Finding and Supporting a Thesis

This week, we’re diving into the essentials of thesis development. We’ll be working with material from the textbook to sharpen your skills in identifying, analyzing, and refining thesis statements. Yes, it’s textbook work, but it’s the foundation for every strong essay you’ll write, so let’s make it count!

Here’s what you need to do:

Part 1: Textbook Exercise

1. Read: Start by reading “Finding and Supporting a Thesis” on pages 47-53 in your Student’s Book of College English (PDF attached if you don’t have the textbook handy)

2. Complete the Exercise at the Top of Page 53:

a. For questions 1, 3, and 5:

i. What is the topic of each sentence?

ii. What is the writer’s main point?

iii. What does the writer want to say about the topic?

iv. How do you think each writer will go about supporting the thesis?

3. Complete the Exercise Near the Bottom of Page 53:

· Choose 2 of the 5 statements given:

· Determine which items are thesis statements and which are not.

· Decide which thesis statements are too general or too lacking in unity to make a good paper.

· How does each statement meet the specifications for a thesis, as explained earlier in your reading?

· Revise the unacceptable thesis statements accordingly.