Organization, Thesis

Statements and Quote

Integration
Adapted from material provided by
Ms. Hinkel

The Shape of Your Paper

Introduction

Body
Paragraphs
Prove/Support/Expand on Your Thesis
Conclusion

Revisit Your Thesis

Place it in a larger context to show why its important

Five Components of an Excellent

Introduction
Hook
Introduction of Theme
Context
Thesis

What is a thesis statement?

Almost all of us, even if we dont do it

consciously, look early in an essay for a onesentence condensation of the argument or
analysis to follow. IN A SHORT ESSAY, A
THESIS SHOULD NOT BE LONGER THAN
A SENTENCE.
We refer to that condensation as the thesis
statement.

Strong thesis statements

A strong thesis statement takes some sort of

stand. Evaluate the following theses. Are they
strong enough?
There are reasons both to ban and praise The
Lovely Bones.
The Lovely Bones should be banned because
it contains images inappropriate for the school
setting.

Strong thesis statements

Thesis statements should do two things: take a

stand, and give an overarching reason why.
Evaluate these theses. Do they fulfill both
criteria?
The Lovely Bones should be praised.
The Lovely Bones should be praised because it
promotes discussion of life-altering events.

Where does a thesis belong?

In most writing, a thesis belongs at the end of

an introductory paragraph. The sentences
before it should ease the reader in; the thesis
should be the most specific sentence of the
paragraph.

Where do these belong?

Place the following sentences in the
order most appropriate for an
introductory paragraph.
1.

2.

3.

Vanilla ice cream is the best flavor because

the majority of people like it.
One of the greatest debates in time centers
around which ice cream flavor is better:
chocolate or vanilla?
After polling thousands of Americans, the
answer is clear.

Why are quotes needed in writing?

Quotes increase the credibility and validity of

your argument. They show that your argument
is rooted in fact. Plus, they make your writing
appear more professional and thoughtful.
In order for quotes to work, they need to be
incorporated into your writing correctly.

Dont Drop Your Quote!

There is a tendency for writers to simply throw

a quote in their writing. For example:
Mayas dad is full of surprises. A year later
our dad came to Stamps without warning
(54). Maya does not expect this.

Cradle Your Quote, Then Analyze It

Even if a quote is made up of a full sentence, it is not

strong enough to stand on its own. It needs to be
introduced (cradled) by words of your own that help
to support the quote. For example:
Mayas father is full of surprises. She writes that a
year later our dad came to Stamps without warning
(54). Although Maya does not seem to mind her
fathers unexpected arrival, the reader suspects that
her fathers erratic behavior indicates irresponsibility.

Cradle Options

He/she says,
He/she writes,
The text explains,
The author indicates
[The character] suggests
The writer acknowledges that
and so on

Cradle this writing:

Maya Angelou paints beautiful images in

writing. Each year I watched the field across
from the Store turn caterpillar green, then
gradually frosty white (6). She uses
adjectives well.

The Recap
(Recapitulation/Summary)

After you have proven your case with

evidence in the body paragraphs, revisit (do
NOT restate!) your thesis towards the
beginning of your conclusion
Deeper
More detailed
Show that youve learned something

Recap Example

Original Thesis: Through Montresor, Poes The

Cask of Amontillado suggests that revenge with
impunity is impossible.
Recap: Thus, one can see by Montresors sickened
reaction to Fortunatos screams, his obsessively
detailed memory of the events that occurred, and the
evidence that suggests he may be mentally unstable
that guilt torments Montresor during the murder and
for the fifty years following.

Drawing Out a Message

Move from specific (recapitulating thesis) to

general (lesson learned or statement about)
In a certain sense, the murderer has become
his own victim.

Significance

Parallels the theme statement in introduction

Why is your thesis important or meaningful
for all human beings?
Example: Montresors tortured memories
prove that a criminal may escape the law, but
that no criminal escapes justice.

Twist on Hook

Play on the idea introduced in your first

sentence
Last & strongest sentence of paragraph
Good devices to use here: alliteration, puns,
clever, dramatic wording
Find sentences most important word and
make it the last one

Example of Twist on Hook

Original Hook Statement: The poet Thomas

Moore once wrote, Those who plot the
destruction of others often perish in the
attempt.
Twist on Hook: Upon finishing the story, the
reader must ask which would be preferable:
the temporary discomfort of a brick and mortar
prison or the unbending shackles of a guilty
conscience.