Thesis

1. Thesis • The main point you are trying to make in an essay. • Your entire paper “proves” your thesis. • Sometimes, it is the answer to a question. • It is a well-informed interpretation, not just your opinion.

2. In other words… • Think of the thesis statement as a contract between you (the writer) and the reader. The thesis makes certain promises to your reader; it then becomes your job to fulfill that promise using specific details or analysis. The more clear your promise, the easier it will be to find specific evidence to support your argument.

3. A thesis should be: • Specific • Supportable • Arguable

4. The thesis should be the LAST SENTENCE OF YOUR FIRST PARAGRAPH.

5. So what else goes in your first paragraph?

6. Introduction • Needs to start with a hook or a general statement to introduce your topic. • Must include the title(s) and author(s) of the work(s) you are discussing. • Should move gradually toward your thesis statement. • Must end with your thesis statement as the last sentence.

7. Introduction • Think of the introduction as being shaped like a funnel. It starts out broad and then gradually narrows to the specific thesis.

8. Introduction with a Hook A slight but strong young woman raises her bow, a fierce glint in her eye. The arrow flies from the bow at the speed of light, and the prey plummets instantly to its death. This archer is Katniss, the 16-year-old heroine of Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games trilogy. Whether hunting for dinner for her family, fighting for her life in armed combat, or working to overthrow a repressive government, Katniss displays bravery and cleverness. Collins uses Katniss’s character to show that a strong personality is composed of courage, intelligence, and loyalty.

9. Introduction with a General Statement For generations, poets have explored the deepest emotions of the human heart. English poetry of the early 19th century is particularly expressive of personal thoughts on love. Three poems from this time period, John Keats’ “Bright Star,” Percy Bysshe Shelley’s “Love’s Philosophy,” and Lord Byron’s “She Walks in Beauty,” explore the beauty of romantic love. All three poems use references to nature to emphasize both the desirability and inaccessibility of the beloved.

10. Introduction with a Question How do we express the deepest emotions of the human heart? Often we reach for the language of poetry, and English poetry of the early 19th century is particularly expressive of personal thoughts on love. Three poems from this time period, John Keats’ “Bright Star,” Percy Bysshe Shelley’s “Love’s Philosophy,” and Lord Byron’s “She Walks in Beauty,” explore the beauty of romantic love. All three poems use references to nature to emphasize both the desirability and inaccessibility of the beloved.

11. Introduction with a Quotation Helen Keller once said “The best and most beautiful things of the world…must be felt with the heart.” Poetry is the language that we use to express what the heart feels, and English poetry of the early 19th century is particularly expressive of personal thoughts on love. Three poems from this time period, John Keats’ “Bright Star,” Percy Bysshe Shelley’s “Love’s Philosophy,” and Lord Byron’s “She Walks in Beauty,” explore the beauty of romantic love. All three poems use references to nature to emphasize both the desirability and inaccessibility of the beloved.