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How to Search the Catalog: Search, Find, Write

An introduction to searching the library catalog for books & more. The Library Catalog searches the library's home collection. This includes books, e-books, journals, DVDs, and media that we own or have electronic access to.

Search Across a Wide Ranage of Sources

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Discovery

You can search the Lyman Beecher Brooks Library, as well as
libraries worldwide, using our WorldCat Discovery search box.

Online Catalog

Find 

Databases

E-Journal

Course Reserves

Research Guides

Digital Collection

Subject Guides

Writing Your Thesis Statement

What is a thesis statement?

  • A thesis statement comes at the beginning of your paper. 
  • It is a statement that answers your research question.
  • The statement is supported throughout your paper with examples and evidence.

 

What makes a good thesis statement?

  • It takes a position, or advances an opinion.
  • It is specific, not too broad, but not too narrow.
  • It is an arguable statement; there is room for discussion or disagreement.
  • It provides focus and generates interest in the reader.

Three Examples:

 

Taking a Position -

Poor (doesn't take a position):

  • I'm going to write about the high rate of suicide and depression in transgender adolescents.

Improved (takes a position):

  • The standard story of binary gender in our society creates a hostile environment for gender variant adolescents, as demonstrated by high rates of depression and suicide.

 

Specificity

Poor (very general):

  • Europe is a great place to visit.

Improved (more specific):

  • World travel is an important element to a well-rounded college education.

 

Arguable

Poor (not much here to argue with):

  • Exercise is good for the elderly.

Improved (specific position that can be argued):

  • Exercise, combined with antidepressants, is more effective in reducing depression in older adults given the prevalence of treatment-resistant depression in late life.