Once while giving a presentation on academic writing, I stated that essays should be relatively free of opinion. Immediately, a student asked, "But isn't the thesis statement basically the writer's opinion on a subject?"
Well, yes. And no.
An opinion is simply a belief that a person holds. It can be rational or irrational, supported or unsupported by fact. An opinion can develop from any type of influence or no influence at all.
A thesis statement, however, is a logical, well-structured argument that is formed after a student has thoroughly analyzed a subject, problem, or text. It MUST be supported by a well-reasoned argument based on research and evidence. Therefore, a thesis statement is not simply an opinion.
Building and supporting an argument is perhaps the toughest challenge of writing any essay. Many students struggle to do it and fall short--mainly because they are never taught how to create an argument of college-level sophistication. However, building a solid argument has been boiled down to a practical formula:
Essay Body Paragraph
Sentence 1: Topic sentence--introduces the point, focus, or argument for that paragraph ONLY.
Sentence 2: Explanation or expansion of the topic.
Sentence 3-4: Crux of argument (may include quote from text or expert.)
Sentence 5: Explanation/interpretation of quote in the previous sentence, or example from text that demonstrates or supports argument.
Sentence 6: Explanation of example provided in previous sentence, or concluding thought on the quote explained in previous sentence.
...Or to break it down even more simply: statement, example, interpretation/explanation, conclusion (in that order).
I will provide an example of this formula at work in an excerpt from one of my own college essays:
The most notable aspect of Douglass’s Narrative is the way in which Douglass redefines Christianity. (Topic) This indeed involves psychological strategy, as Douglass constructs his perspective of Christianity through the “othering” of the southern slaveholders’ beliefs and behaviors. (Expansion of Topic + Crux) In the process of “othering”--as described by Toni Morrison, the Nobel Prize-winning author--one standard of behavior is described and, in Douglass’s case, shown to be undesirable. (Expert definition + Explanation) Its presence in the text then serves to define and highlight its more desirable opposite (16-17). (Further explanation) This process is most visibly seen in Douglass’s account of the Sabbath school, which he taught while working for Mr. Freeland. (Example from text) He says,
"It was necessary to keep our religious masters at St. Michael’s unacquainted with the fact, that, instead of spending the Sabbath in wrestling, boxing, and drinking whiskey, we were trying to learn to read the will of God; for they had much rather see us engaged in those degrading sports, than to see us behaving like intellectual, moral, and accountable beings. My blood boils as I think of the bloody manner in which Messrs. Wright Fairbanks and Garrison West...rushed in upon us with sticks and stones, and broke up our virtuous little Sabbath school...all calling themselves Christians!" (1924-25) (Quote illustrating example)
Here, Douglass draws attention to the discrepancy between the slaveholders’ profession of faith and their behavior. (Interpretation of quote) While many of his masters make long prayers and preach revivals, they ultimately use their beliefs as “a dark shelter under, which the darkest, foulest, grossest, and most infernal deeds of slaveholders find the strongest protection” (1923). (Logical conclusion based on interpretation + additional supporting quote)
Benefits of following this formula:
1. Thesis statement is always well-supported.
2. Argument is clearly defined and explained.
3. Writing flows well and STAYS ON TOPIC!
4. Meaningless repetition and empty statements are avoided.
5. You will have written a stellar essay.
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