Developing a Thesis
Developing a Thesis
Specific and Focused
Developing a Thesis
Specific and Focused
Bad Example:
The judicial system needs to have power over
Congress in order to do its job.
Developing a Thesis
Specific and Focused
Good Example:
In order for the judicial system to judge whether a
law is constitutional, it must have the power to
overturn a temporary law of Congress.
Developing a Thesis
Specific and Focused
Bad Example:
People need to stay healthy for several important
reasons.
Developing a Thesis
Specific and Focused
Good Example:
Students must get sufficient sleep at night in
order to succeed in school.
Developing a Thesis
Specific and Focused
Arguable, Non-neutral Statement
Developing a Thesis
Arguable, Non-neutral Statement
Bad Example:
America's anti-pollution efforts should be
addressed.
Developing a Thesis
Arguable, Non-neutral Statement
Good Example:
America's anti-pollution efforts should focus on
privately owned cars because it would allow most
citizens to contribute to national efforts and care
about the outcome.
Developing a Thesis
Arguable, Non-neutral Statement
Bad Example:
The War of 1812 came before the Civil War.
Developing a Thesis
Arguable, Non-neutral Statement
Good Example:
The War of 1812 set into motion the main events
that caused the Civil War.
Developing a Thesis
Specific and Focused
Arguable, Non-neutral Statement
Avoid Vague Language and
Announcements
Developing a Thesis
Avoid Vague Language and
Announcements
Bad Example:
In this essay, I will outline the arguments for and
against sex education in schools.
Developing a Thesis
Avoid Vague Language and
Announcements
Bad Example:
In my opinion, the Women’s Center performs a
valuable service on campus and deserves a
budget renewal.
Developing a Thesis
Avoid Vague Language and
Announcements
Good Example:
The Women’s Center performs a valuable service
on campus and deserves a budget renewal.
Developing a Thesis
Specific and Focused
Arguable, Non-neutral Statement
Avoid Vague Language and
Announcements
Provides a Map for the Reader
(optional)
Developing a Thesis
Provides a Map for the Reader
Good Example:
Black Elk Speaks accurately represents Indian
lifestyle through its attention to cultural detail, its
use of Indian words, and its direct quotes from
Black Elk.
Developing a Thesis
Provides a Map for the Reader
Good Example:
At least twenty-five percent of the federal budget
should be spent on helping upgrade business to
clean technologies, researching renewable
energy sources, and planting more trees in order
to control or eliminate pollution.