Thesis or Nah
What is the main job of a thesis statement?
To make a clear, arguable claim that tells the reader the main point of your paper.
Fix this weak thesis: “Social media affects people.”
Social media fitness content influences college students' body image by promoting unrealistic appearance standards.
When developing your argument, should you start by looking at your research or just make up a claim?
Start with your research and use it to help develop your argument. Its okay to have a claim in mind.
What does “so what?” mean when writing an analysis paper?
Why the topic or argument matters and why the reader should care.
Which rhetorical appeal uses facts, evidence, and logic?
Logos.
Is this a strong thesis? “I think TikTok is bad for teenagers.”
Explain your answer
It uses “I think,” is too vague, and needs a more specific claim supported by research.
What's wrong with this thesis? “Movies are fun and interesting
It's too broad and doesn't make an arguable claim.
5 bonus points if you can make it better
You've read four research articles. Name two things you should look for.
Common themes, trends, patterns, disagreements, or findings across the sources.
Which is the stronger research goal?
A. “I want to talk about TikTok and how it helps people get motivated to exercise."
B. “I want to understand how TikTok fitness videos influence college students' exercise expectations.”
B! It's more specific and explains what the student wants to understand.
A could potentially be a good research goal if you fix the claim.
Which rhetorical appeal builds credibility and trust with the audience?
Ethos.
Is this a thesis statement or a summary? “Coco is about a boy who wants to become a musician.”
Explain your answer
A summary! It tells us what happens in the movie but doesn't make an argument.
Improve this thesis: “Disney movies teach kids things."
Disney films use character conflicts to teach children values about responsibility, family, and belonging.
What should you do if your research doesn't support your original argument?
Reconsider or revise your argument based on the evidence.
Your thesis makes a claim, but the reader doesn't understand why it matters. What are you missing?
The significance of the argument, also known as the “so what?”
Which rhetorical appeal connects with an audience's emotions?
Pathos.
What is one question you can ask yourself to determine whether your thesis makes an argument?
Could someone reasonably disagree with my statement?
A student writes a thesis about how social media affects every person in the world in every possible way. What's the biggest problem?
The topic is too broad. The student needs to narrow the scope to a specific issue, platform, or group of people.
A student summarizes four research articles one after another but never explains how they connect to the thesis. What's missing?
Analysis and synthesis. The student needs to connect the evidence, identify patterns, and explain how it supports the overall argument.
Why should a writer explain why their topic matters instead of just explaining what their topic is?
To show readers why the topic is important, why they should care, and what they can learn from the argument.
Why shouldn't you rely only on emotional language and personal opinions in your analysis paper?
Your argument could become biased or unsupported. You need credible evidence and reasoning to support your claim.