Grammar #6

I have been having trouble coming up with a good thesis and introductory paragraph for my research paper so I decided to look further into how to form a thesis when writing a pro/con paper. Term Paper Edge.com (http://www.erraticimpact.com/cyberedit/termpapers1.asp) teaches this:

The Thesis

The thesis statement is the single most important aspect of your paper; it is, essentially, the justification for its very existence. A good thesis sentence should contain:

1. Your basic argument

2. The blueprint for the organization of your supporting details

Developing the Argument

Topic versus statement - At the outset of your brainstorming, you will likely first decide on a topic for your paper; namely, the particular subject you plan to address in response to the assignment. Your job in formulating a thesis is to find a specific statement to make about that topic.

Specifically-In writing your statement, be sure to say exactly what you're arguing- do not make a broad generalization. Your reader should know from your thesis what your specific arguments are, not just roughly what they prove. Also, take into account the length you intend your paper to be. In the space of six pages, for example, you can't thoroughly discuss the effects of, say. World War II on America, but you might be able to analyze one aspect of its impact on a specific industry or social group.

Framing your paper - In addition to stating your argument, your thesis should give an indication of the particular components thereof. Though it is not necessary for you to include the gist of each subsequent topic sentence in your thesis, it is important that the basic prongs of your over-arching idea be addressed.