Thesis Keep focused on your thesis throughout the

Thesis - Keep focused on your thesis throughout the essay. Always ask yourself, “Does this relate to my thesis? ” If not, scrap it. If so, explain how. - If the information sort of relates to thesis but not clearly, you may need to alter your thesis: more specific, encompass more ideas etc. - Try to resist the urge to form an overly broad or vague thesis. For example, if there are multiple meanings of the term/s listed in your thesis statement, you must clarify the specific meaning you are discussing.

In fact, it is expected and encouraged that you refine your thesis as you go along. Adjusting—or even full out changing —your thesis is a normal part of the writing process. So…

I suggest beginning with a general idea of what your thesis will probably be about, but do NOT officially write your introduction paragraph or your thesis statement. After you have finished your body paragraphs, then go back and write your introduction and thesis statement. Why? - Can pull the main points of each paragraph out and put them into the intro as an outline & guide to your reader - Know what you did argue (as opposed to what you thought you’d argue) and can thus write your thesis more accurately

Analysis • Analyzing = pausing • For a moment within your paragraph, focus solely on the specific word, image, quote, idea, gesture, etc. of this instance. • Before worrying about the wider implications, larger meaning etc. you must explore what this specific ______ means. • There is always more that can be said! Your job is to decide when is enough.

Proofread! Spell-Check will not catch everything! they’re = they are their = possessive there = place/location or “there are” Easy way to reinforce your authorial identity (typos damage your credibility)

Quotes • Quotes can never speak for themselves! • As a general rule, you should have at least an equal number of lines of your own explanation to the quote’s number of lines • Take control of your writing. You want the first and last thought of the paragraph, so do not begin or end paragraphs with a quote.

General Formula for Quotes: • 1 -3 sentences of setup (topic sentence, source info – type, author credibility etc. , topic/argument tied directly into quote) • Quote • Your own explanation of the quote’s content and relevance to your own thesis (tip: include at least one sentence that refers directly to certain words or phrases in the quote – Ex. “By using the word “painful, ” Smith emphasizes how strenuous the writing process can be. ”)

The thesaurus is your friend… when used correctly! • Using what you already know, read through the list of synonyms for likely possibilities. • Look up the word’s definition in dictionary • If fits well (consider secondary meanings), use it. If not, input different words into dictionary until find one that communicates what you are getting at clearly and closely.

Word Choice Mary’s Banned Word List: “good” “bad” “very” Be careful using: “many” “really” “everything” or “everyone”