4-Writing the Thesis Statement论文写作.pptVIP

4-Writing the Thesis Statement What is the thesis statement? The thesis statement (also called thesis) is a statement that summarizes the central idea of the paper. It is usually the final sentence of the opening paragraph(s) in the body. 2. Functions of the Thesis Statement ★It establishes a boundary around the subject that discourages the writer from wandering aimlessly. ★The thesis statement, if worded properly, can chart an orderly course for the paper, making it easier to write. ★The thesis statement gives the reader an idea of what to expect, making the paper consequently easier to read. 3. Rules for Wording the Thesis statement The thesis, properly worded, should be a clear, concise, complete, comprehensible declarative sentence; it should predict the major divisions in the structure of a paper It should commit the writer to an unmistakable course, argument or point of view. To be more exact, rules for wording the thesis are as follows: ★The thesis statement should commit the writer to a single line of argument. ★The thesis statement should not be worded in figurative language. ★The thesis statement should not be vaguely worded. Poor: Cigarette smoking wreaks havoc on the body. Revised: Cigarette smoking harms the body by constricting the blood vessels, accelerating the heartbeat, paralyzing the cilia in the bronchial tubes, and activating excessive gastric secretions in the stomach. ★The thesis statement should not be worded as a question, exclamatory sentence, imperative sentence or elliptical sentence. Poor: Who makes the key decisions in U.S cities? Revised: Key decisions in large U.S cities are made by a handful of individuals, drawn largely from business, industrial and municipal circles, who occupy the top of the power hierarchy. ★The thesis statement should be as concise as possible. Note: Some research papers have no thesis, but instead have a statement of purpose, which is merely an announcement of what the writer proposes to do. e.g. Th