the “so what?” test. No one wants to write a paper that doesn't matter, much less read one.
Choose a topic worth arguing about or exploring
. This means to construct a thesis statement about a problem that is still debated, controversial, up in the air.
What does So what mean in a thesis?
Thesis development and the “So What?” test
It is
an assertion that a reasonable person could disagree with if you only gave the thesis and no other evidence
. It is not a fact or casual observation; it must beg to be proved. And someone should be able to theoretically argue against it.
What's a so what statement?
Play the “So What” Game.
Whenever you make a statement from your conclusion, ask the friend to say, “So what?” or “
Why should anybody care?
” Then ponder that question and answer it.
What is the so what question in a thesis?
I came across an article by Selwyn (2014) who raises the question of relevance when writing a peer-review journal article. The ‘so-what? ‘ question is
a hypothetical question that a reader will ask if they can't see why your research and this paper is important.
What is the so what in an essay?
You also need to locate the argument within the field it is making a contribution to. You
need to show your readers why your argument is relevant, or important, and worth their time and attention
. This is what is often termed the ‘so what? ‘ question.
What is an example of a strong thesis statement?
Example:
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
are the best type of sandwich because they are versatile, easy to make, and taste good. In this persuasive thesis statement, you see that I state my opinion (the best type of sandwich), which means I have chosen a stance.
What is a qualified thesis?
In academic writing, you state your central idea as clearly as possible in a THESIS STATEMENT. … QUALIFY your thesis statement: this means
that you show there could be more than one perspective (opinion) on an issue.
How do you test a thesis?
To test a thesis, you need to
ask questions to determine whether it is sufficiently interesting
, arguable, specific, manageable, researchable, and significant. The thesis-testing process requires effort but will likely result in your satisfaction and a more successful essay.
How do you turn a claim into a thesis?
In other words, your
claim should be contestable, open to reasoned argument and debate
. Ideally, your thesis should focus on one main idea. If you have lots of good ideas on the subject but are writing a short paper, choose what you think is the strongest or most important argument and make it your thesis.
What is a so what in English?
informal. used to mean “
it's not important
” and “I don't care”: So what if I'm 35 and I'm not married – I lead a perfectly fulfilling life! “Andrew won't like it, you know.” “So what? – I don't care what Andrew thinks!”
When choosing a topic you want to what?
Choose
a subject area that interests you and that will interest the readers
. Try to avoid topics that are overly used such as abortion or gun control. It is important to choose a topic that is academic in nature – something that people will be doing research on.
How do you write a thesis for UCLA?
Think of your thesis as a promise you make to your reader about what your paper will argue. Then, spend the rest of your paper–each body paragraph–fulfilling that promise. Your thesis should be between
one and three sentences long
and is placed at the end of your introduction.
How do you answer a thesis question?
- Focus the main idea of your thesis into one or two sentences.
- Write the answer to the main question of your topic.
- Clearly state your position in relation to the topic.
- Do not state the obvious. Give a disputable stance that requires support or evidence.
What is the so what factor in writing?
You don't want your reader to ask: “so what?” Having the “so what” factor means that
your reader understands the point, moral, or purpose of your story
.
What is a strong thesis statement?
A strong thesis statement
gives direction to the paper and limits what you need to write about
. It also functions to inform your readers of what you will discuss in the body of the paper. All paragraphs of the essay should explain, support, or argue with your thesis.
How do you write a thesis for a beginner?
- Restate the idea in the prompt or ask yourself the question the prompt asks. …
- Adopt a position/state your opinion. …
- List three reasons you will use to argue your point. …
- Combine information from 1-3 into one sentence.
