Purdue OWL: Thesis Statements

Summary

This vidcast mini lesson by Rachel Atherton and Haley Larson, in collaboration with the Purdue Online Writing Lab, explains the essential elements of crafting an effective thesis statement. A thesis statement, typically positioned at the beginning of a written piece, should be specific, early, and adaptable, guiding the reader's understanding of the argument. The video illustrates this process through the example of a thesis on the benefits of gap years for high school graduates, emphasizing clarity and specificity. By considering audience, purpose, and genre, writers can develop thesis statements that set clear expectations and enhance their overall writing.

Takeaways

• 📚 A thesis statement is a sentence or two that clearly explains the writer's argument and sets expectations for the rest of the piece.
• ✍️ Thesis statements are typically found at the end of the introduction.
• 🔑 A strong thesis should be specific, early in the text, and adaptable as ideas develop.
• 🌍 The thesis should cover only what is included in the paper, avoiding broad statements.
• 🧭 Readers should understand the main point at the beginning and be able to follow it throughout the paper.
• 💡 The thesis statement should guide both the writer's ideas and the audience's understanding.
• 🎯 The thesis should be tailored to the audience, purpose, and genre of the writing.
• 🔄 As you write and revise, be willing to adapt your thesis to reflect changes in your ideas.
• 📊 An effective thesis sets up expectations for the reader and fulfills them throughout the paper.
• 🚀 Ensure your thesis statement aligns with your teacher's guidelines and key features of effective writing.

Q & A

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement is a sentence or a few sentences, typically found near the beginning of a piece of writing, that clearly explains the writer's argument and outlines what the reader can expect from the rest of the piece.

Where can a thesis statement typically be found in a composition?

A thesis statement is usually located at the end of the introduction.

What are the three key features of a thesis statement?

The three key features of a thesis statement are that it should be specific, appear early in the paper, and be adaptable as the writing process evolves.

Why is it important for a thesis statement to be specific?

A specific thesis statement helps readers understand the main point of the paper and guides them throughout the argument without being too broad.

How should the thesis statement adapt during the writing process?

As a writer conducts research and refines their ideas, the thesis statement may need to change to accurately reflect the direction of the paper.

What factors should be considered when writing a thesis statement?

Writers should consider their audience, purpose for writing, and the genre of the piece when crafting a thesis statement.

How did the example thesis statement evolve in the video?

The example thesis evolved from 'High school graduates should take a year off before going to college' to 'High school graduates should take a year off for community service projects before going to college, so they can be mature and globally aware.' This change made it more specific and connected to the paper's argument.

What is the assignment focus in the example provided?

The assignment focuses on writing an argumentative paper that persuades educators and legislators that high schoolers should take a year off for community service before college.

What does the thesis statement set up for the reader?

The thesis statement sets up expectations for the reader regarding the content and direction of the paper.

What checklist items should be considered when writing a thesis statement?

Writers should ensure their thesis sets up reader expectations, adheres to teacher guidelines, and incorporates the key features of being specific, early, and adaptable.