Developing a Thesis and Argument
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A thesis is the main point that you are trying to communicate based on analysis of your gathered information. A thesis summarizes the meaning you are adding. and it is developed through a process of finding patterns in information that you find.
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NOTE: If you present findings in a way other than a traditional paper/essay, your thesis may be presented differently or perhaps not explicitly. Regardless, you should have a thesis - even if it is behind-the-scenes - that focuses and organizes your work.
Creating an Outline Based on Your Thesis/Argument
Defining Your Topic - Introduction
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Start by introducing your topic, communicating to your audience why the topic is important, and providing enough background information to allow your audience to understand the analysis that follows. This is also the logical place for your thesis.
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Sample questions to ask yourself:
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Providing Body Analysis
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All academic research demands analysis. Some projects lend themselves well to a cause/effect structure ("What caused hip-hop to emerge and what are some of the effects its had on American culture?), while other assignments require a pro/con format ("What are the positive/negative aspects of stem cell research?). This is where you will be heavily using evidence to support your thesis.
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Sample questions to ask yourself:
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Offering Concluding Thoughts - Conclusion
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Your conclusion allows you to demonstrate that you have effectively synthesized the information you found, presenting your findings in a way that clearly supports your thesis.
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Sample questions to ask yourself:
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