Setting up Thesis and Topic Sentences
At
the heart of academic writing is organization: and the heart of a
well-organized essay are its thesis and topic sentences. Readers use
these to get a quick overview of the argument of the essay (thesis) and
to follow the development of the argument (topic sentences).
And so . . . below you'll find the skeleton of an essay (thesis/division and topic sentences) with explanations.
First, some definitions:
Thesis Statement: The controlling idea of an essay stated in one sentence, usually the last sentence in the introduction.
Topic Sentence:
The controlling idea of a paragraph. Usually phrased as a statement or
claim that needs to be proved, it is related to and helps prove the
thesis. Often uses a synonym of one of the divisions from the division
statement to cue readers that a particular division is being discussed.
Division Statement:
A phrase which sets out the different parts/arguments/reasons which
prove the thesis of your essay (often part of your thesis). Think of it
as a road map to the reader so they can see what’s coming. Each of your
body paragraphs needs to be accounted for in your division
statement.
How to Write a Thesis | How to Write a Topic Sentence
Skeleton Organization
Thesis/division statement
Sammy, in Updike's "A&P," is an everyday hero because his character
is flawed, his actions don't lead to glory, and most importantly,
because his heroic deed is devoid of drama or excitement.
Thesis/division with thesis underlined and divisions italicized
Sammy, in Updike's "A&P," is an everyday hero because his character is flawed, his actions don't lead to glory, and most importantly, because his heroic deed is devoid of drama or excitement.
For the thesis and divisions above, topic sentences such as those below would be used to set up paragraphs
Topic sentence for division #1
Sammy's character flaws separate him from "comic book" heroism, making him more life-like and realistic.
Topic sentence for division #2
In typical heroic fashion, Sammy stands up for others, but unlike the
fireman or policeman who receive a medal for his actions, he does not
gain any glory or reward for his efforts.
Topic sentence for division #3
The realism of Sammy's heroism is most dramatically revealed, ironically, by the lack of drama concerning the deed itself.
Note
in each of these topic sentences how there is a word or phrase that
refers directly back to the division. This kind of repetition is a
reader's friend: it guides them through your thinking so they can
concentrate on how well you explain/prove your point. It also helps
you, the writer, out by reminding you to make your points concise and
to stay focused on individual ideas.
To check your organization, copy out your thesis/division and the first
sentence of each body paragraph. Can you follow the argument as clearly
as in the A&P example noted above? If not, begin revising. |
This
kind of organization results in essays that prove your point: which is
the goal of argumentative writing . . . and should be your goal for
this essay.
How To
How To Write a Thesis Statement
Note: You should rephrase the question into a thesis statement (don't repeat question).
Your
thesis should contain three things: 1) the subject of your essay; 2)
the point or focus; and 3) the divisions/reasons you will use to prove
your point.
Sammy,
in Updike's "A&P," is an "everyday" hero because his character is
flawed, his actions don't lead to glory, and most importantly, because
his heroic deed is devoid of drama or excitement.
Try the starter thesis statement below to get you started:
[The] ____________ in "________" is illustrated/demonstrated/shown/indicated by ___________, __________, and _________.
How to Write a Topic Sentence
Your Topic sentence should contain two things: 1) reference to your division, and 2) a reference to your thesis.
For a basic format, try the following starter topic sentence:
Insert statement of evidence illustrates/demonstrates/shows Insert answer to what the paragraph will illustrate/demonstrate about the thesis.
Revised Topic Sentences for Thesis above
1. Sammy's many flaws root his character in the ordinary
2. Unlike a movie star hero, Sammy doesn't receive a call from the president or a medal for his actions
3. And it is the mundane quality of his heroic deed that best marks him as an everyday hero.
Note the repetition of key words from the divisions.
Example topic sentences
- Walker shows her approval of Mrs. Johnson's view of heritage by making Dee an unsavory character.
- The description of Emily's house suggests the death and decay of the upper classes.
- The physical contact between the narrator and Robert illustrates his emotional awakening.
| If
all this sounds formulaic, it is. You can do two things. Ignore the
formula and wing it. Or work within the formula, yet still use your
skills as a writer to capture the reader's attention and leave a vivid
impression of your intellect: your call. |
Have fun. |