Organizing Notes
Big6 term: Synthesis
How do I create a thesis statement?
A good thesis statement is like an atlas map. It should tell the main highways (major points) of your paper, without detailing every gas station, small town, or restaurant you'll pass along the way! You can also think of it like a movie preview, giving your audience a general idea of what to expect without spoiling the ending or individual scenes!
In other words, it should be ONE sentence that is the driving force behind your entire paper. To be clear, most thesis statements have three points. Check your notes/cards to see what three subject headings you could use to classify the most information. This should give you a good idea of how to use three points in your thesis statement. The order of your three points will match up to your body paragraphs. Here's an example.
Research topic: The Aftermath of the Holocaust
Subject headings/three main points: Holocaust Survivors, War Criminals' Trials, Remembrance Ceremonies
Thesis statement: Although the Holocaust occurred over sixty years ago, the aftermath -- including survivors, trials, and ceremonies -- proves the Holocaust's continued influence today.
For another explanation, check out the video below where Martin Luther needs help!
In other words, it should be ONE sentence that is the driving force behind your entire paper. To be clear, most thesis statements have three points. Check your notes/cards to see what three subject headings you could use to classify the most information. This should give you a good idea of how to use three points in your thesis statement. The order of your three points will match up to your body paragraphs. Here's an example.
Research topic: The Aftermath of the Holocaust
Subject headings/three main points: Holocaust Survivors, War Criminals' Trials, Remembrance Ceremonies
Thesis statement: Although the Holocaust occurred over sixty years ago, the aftermath -- including survivors, trials, and ceremonies -- proves the Holocaust's continued influence today.
For another explanation, check out the video below where Martin Luther needs help!
How do I create an outline?
The most common way to organize a research project is using an outline. To create the outline, take your note cards and thesis, and use the same main subject headings.
1. The cards under each main heading will be the subheadings that support the main heading.
2. Read over the cards for each section and set aside any that you think will not be needed. DON’T THROW THEM AWAY!
3. Remember, when you first draft your outline, it is a WORKING OUTLINE; it may change.
4. Note in your outline that the introduction (THESIS STATEMENT) must be the very first thing presented and should be written out completely. Your main points in your thesis should match your main headings!
5. The last element in your outline is the conclusion (RESTATEMENT OF THESIS) and should be written out completely.
Check out the outline sample below.
1. The cards under each main heading will be the subheadings that support the main heading.
2. Read over the cards for each section and set aside any that you think will not be needed. DON’T THROW THEM AWAY!
3. Remember, when you first draft your outline, it is a WORKING OUTLINE; it may change.
4. Note in your outline that the introduction (THESIS STATEMENT) must be the very first thing presented and should be written out completely. Your main points in your thesis should match your main headings!
5. The last element in your outline is the conclusion (RESTATEMENT OF THESIS) and should be written out completely.
Check out the outline sample below.
| outline_sample.doc |
What are some other ideas for organization?
If you prefer a mind map, web, or anything besides an outline, check out some of the tools below:
