…Developing a thesis and
synthesizing sources…
How does your research question
become a thesis statement?
• A thesis statement is the result of your
investigation into a topic.
• This thesis, sometimes referred to as a
main point or main claim, will answer
your research question or questions and
make a statement about your findings.
A thesis statement is NOT:
1. A summary of findings
2. A pointless walk through data
3. A repetition of what readers already know
or believe
4. A general or vague statement
A strong thesis statement must be:
Substantive
Contestable
Explicit
Substantive, contestable and
explicit?
•
A substantive claim says something
meaningful and important. It does not
merely discuss what you have done or what
your paper will do.
·
A contestable claim is a challenge to its
readers. It has a controlling idea, or hint of an
argument, and asks the reader to think in a
different way.
·
An explicit thesis statement uses specific
language to alert the reader to concepts that
the paper will develop.
Synthesizing Sources:
Weaving other
voices into your own
Incorporating sources
effectively:
• Summarizing
• Paraphrasing
• Direct quotation
Summarizing, Paraphrasing
and Plagiarism!!!
• When you summarize you shorten a longer
text in your own words.
• When you paraphrase you rephrase a specific
section of a text in your own words.
• When you plagiarize you use someone else’s
words or ideas.
When do I use direct
quotation?
• Use quotes wisely and sparingly.
• If you overuse them, they are less effective
as support.
• You can lose your own voice along the
way.
Use quotes in the following ways:
1. When the writer’s words are very precise, and
a paraphrase would not be as clear or effective.
2. When the author says something memorable,
forceful or especially vivid.
3. When the words or ideas from the source are
incredibly useful to your own paper.
How do I incorporate the quotes
into my paper smoothly?
The best way to do this is to always make your reader aware of the
connection between the quote and your point.
This can be done by either weaving them into your own sentences,
or by analysis or commentary before or after the quoted material.
Also, use signal words like the following:
Signal words:
acknowledges
considers
writes
adds
denies
shows
admits
describes
reports
advises
Most importantly:
Stay in control of your quotes!!
The End