Thesis statements
- 2. Basic Essay Structure (Logical Division of Ideas) Introduction Body Paragraphs Conclusion
- 3. The Introduction An introductory paragraph has 2 parts: General statement • Introduce the general topic of the essay. • Capture the reader’s interest. Thesis statement • States the specific topic. • May list subtopics or subdivisions. • May indicate the pattern of organization. • Is normally the last sentence in the introductory paragraph.
- 4. Types of Introductions Funnel Introduction: Begins with one or two general sentences about the topic. Sentences become increasingly focused on the topic. Ends with your thesis statement.
- 5. Types of Introductions Funnel Introduction: - General statements - Thesis statement
- 6. Types of Introductions Attention Getting Introductions: • Dramatic, Interesting, or Funny Story • Surprising Statistics or Facts • Historical Background
- 7. Thesis Statement The Thesis Statement: • Is the most important sentence in the introduction. • States the specific topic of the essay. • Sometimes lists the subtopics that will be discussed in the body. • Sometimes indicates the pattern of organization that the essay will follow.
- 8. Thesis Statement: Is the most important sentence in the introduction. Native Americans have made many valuable contributions to modern U.S. culture. The large movement of people from rural to urban areas has major effects on cities.
- 9. Thesis Statement: Sometimes lists the subtopics that will be discussed in the body. Native Americans have made many valuable contributions to modern U.S. culture, particularly in the areas of language, art, food, and government. The large movement of people from rural to urban areas has major effects on a city’s ability to provide housing, employment, and adequate sanitation services.
- 10. Thesis Statement: Sometimes indicates the pattern of organization that the essay will follow. When buying a used car, use these four strategies to get the best price. There are several differences between a nurse practitioner and a physician’s assistant.
- 11. Thesis Statement: Common Thesis Statement Pitfalls. Problem 1: The thesis is too general. Problem 2: The thesis makes a simple announcement. Problem 3: The thesis states an obvious fact.
- 12. Thesis Statement: The thesis is too general. Too general: A college education is a good investment. Improved: A college education is a good investment for four reasons. Too general: Lasers are very useful. Improved: Lasers have several applications in industry and medicine.
- 13. Thesis Statement: The thesis makes a simple announcement. Announcement: I am going to write about sports injuries. Improved: Avoid sports injuries by taking a few simple precautions.
- 14. Thesis Statement: The thesis states an obvious fact. Obvious fact: The internet is a communication superhighway. Improved: The explosion of the internet has had both positive and negative consequences.
- 15. Logical Division of Ideas Good Thesis Statements: Native Americans have made valuable contributions to modern U.S. culture in four main areas. Native Americans have made valuable contributions to modern U.S. culture, particularly in the areas of language, art, food and government.