Understanding Thesis Statements

What is the main purpose of a thesis statement in academic writing?

• To decorate the introduction

• To summarize the entire paper in one sentence

• To provide a bibliography

• To list all the authors involved

Where is a thesis statement usually located?

• It varies significantly with each paper

• In the middle of the paper

• Near the beginning of the paper, often at the end of the first paragraph

• At the end of the paper

What does a thesis statement do?

• Lists all the chapters

• Provides a detailed history of the topic

• Tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper

• Tells a story

A thesis statement should be:

• A fact that nobody can dispute

• An interpretation of a question or subject that others might dispute

• A detailed paragraph

• A question

What makes a thesis statement strong?

• Its use of complex vocabulary

• Its length

• Its ability to answer the question and provide a specific argument

• Its font size

When should you create a thesis statement?

• Before doing any research

• At the very end of writing the paper

• After a lengthy thinking process and organizing evidence

• Immediately after reading the assignment

What should you do if your thesis and the body of your essay do not seem to go together?

• Change the topic of your essay

• Ask for a new assignment

• Change your working thesis or adjust the body of your essay

• Ignore the discrepancy

A thesis statement must:

• Cover every single aspect of the topic

• Be written in a foreign language

• Be at least three sentences long

• Directly answer the question asked of you

Which of the following questions can help you strengthen your thesis statement?

• Does it pass the 'So what?' test?

• Does it cite all sources?

• Does it include a detailed plot summary?

• Is it written in the first person?

What is a 'working thesis'?

• A thesis that is only used during night time

• A thesis that is not subject to change

• A basic or main idea that you think you can support with evidence

• A thesis that has been approved by all your peers