February 6, 2003
Please refer to these notes when writing a thesis statement for your report. You may use this web site or the insert you glued into your ISN.
How to Write A Thesis Statement
If you have been given a topic for your research paper,
turn the assignment into a question. The answer to this question will be your thesis statement. It may be take the form of one or two sentences, which will be placed at the end of the first paragraph of your essay.
Example:
Topic = Write a report on a career of your choice.
Question = Why would a person enter the field of education?
Answer = (Thesis Statement) Young people do not enter the field of education for the money. They become teachers because the work offers them personal satisfaction and job security.
If you have information to back up that idea, your thesis statement is worth writing about.
Example:
Topic = Write a report on the career of your choice.
Question = What are the advantages and disadvantages of working in the fishing industry?
Answer = (Thesis Statement) Working on a fishing vessel will put a person in danger, but the job offers many opportunities for excitement and travel.
WHAT A THESIS STATEMENT IS NOT………….
A statement of fact: There are two kinds of elephants, African and Indian.
An observation: Most teenagers want to stay up late at night.
An announcement: This paper is about the importance of education.
A title: The New Age of Music
Expository (Explanatory) Thesis Statements
In this type of paper, you will explain something to your audience. Your thesis statement will include the following information:
· WHAT you are going to explain,
· the CATEGORIES you are using to organize your information,
· the ORDER you will use to present your ideas.
Do these thesis statements include the necessary information?
Young people do not enter the field of education for the money. They become teachers because the work offers them personal satisfaction and job security.
Working on a fishing vessel will put a person in danger, but the job offers many opportunities for excitement and travel.
TIPS FOR WRITING THESIS STATEMENTS……….
· A strong thesis takes a stand. It shows your conclusions about a topic.
· A strong thesis is worth discussing. It is interesting and might even be controversial.
· A strong thesis expresses one main idea. It might include two related thoughts. (Many good thesis statements contain the words because, since, so, unless, however….)
· A strong thesis statement is specific. It is a manageable topic for a 3-page paper.
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Choose a specific career to investigate. You might want to browse the web sites below to help you make this choice. Try one or more of the career interest surveys that will match your personality to different jobs.
Make a "Big Paper Note Taking Chart." Use at least one web site, one on-line encyclopedia, and one interview subject. (See the links below.)
Find information about that career in each of the following areas:
Nature of Work: Explain the types of work a person who enters this career field might do.
Working Conditions: Explain the types of conditions a person who enters this career field would encounter.
Employment: Explain the employment statistics in this career field. Explain how the career opportunities will vary by geographic areas of the USA.
Training, Educational, & Other Requirements: Explain the training, educational and any other special requirements necessary to enter this career field. Also, explain any special physical qualifications, aptitudes, and interests a person might have to help in this career choice.
Job Outlook, Earnings, & Advancement Opportunities: Explain employment outlook (now & in the future), the salary ranges, and opportunities for advancement.
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