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Archetype++: Crossroads++ Friday Edition—The Thesis Statement Struggle: Is It Really That Hard?

Writer: Gigi Diane Guarnieri Rosso Gigi Diane Guarnieri Rosso
Oct 4, 20243 min read

Archetype: Crossroads Friday Edition—The Thesis Statement Struggle: Is It Really That Hard?


Hello, fellow word wranglers and thesis thrashers! So many of my students struggle with thesis writing! I thought that I would provide a comprehensive guide on how to deal with the thesis statement:






Let’s face it—crafting a solid thesis statement can sometimes feel like trying to catch a cloud in your hands. Whether you’re knee-deep in IB Language B, wrestling with the nuanced texts in IB Language A: Language & Literature, navigating the early stages of English A1-A2, or preparing for the dreaded IELTS essay, you’re not alone in this struggle!


But here’s the thing: the thesis statement is the backbone of your writing. Imagine a sandwich without the bread—just a mess of ingredients with nothing to hold it together. Your thesis is the bread that holds your ideas in place, giving your argument structure, strength, and purpose. Without it? Well, you’re looking at a very messy sandwich!

So why do students struggle to get it right?





1. The “What Am I Saying?” Dilemma

One of the first hurdles is figuring out what you're actually trying to say. A thesis isn’t just a statement; it’s a statement with a purpose. This means you need to understand your point of view on a topic before you can write it out. A common mistake? Being too vague. “This essay will discuss...” isn't going to cut it! Your thesis should make a bold claim that you’re going to prove. Be brave! Say something that your reader can sink their teeth into.








2. Support, Support, Support!

Now, it’s one thing to say something, but quite another to back it up. Ever been in an argument with a friend where you made a point but couldn’t explain why you believed it? That’s what happens when you don’t support your thesis. Once you’ve made your claim, you need evidence from your texts, readings, or research to back it up.

In IB Language A and Language B, for instance, quoting your texts—whether it’s Persepolis or a poem in a foreign language—is key to showing how your ideas are grounded in the work itself. And yes, this is important even for my English A1-A2 adventurers—your argument is only as strong as the examples you choose to support it!







Here are some helpful resources and tips for students learning to write strong thesis statements for essays or the IB Extended Essay, with a focus on using guiding questions or prompts:


Podcasts:

  • "The Writing Coach Podcast" by Rebecca L. WeberFocuses on academic writing techniques, including thesis statement strategies for high school and IB students.

  • "Write Right" by Caitlin Wynne provides concise episodes on writing tips, including crafting a thesis.

  • "Write for Me" by Jenny BravoOffers episodes on structuring essays and thesis statements with tips on how to use prompts effectively.

Short Videos:


Thesis Writing Hacks:

  • Use the Guiding Question/Prompt

    • The thesis should directly answer the question or address the prompt.

    • Highlight key terms from the question and rephrase them to form the basis of your thesis.

    • Example: If the guiding question asks about the impact of colonialism in Things Fall Apart, your thesis could start with, "In Things Fall Apart, Achebe illustrates the destructive impact of colonialism on Igbo society by…"

  • Be Clear and Concise

    • Avoid vague language. Be specific about your argument or analysis.

    • The thesis should be one or two sentences long and give a clear direction for the essay.

  • Avoid "List" Thesis Statements

    • Instead of listing reasons, focus on the main argument and weave supporting ideas into the analysis later.

    • Weak: "Colonialism affected politics, culture, and economics."

    • Strong: "Achebe demonstrates how colonialism disintegrates the political and cultural fabric of Igbo society, leading to widespread economic instability."

  • Take a Stand

    • Your thesis should reflect a position or argument, not just state a fact. Make sure it is debatable.

    • Example: "While the patriarchal structure in The Handmaid's Tale seems oppressive, it also highlights the power of female resistance through characters like Offred."

  • Guide the Reader

    • A strong thesis gives the reader a sense of what to expect in the essay. Mention the themes or structure of your argument.

  • Revise as You Write

    • Often, your thesis may evolve as you dive deeper into your analysis. Don’t hesitate to refine it as you develop your essay.










Please write in with suggestions or thoughts...


 
 
 

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