Writing Thesis Statements

1. Writing Thesis Statements Making Sure That Your Night Essays Will Be The Best Papers That You Will Ever Write.

2. What is the point of the thesis? • It is impossible to write a good essay without a strong thesis. • The thesis is the central idea of your paper. • The thesis reveals a BIG idea that applies not only to the book but to your life as well.

3. How do I write a thesis? • While coming up with an interesting insightful idea to write about is an extremely difficult task, writing thesis statements is relatively simple. • Basic Equation • Thesis = the name of the book + the topic that you will discuss + what you have to say about the topic (so what?).

4. Good thesis statements… • reflect the essay's purpose -- either to give your readers information or to persuade your readers to agree with you. • includes a focus -- your assertion that conveys your point of view. • use specific language -- avoids vague words and generalizations.

5. Most Importantly… • Make sure your thesis statement is interesting. • If someone where to ask the question “so what?” after reading your thesis, you should be able to point to the part of the thesis that answers this question.

6. Samples… • Bad - Once acquiring power, many characters change throughout Wiesel’s Night. • Better – Throughout Night, Wiesel demonstrates how positions of power can alter an individual’s sense of morality, even leading to brutal, inhumane actions.

7. Samples… • Bad – In Night, Elie loses his faith when he enters the concentration camps. • Better – In Night, Wiesel demonstrates how exposure to an uncaring, hostile world can lead to the destruction of faith and identity.

8. Your turn… • In Night, Wiesel (insert verb) ________________________ by ______________________________.