MLA Formatting
Thesis Statements
Hello, I’m lito
What is a Thesis Statement?
• The Point
• The Main Event
• 1 Sentence (To Rule Them All)
Types of Thesis Statements
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Analytical – Breakdown & Evaluation
Expository – Identify & Explain
Narrative – Character + Plot = Theme
Argumentative – Claim & Prove
Types of Thesis Statements
Analytical Thesis Example
An analysis of the college admission process reveals
one challenge facing counselors: accepting students
with high test scores or students with strong
extracurricular backgrounds.
– Explains the analysis of the college admission
process
– Explains the challenge facing admissions
counselors
Types of Thesis Statements
Expository Thesis Example
The life of the typical college student is characterized
by time spent studying, attending class, and
socializing with peers.
– Explains how students spend their time
studying, attending class, and socializing with
peers
Types of Thesis Statements
Narrative Thesis Example
My life did not begin until I learned to write an essay
in the 9th grade; suddenly, I understood my family,
friends, and the world around me.
– Explains how the narrator learned to write an
essay, and how it changed her perception of
the world around her
Types of Thesis Statements
Argumentative Thesis Example
High school graduates should be required to take a
year off to pursue community service projects before
entering college in order to increase their maturity
and global awareness.
– Presents an argument and gives evidence to
support the claim that students should pursue
community projects before entering college
When Should I Write a
Thesis Statement?
• First (Sort Of)
• And then revise…
Drafting the Thesis: The Rhetorical
Situation
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Topic
• Research
Audience
• The Writer
Genre
• Purpose
Style
Opportunity
Drafting the Thesis: The Assignment
Writing Strategies
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Summary
Argument
Narrative
Evaluation
Analysis
• Response
• Examination/I
nvestigation
• Observation
What Makes a Strong
Thesis Statement?
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Specific & Clear
Argumentative & Arguable
Supported
End of 1st Paragraph
Should I Change My Thesis Statement?
• Yes! (Sort Of)
The Research Question
vs.
The Working Thesis
Research Question > Working Thesis
Statement > Revised Thesis Statement
Research Question
Should employers monitor their
employees’ activities in the
workplace?
Working Thesis
Employers should not monitor their
employees’ online activities
because electronic surveillance
can compromise workers’ privacy.
Revised Thesis
Although companies often have legitimate concerns that lead them to
monitor employees’ Internet usage–from expensive security breaches to
reduced productivity–the benefits of electronic surveillance are outweighed
by its costs to employees’ privacy and autonomy.
Outlines! Dun Dun Dun
• Why do I need an Outline?
• What’s the point if it’s all going
to change?
Like a Friend in Need, Your Thesis
Needs Support: Challenge
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Sources, Facts, Examples, Evidence
Background information & context
Explaining terms or concepts
Lending authority to your argument
Anticipating & Countering Objections or
Interpretations
• CHALLENGE!
Revising Thesis Statements
• How much should I revise?
– Depends on:
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Time
Assignment
Research
Opinion
Tips for Revising your Thesis & Outline
(Topic Sentences)
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One Page Outline
1st Draft
2nd Draft
Final Draft
Works Cited
Hacker, Diane, and Nancy Sommers. A Writer’s
Reference. 7th ed. Boston: Bedford/St.
Martin’s, 2011. Print.
The Purdue OWL Family of Sites. The Writing Lab and
OWL at Purdue and Purdue U, 2013. Web. 1
Mar. 2013.