Chapter eleven

Chapter Eleven: Developing Your Thesis Statement

This chapter focuses on two main ideas, one, how to use the resources and position statement and second, how to draft the thesis statement.

When considering the use of the resources and the position statement, it is important first to review the position statement that was made as an answer to the research question. If the writer hasn’t made a position statement he or she should do it now.

When reviewing the notes it is important to identify information, ideas and arguments. It is important to consider if the information advances your personal and academic interests. Also, reflect on your own ideas on the topic and if they can improve your argument.

Reviewing the notes helps the writer to understand more about the issue. Considering the writers purpose and role is important as it can change during the project.

Likewise consider what readers needs are and if the main point is in line with the reader’s needs or concerns.

When drafting the thesis statement it is useful to identify important information, ideas and arguments. As the writer reviews the material he or she should look for key words and phrases that will help discover if they are aligned with the research question.

The writer can write several drafts to develop an effective thesis statement depending on what the writer is asking the reader to do. The writer can ask the reader to learn something, change their attitude, or take action.

The thesis statement will determine the type of document the author intends to write and will be argumentative, informative or opinionated.

`Focusing the thesis statement will help the readers either learn, change their attitude or take action and have their questions and counterarguments anticipated.