Write an essay that answers the research question I have developed based on my topic. The essay must be formatted according to MLA guidelines, contain a minimum of SIX reliable sources (dictionary definitions do not count in this), and that is a minimum of 1,500 words and a maximum of 1,700 words (approx. 5 1/2 pages typed using Times New Roman, 12, double spaced).
Basic Essay Structure and How to Write a Thesis
Essay Structure:
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Introduction
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Hook (introduce your topic in an interesting way)
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Context (provide contextual information about your topic that the reader needs to understand the essay; also should connect your hook to your thesis, like zooming-in)
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Thesis Statement (see notes below)
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Development (x2-3 arguments; REMEMBER: one argument could have multiple paragraphs)
Each paragraph should have:
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Topic Sentence (WHAT is the point you are making in this paragraph?)
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Proof (HOW do you know from the text that it is a point you can make? There is no rule about how much proof you need, it depends on your point, but you should have a sufficient amount of proof to support your point.)
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Explanation (WHY is your proof valid, WHY does your proof support your point? This should be the longest part of your paragraph.)
The order of the WHAT-HOW-WHY depends on your ideas. Play around with the order to see what’s the most logical pattern of organization for your argument/paragraph, and how it flows best.
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Conclusion
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Restate the WHAT of your thesis.
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Summarize your first argument in one sentence.
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Summarize your second argument in one sentence.
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Summarize your third argument (if applicable) in one sentence.
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Close off your essay with a brief explanation (1-2 sentences) of why your thesis statement is relevant today and/or important to understand. (So What?)
Again, here the order is not mandatory. If you think it flows better and makes a bigger impact to begin with the “So What?” and end with restating the WHAT of your thesis, that’s fine, as long as your conclusion has all of these items and is clear and organized.
How to Write a Thesis Statement for an ISU essay:
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Define WHAT you’re arguing (i.e. answer your research question by putting forth one main argument that you will argue throughout your essay)
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Define HOW you’re going to argue it (i.e. what are your arguments going to be; it can be helpful to draft topic sentences for each argument).
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Put it all together in a clear and concise sentence.
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Research Question |
What are the implications of using genetic engineering? |
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WHAT? |
Genetic modification has dangerous implications that should not be ignored. ***Notice: I’m answering the research question while also putting forth the overall argument of the paper that the implications of genetic modification are dangerous and should not be ignored, rather than just listing implications without taking a stand which would not allow for much analysis and interpretation.*** |
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HOW? |
Argument 1: There are too many variables in the process of genetic modification which increases the probability of a chaotic result. |
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Argument 2: The process and results of genetic modification present many health hazards and are not safe. |
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Argument 3: The economic and political implications of the technology and its use raise some serious ethical issues. |
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THESIS EXAMPLE 1 |
THESIS EXAMPLE 2 |
THESIS EXAMPLE 3 |
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An examination of the high probability of a chaotic result, the many health hazards, and the ethical issues surrounding the use of genetic modification reveals that this technology has dangerous implications that cannot be ignored. |
The dangerous implications of genetic modification—including the high probability of a chaotic result, its many health hazards, and the ethical issues surrounding it—should not be ignored. |
Genetic modification has dangerous implications that should not be ignored, such as the high probability of a chaotic result, the many health hazards it involves, and the ethical issues surrounding its use. |