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Programs: Representational Trends

Teaching Resources: Thesis Writing

Tried & True Home  |  Thesis Game | Overheads | PowerPoint Presentation

Teaching the Thesis

Thesis Game

This will make it fun for students to write theses and also make them realize the difficulties before they sit down to write one for their own final paper. Students will base each of their weak theses on those found in WA 121-131.

Before the Game, teach students the weak thesis examples in Writing Analytically pp. 121-131. Some possible examples are on the following overhead
The Game:
Break class into groups of 3 or 4

Each group will need an erasable marker, a paper towel, and a blank overhead sheet. You will also need up to five complex images [on overhead] which pertain to your course theme.

ROUND 1 (instructor provides and image and designates a weak thesis type to use)
  • Each group writes a weak thesis, and then revises it. [on an overhead sheet w/ erasable marker]
  • 1 person from each group displays the weak thesis, and explains the problem. The student then displays the revised thesis, explains their group's thought process & why this is stronger.
  • Class critiques strong thesis . What needs to be more specific? What needs to be revised? Does it have tension/complexity?
  • Based on this, the class “revises” the strong thesis
  • Each group gets a turn
  • Class votes on best strong thesis from the round
ROUND 2 (instructor selects another image and another weak thesis type and rounds continue like this)
  • Each time the group is “up” a different group member presents.
  • This game can go as many rounds as the instructor likes. It is recommended that the game consists of several rounds—it allows students to consider multiple “weak” theses, and they get the chance to improve the strength of their revised theses
  • As each round finishes, remind students that strong analysis is the key; theses do not develop on their own, they evolve based on analysis
  • Each round class votes on groups with the best-revised thesis. [ They can't vote for their own group]
  • At the end of the game—a winner is decided.
Depending on instructor's choice, winner may receive candy, extra credit in their participation [the logistics of this are up to the instructor, though students usually love the sound of extra credit no matter how it works]

Complete class with an emphasis on the evolving thesis, analysis, and a desire for a complex research paper—not one that ignores possible complications or contradictions. Thesis writing needs thought and practice like anything else.

What did students learn today?

Students practiced writing theses, revising them, and learning how to make them evolve in complexity. As a result they should have a good understanding of popular mistakes that freshmen tend to make, ways to revise them. They should be well aware that perfect theses do not simply appear on their paper—students must generate them by revising and revising again

Have an idea for Tried and True? Send it to fywp@osu.edu!

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