3. Step 2: Planning
“If you don’t know where you
are going, you probably won’t
get there.”
4. Step 2: Planning
Informal Outline: Organize your notes from brainstorming or other
prewriting into an informal outline. This is just a list of your major
points, perhaps presented in some tentative order. See example
below about an “initiation” experience and its lasting effect.
During test
Found test hard
Saw Jeff cheating
After test
Got angry
Wanted to tell
Dismissed idea
Later, in college
Implications of cheating
Goals of education
5. Step 2: Planning
Tentative/Working Thesis
This is the time to pick a focus.
The thesis is the central idea in a paper
that can, often, be asserted in one-two
sentences. It is a generalization that
will prepare readers for the supporting
details that will follow.
6. Step 2: Planning
Writing a Thesis
Thesis = Topic + writer’s opinion about the topic
It answers a question.
It offers a resolution to a problem.
It takes a position on a debatable topic.
7. Step 2: Planning
Writing a Thesis
Thesis = Topic + writer’s opinion about the topic
My high school experience of not speaking up altered the way I regarded
honesty and my own role in my education.
The Simpsons represents the greatest animated show in the
history of television.
The Simpsons treats the issues of ethnicity, family dynamics, gender,
and social issues effectively.
Often dismissed because it is animated, The Simpsons treats the issue
of ethnicity more powerfully than did the critically praised “All In The
Family.”
8. Step 2: Planning
Warning: A Thesis Should Not Be:
• Too Broad: There are many great animated television shows today.
• Too Vague: The Simpsons is a great animated television show.
• Too Factual: The Simpsons, created by Matt Groening, first aired in 1989
and continues successfully today.
9. Step 2: Planning
EXERCISE: Pretend you are a teacher grading papers. Judge the following as
thesis statements. Which ones truly are thesis statements? Which aren’t? Why
or why not? EXPLAIN YOUR ANSWERS!
1. Myths and society.
2. Myths serve an important function in society.
3. Contrary to popular assumptions, myths are more than fairy tales; they express the
underlying attitudes a society has toward important issues.
4. Today, almost two marriages in four will end in divorce.
5. Skiing, a popular sport for millions, is a major cause of winter injuries.
6. If certain reforms are not instituted immediately, our company will be bankrupt within two
years.
7. Early childhood is an important period.
8. By using the proper techniques, parents can significantly improve the learning capabilities of
their preschool children.
