Thesis Paper TutorialThesis Paper Tutorial

99thth Grade Grade

Strategies for Composing Hooks or Opening Statements: Use a vivid quotation Create a visual image that represents

your subject Create an analogy for your subject Offer a surprising/interesting statistic or

other fact State an opinion related to your thesis Ask a question or define a word central

to your subject (Note= Use these techniques very sparingly and cautiously, as they may be considered cliché)

Anatomy of the Introduction:1st Sentence: Hook or Opening SentenceEngages the reader’s attention

2nd – 3rd SentenceShould mention the author’s complete name and the complete title of the work being analyzed

3rd - 5th SentencesFunction to transition ideas from hook to thesis

Thesis StatementFinal sentence(s) of the introduction paragraph

Topic SentenceTopic Sentence

Topic Sentence Topic Sentence = title of = title of novel (underlined) novel (underlined)

+ author + author

+ summary of the novel.+ summary of the novel.

ExamplesExamples The Giver, by Lois Lowry is a story about a

boy who begins to question the world around him; and when he does he learns that nothing in his world is what it seems.

“The Tell-tale Heart”, by Edgar Allen Poe is a story about a criminal who’s guilt becomes so great that he eventually goes mad and turns himself in.

Try creating an introductory background statement about

“The Odyssey”

What is a Thesis Statement? A thesis statement is an argument or a hypothesis, the “main” point of your work; an unproved statement, especially one serving as a foundation in a paper or project. It is typically the last or second to last sentence of your introduction.

Functions and Purposes of a Thesis Statement.• To announce the topic to the reader• To reflect a judgment about the topic• To provide the reader with a blueprint for what is to come in the paper

Step 3 (Thesis Statement)- Step 3 (Thesis Statement)- Choose your EvidenceChoose your Evidence

This is the “For example” partThis is the “For example” part Support your answer in 1 Support your answer in 1

sentence with 3 pieces of sentence with 3 pieces of evidence.evidence.

Do not explain your evidence or Do not explain your evidence or go into detail (this is what your go into detail (this is what your body paragraphs are for.)body paragraphs are for.)

You try:You try: The OdysseyThe Odyssey, by Homer is an epic poem about a hero’s perilous ten year journey home after the , by Homer is an epic poem about a hero’s perilous ten year journey home after the

trojan war. There are several character traits that make Odysseus an ideal hero. trojan war. There are several character traits that make Odysseus an ideal hero. Through Odysseus Through Odysseus Homer teaches us what a true hero should be like by contrasting Odysseus with his menHomer teaches us what a true hero should be like by contrasting Odysseus with his men ..

Thesis =Thesis = Unlike his men, Odysseus for example is loyal, determined Unlike his men, Odysseus for example is loyal, determined

and intelligent. and intelligent.

Thesis Statement Thesis Statement Examples Examples

Thesis Statement Critique

Odysseus has many personality triats that show up multiple times throught this book, including cleverness, self restraint, and bravery.

What do cleverness, self restraint and bravery earn O? Why are they significant? Take this nice structure beyond observation to analysis...

Stories are told about heroes to inspire people to reach beyond their potentials. Odysseus the hero of The Odyssey inspires readers mainly through his heroic traits of refusing temptation, using intelligence over strength, and staying loyal to his wife.

A solid statement! However body paragraphs 1 and 3 (refusing temptation and staying loyal) are too similar. Choose a different third argument.

Odysseus, on the contrary to many popular readings should not be considered a hero because his pride inevitabally costs him his crew, almost compromises his relationship with his wife and almost costs him his own life.

This sounds like a strong argument in the making, but this is very wordy. Split this sentence up and reword it for clarity.

So What?!

Focus

Too Wordy

Outline for Your Thesis Paper

1 Introduction/ Thesis Paragraph: Where you state background info, and give a thesis statement.

EX–-Unlike his men, Odysseus for example is loyal, determined and intelligent.

2 Body Paragraph 1: Loyal

3 Body Paragraph 2: Determined

4 Body Paragraph 3: Intelligent

5 Conclusion Paragraph:

Anatomy of a body Paragraph: Consider the following model of a typical

literary analysis paragraph:

Supporting

Detail*

Supporting

Detail*

Supporting

Detail*

Concluding Sentence

Body Paragraph Checklist: Consider the following when using supporting quotes and

passages in your writing:

Lead into or set up your quote/passage with speaker (character/narrator) and occasion (context, or what’s happening in the plot

Follow up a quote with at least two sentences of commentary and analysis before moving on to the next supporting detail

Avoid excessive plot summary

Be sure the quote is relevant to your topic sentence and thesis—does your quote help prove your point?

Avoid letting the quote speak for itself—avoid “dropping” the quote

SentenceType

Body paragraph # 1

Topic Sentence

One way Odysseus differs from his men through his acts of loyalty.

Set up quote In the beginning of the epic the reader finds Odysseus on the goddess Calypso’s island. Calypso tries to offer Odysseus immortality to stay with her, but he refuses because he loves his wife.

Give Quote Calypso out of jealousy questions Odysseus’ love for his wife saying, “Can I be less desirable than she is? Less interesting? Less beautiful?” (Homer 109-110).

Explain quote

The reader can infer Odysseus’ loyalty to his wife in the fact that Calypso is practically begging Odysseus to stay with her.

Active and Academic Verbs to Use in Critical Literary

Analysis

EmphasizesElucidates Compares SuggestsCreates Illustrates Exemplifies ParallelsJuxtaposes Implies Alludes to ObservesIdentifies Organizes Reinforces DefinesClarifies Contrasts Argues MirrorsEchoes Develops Connotes FocusesBalances Relates Expresses Insinuates