English (Senior)
Mr McPherson
UNDERSTANDING THE THESIS
For some strange reason students find it difficult to understand what a thesis is. This is strange because most students had little difficulty with the concept in grade eight when it was known as a "statement of intent." A thesis is basically an argument one presents in conversation or on paper. At the senior level it is usually a position one takes when considering and issue such as abortion or euthanasia or whatever. As with all arguments, a person has to support his/her claim with reasons. I have provided a basic formula for students to follow when considering and constructing a thesis statement.
The formula is A+B+C=D
D is the actual argument or position you take on an issue.
A+B+C are the main reasons you have for taking your position.
As an example, let's use the issue of ABORTION. The controversy around abortion seems simple: some people believe that it is murder and therefore wrong; other people believe that the fetus is not a person--thus, to rid oneself of a fetus is not murder and should threrefore be permitted. The law allows abortion as long as it is performed before 20 weeks (the point where a fetus can survive outside the womb).
Thesis Opposed to Abortion
If you decide or feel that abortion is wrong, you need reasons that are convincing and provable. Thus, your thesis statement might look something like this:
By considering the moral implications surrounding abortion (A=reason #1), the fact that abortion is murder (B=reason#2), and the loss of potential human rights of the fetus (C=reason#3), it is clear that abortion is wrong and should not be permitted (D=the argument you will make based on your reasons AB+C).
Thesis in Favour of Abortion
If you decide or feel that abortion is not wrong, you also need reasons that are convincing and provable. Thus, your thesis statement might look something like this:
By considering the moral implications surrounding abortion (A=reason #1), the fact that abortion is not murder (B=reason#2), and the fact that the fetus is not alive and thus has no rights (C=reason#3), it is clear that abortion is not wrong and should be permitted (D=the argument you will make based on your reasons AB+C).
Final Considerations
A> The reasons used in your argument (A+B+C) must be based on the works of other people--these are the things which need documentation (footnotes & bibliography)
B> If the essay is of a literary nature, your reasons must be based on specific examples from the text. Make sure you use these examples properly: INTRODUCE THE EXAMPLE/CITE THE EXAMPLE/DISCUSS AND CONNECT THE EXAMPLE TO YOUR ARGUMENT.