– Go home and work on the paper, checking that your thesis and
each paragraph connect (A 2. above); Include evidence to
support your points in each paragraph; cite each source you
use.