Embedded Files
...state an opinion as a fact and be debatable.
TO DEVELOP A THESIS...
...keep asking "Why" and "How"
Steinbeck shows the value of the family. How?
Through the experiences of the Joads, Steinbeck shows the value of the family. How?
Through the experience of the Joads, Steinbeck shows that the family is more than relatives; it is the whole family of humanity. How?
The challenges the Joads endure deprive them of all possessions and sustenance, showing that the family is more than relatives; it is the whole family of humanity. Why?
As the Joads lose all their possessions and sustance, they realize that all they have left is their family, even the whole family of humanity. Why?
As the marketplace strips the Joads of all their possessions and sustance, they realize all they have left is their family, even the whole family of humanity. Why?
As the marketplace strips the Joads of all their possessions and sustance, they realize that their only defense against the heartless monster of big business is the relationship with the family, even the whole family of humanity.
COMPARE/ CONTRAST
Imagine an essay prompt asks, compare and/ or contrast text A to text B...
Simple sentence
A and B are similar/ different in terms of C.
Compound sentence
A and B are similar in terms of C, but different in terms of D.
A and B are similar in terms of C; however, they are different in terms of D.
A and B are similar in terms of C, moreover they are similar in terms of D.
A and B are similar in terms of C, so D.
A and B are similar in terms of C; therefore, D.
Complex sentence
Although A and B are similar in terms of C, they are different in terms of D.
A and B are similar, even though they are different in terms of C.
A is so similar to B that C.
Compound-Complex sentence
A and B are similar because of C, but different because of D.
ADVICE
Convince your reader. Almost all papers are arguments, even a lab report (your observations lead to a particular conclusion).
Write about what interests you. If you're bored, your reader will be too.
Write about what you want to find out more about. Writing should clarify thinking, not restate what you already know.
Don't summarize plot or character. Don't repeat what was said in class. Again, boring.
Narrow your topic. You want depth, not breadth. Write about one chapter, one character, one scene, even one passage.
Think about work we've done already on the text - themes, passage analyses, characters, etc. - and add to the conversation.
Write about ideas (opinions) not observations (facts). Someone should be able to argue the opposite opinion. It should lead to conversation and debate, not simply "oh, that's interesting."
Check the validity of your thesis. Actually work out the opposite argument. This can help tremendously with your own argument, plus, if you can't argue the opposite, you probably don't have a thesis.
Self-edit by highlighting your own unique ideas in your paper - things not from the text, not from the author, not an emotional reflection, not an observation (fact), and not a quote. You may be shocked how little there is and find it necessary to go back and expand your ideas.
Argue thoroughly and logically. Take the reader through your thought process. Your conclusions will be more convincing.
Find your voice. Even though this is an academic paper, express your enthusiasm.
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