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Topic vs. Thesis
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| A general field of consideration, subject of discussion or theme of writing. |
A statement that argues from a specific angle or presents a new point of view. |
| Greek topiká meaning "commonplace" |
Greek thésis a setting down |
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Topic + Argument = Thesis
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Framing your Thesis
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- Rank / Order of Importance (what elements are most important? least?)
- Cause and Effect (what points have led to the result?)
- Contrast (what differences are there in the various points of view?)
- Perception vs. Reality (how close are they?)
- Validity/Credibility (are other points of view inadequate?)
- Ethics (challenge another point of view)
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What is the essential question?
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- What would you like your audience to believe or do?
- Who are the major actors (on all sides) and how did they contribute?
- What were there motives?
- Where the actions of these individuals justified?
- What was the impact/significance/value of...?
- What if...?
- What solututions or improvements would you suggest?
- How would you defend your point of view?
- Why did this happen? Why did it succeed/fail?
- What other problems are related to...?
- What next?
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