Avoiding Thesis Problems

No Thesis Found

1. Find the main point (usually writer’s belief statement)

2. Rewrite as debatable, generalized statement of value

3. Place in introduction and conclusion

Multiple Theses (Multiple Arguments or Debatable Supports)

· Remove additional theses and supports, or

· Change additional theses to supports

Thesis Not Supported

· Add supports, or

· Change supports to match thesis, or

· Change thesis to match supports

Strategies

Before writing essay:

· Write thesis and major support statements, and

· Develop an outline using those statements

After writing essay:

· Proofread

· Mark thesis and all supports (e.g., underline)

· Determine if supports match thesis

· Make sure supports are not debatable

· Revise as needed

· Submit (without proof marks)