The Point Introductions Conclusions and Thesis Statements Thesis

  • Slides: 15
Download presentation
The Point Introductions, Conclusions, and Thesis Statements

The Point Introductions, Conclusions, and Thesis Statements

Thesis Statement • Make some sort of claim • Offer support for that claim

Thesis Statement • Make some sort of claim • Offer support for that claim • Reflect the organization of your paper

Drafting Thesis Statement • Identify important information, ideas, and arguments • Draft alternatives •

Drafting Thesis Statement • Identify important information, ideas, and arguments • Draft alternatives • Focus your thesis statement

Draft Alternatives • Learn something new • Change attitudes or beliefs • Take action

Draft Alternatives • Learn something new • Change attitudes or beliefs • Take action

Focus your thesis statement • Broad: • Educating users of social networking sites about

Focus your thesis statement • Broad: • Educating users of social networking sites about their dangers would be a good idea. • Focused: • The publishers of social networking Web sites should design their communication tools and Web page templates to highlight the dangers of publishing sensitive, personal information online.

Introductions • Pay special attention to your first sentence. • Be confident and straightforward

Introductions • Pay special attention to your first sentence. • Be confident and straightforward • Avoid phrases like “In this paper, I will argue…” or “This paper will argue…”

Attention Grabbers • • • Intriguing example Provocative quotation Puzzling scenario Anecdote Though-provoking question

Attention Grabbers • • • Intriguing example Provocative quotation Puzzling scenario Anecdote Though-provoking question

Less Effective Introductions • Place holder • Webster’s Dictionary • The “dawn of man”

Less Effective Introductions • Place holder • Webster’s Dictionary • The “dawn of man” introduction

The “So What” Game • You: Basically, I’m saying that unconventional representations of gender

The “So What” Game • You: Basically, I’m saying that unconventional representations of gender • • • roles are built upon hegemonic ideas of masculinity and feminity. Friend: So what? You: Well, its important because these representations reveal our societies idea of gender, gender performance, and sexuality. Friend: Why should anybody care? You: Its important we understand what we, as a culture, understand our own preconceptions about things like gender and how they effect larger issues. You can also use this strategy on your own, asking yourself “So What? ” as you develop your ideas or your draft.

Strategies for Conclusions • Return to theme in introduction • Synthesize, don’t summarize •

Strategies for Conclusions • Return to theme in introduction • Synthesize, don’t summarize • Point to broader implications

Strategies to Avoid • Beginning with an unnecessary, overused phrase such as “in conclusion,

Strategies to Avoid • Beginning with an unnecessary, overused phrase such as “in conclusion, ” “in summary, ” or “in closing” • Stating thesis for the first time • Introducing a new idea or subtopic • Ending with a rephrased thesis statement without any substantive changes • Making emotional appeals out of character • Including evidence that should go in the body

Ineffective Conclusions • • “That’s My Story and I’m Sticking to It” “Sherlock Holmes”

Ineffective Conclusions • • “That’s My Story and I’m Sticking to It” “Sherlock Holmes” “America the Beautiful”/ “I Am Woman”/ “We Shall Overcome” “Grab Bag”

A conclusion should • Stress the importance of thesis statement • Give the essay

A conclusion should • Stress the importance of thesis statement • Give the essay a sense of completeness • Leave the reader with a final impression

Worksheets • • Develop and Refine Your Thesis Statement Decide How to Appeal to

Worksheets • • Develop and Refine Your Thesis Statement Decide How to Appeal to Readers Select Evidence to Support Your Reasons Create and Review Your Outline

Submitting Worksheets • Drag and drop completed worksheets onto a new blog post. •

Submitting Worksheets • Drag and drop completed worksheets onto a new blog post. • Rename the file with your name and the title of the worksheet. • Upload your finished Unit 4 Assignment to Turnitin via Blackboard.