Thesis Reminders for English I

A thesis reminder is a direct echo of the thesis statement. In a short paper, the topic sentence of each paragraph should repeat words or phrases from the thesis statement.

No matter how good your thesis, your writing is worth little if it does not cohere (hold together) and demonstrate to the reader how each new point advances the main idea. You can accomplish both goals by providing your reader with thesis reminders.

Here are two examples of using the thesis and the blueprint to maintain coherence.

Example 1

Thesis Statement:

Restoring old houses is rewarding because it is exciting, relaxing, and satisfying.

Topic Sentence #1 with reminder

Part of the reward in restoring old houses lies in the excitement of discovering the original interior.

Topic Sentence #2 with reminder:

Not only is there excitement in restoring old houses, but working with one's hands is relaxing.

Topic Sentence #3 with reminder:

However excited and relaxed you may be when you have finished restoring your house, nothing beats the satisfaction found in viewing the completed project.

 Example 2: 

Thesis Statement:

Becoming a ski patroller turned out to be harder than I thought because of the studying, the skiing, and the time demands.

Topic Sentence #1 with reminder:

The first hurdle to becoming a ski patroller was the amount of studying required to learn the medical terms, symptoms and signs, and treatments.

Topic Sentence #2 with reminder:

It isn't enough to pass the first aid and CPR exams; a ski patroller also has to train for and demonstrate skiing proficiency and toboggan handling on the slope.

Topic Sentence #3 with reminder:

Studying and ski training are both very time consuming, yet, even after ski patrollers pass all the exams, they still must commit themselves to skiing many hours regardless of the weather or snow conditions.

Source:

Jerz, Dennis G. "Transitions and Thesis Reminders." Dennis G. Jerz. 01 June 2003. Seton Hill University. 12 April 2009

           <http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing /academic/thesis-rem.htm>.