how to write a thesis nhd

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Thesis Statement Definition

Thesis Statement - a short statement , usually one sentence, that summarizes the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, etc., and is developed, supported, and explained in the text by means of examples and evidence.

Thesis Helpful Hints

The following links will help you with writing a strong thesis statement.

How to Tell a Strong Thesis Statement from a Weak One

Thesis Generator Use this on-line tool to practice writing a thesis statement.

Before developing your thesis statement, conduct some research and ask the following questions:

Why did my topic happen at this particular time and in this particular place?

What were the events or the influences that came before my topic?

How was my topic influenced by and how did it influence the economic, social, political, and cultural climate of the time period?

Thesis Examples

Thesis Statement Example One:

State your claim and summarize the impact and/or significance of your topic

The International Olympic Games offer athletes an opportunity to be exposed to new cultures, ideas and people.

Thesis Statement Example Two:

State your claim about your topic, followed by example(s) of exploration, encounter and exchange.

The Olympic Games offer the participants the ability to encounter new cultures, explore new countries, and exchange ideas.

Thesis Statement Example Three:

Introduce a brief counter claim, followed by your claim and the impact or significance of your topic

Although hosting the Olympics leaves many countries in debt, the Olympic games offer host citizens exposure to new cultures, ideas and people.

What's Your Point?

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Building a Project
Developing Your Thesis

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Here you will learn what a thesis statement is and what it is not. Use our tips and trick below to help you develop a solid thesis statement for your NHDI project!

Your project will consist of an argument that reflects your main idea – the message you want to get across to your audience that links the topic to the theme. The sentence(s) that capture(s) this argument in called your thesis.

Think of your thesis as an equation:

Thesis = Topic + Theme + Impact

A good thesis is short and sweet – no more than one or two sentences. You will explain and support your argument throughout the rest of your project.

A good thesis statement:

Addresses a narrow topic.
Is an informed opinion.
Explains what you believe to be the historical significance of your topic.
Connects the topic the the NHD theme.

A thesis statement is:

Not a question.
Not a list.

A thesis statement is not the same thing as a research question. Your research questions guide your research. Your thesis statement makes an argument about your topic using your research.

Writing a good thesis statement is a process. It will take time. This is the most important and sometimes most stressful part. Here are some key things to remember:

It will continue to evolve as you research. You may even go back to change it…and that’s OK.
It’s only set in stone once you have completed your project for the contest, and even then you will have an opportunity to improve it if you advance on to another contest.
Make sure you’re getting feedback on your thesis from parents, teachers, friends or an NHDI team member.

Let’s look at an example below: We’ll use a previous NHD theme to give an example of how you might develop your thesis.

Theme: Conflict and Compromise Interest Area: Prisoners of war in World War I Your narrowed subject: Camp Atterbury POWs in WWII

Working thesis statement: During WWII, approximately 3,000 Italian POWs were held at Camp Atterbury in Indiana. They compromised with U.S. soldiers to build a chapel, making life there better for themselves.

Take a look at the underlined section. Since it is stating a fact and introducing your topic, this information should be part of the your introduction.
Remember, your thesis is an argument about your main idea.

Final thesis statement: The respectful treatment of Italian POWs at Camp Atterbury, along with the chaplain’s permission to buy their own chapel, created a long -lasting, positive relationship between the camp and the Italian soldiers once imprisoned there.

Notice how the underlined section was added – this is the basis of your argument.
You’re showing the impact of your topic and why it is important.

S.O.S. Method Worksheet

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