Thesis
The Main Claim
The thesis introduces the topic and the writer's point or position about the topic. The thesis is an assertion, "a confident . . . statement of fact or belief" ("Assertion").
The thesis may be
Closed: Thesis includes points of support
Open-ended: Thesis does not include the points of support
Implied: Used when purpose is to "move the readers toward thoughtful reflection. (20-22)
The type of thesis is determined by the writer's purpose and assignment requirements.
Depending on the purpose of the assignment, the thesis may be
Informative: When the purpose is to inform.
Argumentative: Use when the purpose is to persuade.
The reader may agree or disagree.
Two parts
Assertion, may be a
position: What the writer wants the reader to think
proposal: What the writer wants the reader to do
Backing: reason or points of support
Lists the points of support for the position or proposal
And, may introduce the opposition position
Johnson-Sheehan, Richard and Charles Paine. Writing Today. 2nd ed. Boston: Pearson, 2013. Print.
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