Writing practice: Revising your thesis
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Review the advice and examples in your handbook for drafting thesis statements and revising them to make them more effective. Exchange drafts with a classmate and put each other’s working thesis to the “So what?” test:
- Why would readers want to read an essay with this thesis? How would you respond to a reader who hears your thesis and asks “So what?” or “Why does it matter?”
- Does your thesis answer a question, propose a solution to a problem, or take a position in a debate? Why will readers be interested in your answer, solution, or position?
- Will any readers disagree with this thesis? If so, what might they say?
- Is the thesis too obvious? If you cannot come up with interpretations that oppose your own, consider revising your thesis.
- Can you support your thesis with the evidence available?
Then use the problem/strategy approach in your handbook to evaluate each other’s thesis.
Discuss how each of you might go about revising your thesis. What do you learn about your working thesis statement from this discussion? Write a response below.
Question
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Discuss how each of you might go about revising your thesis. What do you learn about your working thesis statement from this discussion? Write a response below.
Think about what single piece of advice might help you revise and strengthen your thesis. Then revise your working thesis in the space below.
Question
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Think about what single piece of advice might help you revise and strengthen your thesis. Then revise your working thesis in the space below.