THESIS STATEMENT

Answer to EQ + Subtopics OR Reasons WHY = Thesis

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

Sample: How does developing skills in linguistic science help one decode artifacts in ancient cultures?

Specific interests: The following are generic and can be applied to almost any EQ.

1.  History and Development

2.  Current Implementation

3.  Relevant Processes

4.  Projected Future

REMEMBER: It’s not just a history paper—you need to answer each part of the question

Develop into a more focused question:

In what way do the history and development, current implementation, relevant processes, and projected future of Anthropology show how developing skills in linguistic science helps one decode artifacts in ancient cultures?

Thesis statement:

The history and development, current implementation, relevant processes and projected future of Anthropology show that developing skills in linguistic science helps in the decoding of ancient cultural artifacts.

**DON’T FORGET PROPER PARALLEL STRUCTURE!**

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

Sample: Does technology help or hurt American society?

Answer the EQ: Technology helps our society because

Specific reason

1.  increases production

2.  increases communication

3.  brings people together

4.  makes things accessible

REMEMBER: It’s not just a history paper—you need to answer each part of the question

Thesis statement:

Technology increases productivity and communication it inevitably brings people together making otherwise inaccessible concepts more accessible; therefore, technology helps American society.

**DON’T FORGET PROPER PARALLEL STRUCTURE!**

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

Sample: Is Bill Clinton virtuous?

Answer the question: Bill Clinton has some vices and some virtues.

List the vices and/or virtues you plan to focus on

1.  Authoritative

2.  A good leader

3.  Disrespectful to women

4.  Arrogant

REMEMBER: It’s not just a history paper—you need to answer each part of the question

Develop into a more focused question:

Thesis statement:

Our forty second president, William Jefferson Clinton, is a complex man who demonstrates great authority and leadership, but his disrespect for the feminine population and arrogance are unorthodox qualities at best and personal vices at worst.

**DON’T FORGET PROPER PARALLEL STRUCTURE!**