thesis as outline
I. Introduction
II. Why animals deserve respect
III. My claim: Don’t give animals human rights
IV. Evidence: Difference between humans and animals
V. Conclusion
prepares
readers
goes beyond
for what's
coming
the known
the obvious
the accepted
a
good
thesis
statement
suggests there are
is
Although writing requires more than a good thesis statement,
students should learn the art of crafting a solid central claim
since all good academic writing depends on a clear, focused argument.
specific
real stakes
beyond obvious?
real stakes?
specific?
“Although animals should be treated with respect,
they should not be given the same rights as humans
because they are fundamentally different from humans.”
divide an educated audience?
will divide
an
"Chaucer's Wife of Bath from the Canterbury
Tales demonstrates feminism."
Mediocre
educated
audience
"Both Christian and pagan elements can be found in Beowulf"
[not very specific, not a new idea]
This merely restates well known facts.
what kind of claim is this?
"Although Chaucer's Wife of Bath discusses
gender issues, it is the form in which she frames
her tale that says most about the state of medieval women."
"Those themes most central to Beowulf are most at odds with Christianity, despite the presence of certain explicit Christian elements in the poem."
Improved
[note how this claim invites close analysis
comparing form and content and tying this to historical context]
[note how this claim suggests a clear pattern for the coming paper: key themes will be identified and shown to be inconsistent with Christian elements—which we can also expect to be identified]
Example Thesis
Statements
"Malory's Morte D'arthur is inaccurate about
the real King Arthur."
Mediocre
"The Tempest proves Shakespeare was a genius."
[Even if true, this is unsurprising]
[Shakespeare's reputation is already established]
"The Historical inconsistencies in Malory's Morte D'arthur suggest that Welsh and Norman influences each shaped the famous King Arthur legend very differently."
"While many have found a critique of colonialism in The Tempest, Shakespeare’s play actually reinforces contemporary attitudes in support of colonial practices. "
Improved
[note how this claim is highly specific and invites a nuanced analysis of differing literary influences]
[note how this claim will engage the audience by challenging a commonly held assumption about the play]
until the whole picture
is clear
directed on a clear path
of your writing
a t h e s i s s t a t e m e n t ...
what does a
giving readers confidence
gives direction
keeps order
at every level
& clarity
do?
a t h e s i s s t a t e m e n t ...
you will keep them oriented
thesis
statement
--example--
qualification statements
"Although some claim that all life is equally sacred..."
"Although animals deserve respect..."
"Even if animals and humans share biological traits..."
Qualification
Give context or
acknowledge an opposing view
formula
what sets the scene?
what is a main counter-argument?
what will demonstrate I'm informed?
what will show I'm fair?
where is something at stake?
why do I care?
why do people show interest?
Claim Types
“should / should not”
policy claim
“is / is not”
definition claim
what kinds of claims can be made?
comparison claim
“is like / unlike”
evaluation claim
“is good / bad / better / worse”
causal claim
“results in / was caused from”
Which type of claim?
"Animal testing has not led to general disregard for life."
“It's better for animals to be tested than for humans to die.”
“Animals are not humans.”
“Suffering for animals is no different than suffering for humans."
“Animals should not be given the same rights as humans”
check underlined / highlighted text
explore
review class notes
check bookmarked sites
check online discussions
talk to classmates
try out ideas on others
annotations
bibliograhy
check for films
find amateur media
search for images
look at others' presentations
field-specific
questions
who?
what?
where?
when?
why?
how?
journalist's
questions
gather
example: animal rights
Animal rights
Reorder /
Revise
Topic
Claim
Combine Qualification + Claim + Rationale
qualification
Explore Your Topic & Gather Your Thoughts
“Although animals should be treated with respect,
they should not be given the same rights as humans
because they are fundamentally different from humans.”
claim
rationale
a stance
an assertion
an argument
Take a stand on the topic,
turning it into an issue
--example--
Why shouldn't animals be given the same rights as humans?
possible reasons
"...because humans and animals are fundamentally different from each other"
"...since giving animals rights would cause social mayhem."
of all of my reasons
which is most central?
"...because this could erode civil rights for humans."
Rationale
Create a “because” clause,
giving the main reason for your position
While a qualifying statement and a rationale can flesh out a good thesis statement, the “issue” (where you state a claim) is the core of your thesis.
A thesis statement in this form may not be the best way to outline your paper. It does, however, suggest vital elements that ought to be included.