Chapter 11-Developing Your Thesis Statement

This chapter is all about creating your thesis statement. The first thing the book talks about is how to use your sources and position statement to do so. The position you have taken on your issue is essentially your response to your research question. Therefore becoming the basis of your thesis statement. Before you start writing your thesis there are some things you should start with.

Reviewing your position is first. Think about your issue and the position you have taken. Ask yourself if you think that is represents exactly what you are trying to say.

Next is reviewing your notes. While doing this the book says to:

• identify important information, ideas, and arguments that you've come across in your reading
• consider whether the information, ideas, and arguments you've identified in your notes will allow you to pursue your personal, academic, an professional interests. 
• review and elaborate on ideas and arguments that you've come up with as a result of your own thinking about the subject
• consider how your own ideas and arguments might allow you to pursue your interests. 

Then reflect on your reasons for writing this paper and reflect on your readers. Ask yourself questions such as, have your purposes changed since your started? And has your role as a writer changed since you started your research project. Also consider whether or not your arguments "will help you address your readers' purposes, needs, interests, and backgrounds" (205). 

The second part to this chapter is the drafting of your thesis. First, find the most important information and ideas you have collected on your issue. A good suggestion is to even try writing out more than one thesis, exploring different options. However, your final thesis "should convey your position in a way that addresses you purpose and your readers' needs, interests, values, beliefs, and knowledge of a subject" (206). When writing your thesis also be sure to keep in mind the type of document you are going to be writing. And lastly is to focus your thesis statement. To do this you can ask yourself questions about what you think will engage your readers.