BIO 4800: Sr. Seminar - Biology

A thesis statement is a sentence that concisely sum up the central argument research project. For this course, the thesis statement is drafted first as a central question (hypothesis) and then derived as a defensible thesis statement.

A thesis statement has some defining characteristics:

• A thesis statement typically covers one main idea or concept, and the entirety of the project will reflect back on that idea or concept
• A thesis statement is broad enough to carry a project, but not so narrow that it cannot be researched or discussed in detail
• A thesis statement is supported with evidence and data
• As the author of the thesis statement, generally you take a defensible stance on the topic/issue
• Because a particular view or stance is established, the thesis statement is usually arguable and opportunity must be given to address data that challenges the view and entertains alternative opinions

Two sample questions emerge from the two methods used:

Central Question(s)

In order to transform these questions into working thesis statements, start by simply shifting or reframing the verb from a point of questioning to a point of declaration!

Thesis Statement

By shifting or reframing the verb, these questions have now become defensible Thesis Statements from which evidence is given and demonstrated.