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The Thesis Machine

The thesis machine is a structure of writing, outlining the basic components for effective and successful writing. The thesis itself promises to deliver "an intellectual product of a specified kind, in an appropriate manner, with adequate evidence and analysis within an implied or explicit structure of logical development." (Professor Dan Fineman, ECLS)

An effective thesis includes the following features:

  • Clarity of word choice (considering proposed audience)
  • Ordering principle: chronological order, cause and effect, logical reasoning, compare and contrast, etc.
  • Focus will be such that the paper can accomplish the aims of the thesis in the length allotted the paper.
  • Stylistic level: formal, informal? Technical, analytical, personal, objective?
  • Position: reasonable, not obvious. A thesis is something about which reasonably informed people can disagree.

The Sheridan Baker Thesis Machine: A Heuristic for the Uncertain

This type of thesis "making" is provisional and should be polished.  It does, however, offer the writer a method to begin thesis development.

  1. Topic and Issue (Rough Thesis)

    • State the topic under consideration

    • Recognize and state the specific issue. (Often the topic is defined in the prompt).

    • Example: The Cooler hours should or should not be extended by one hour on weeknights and weekends.

     

  2. Position (Rough Thesis)

    • Give your position on the topic.

    • Example: (Resolution) The Cooler hours should be extended daily by one hour.


  3. Rationale (Rough Thesis)

    • Add your main reason in a "because" clause.

    • By using a "because" type clause, you can covert the resolution into a sentence that states your position on the issue while providing a main rational for the position.

    • Example: The Cooler hours should be extended until 12:30am on weeknights and 9pm on weekends because many students both study and eat later.


  4. Although Clause (Rough Thesis)

    • Refine the rough thesis by adding stipulations in an "although clause" (these are conditions or exceptions to your position).

    • Example:  Although by extending the Cooler hours, more staffing will be required, the cooler hours should be changed to a later time because many students eat and study later.


  5. Polish (Polished Thesis)

    • Refine wording: consider eliminating the overt use of "because" or "although," or direct use of personal pronouns, such as "I."

    • Example: Although the extension of the Cooler hours requires more staffing, the hours should be changed to 12:30am on weeknights and 9pm on weekends to accommodate many students who eat and study later.

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