Choosing the best conjunction to start your thesis statement.

Writing a successful Research Essay depends on knowing what your essay purpose is. There are seven basic types of essays (every English professor has his or her own list; this one is mine) – the first five are Informative, Analysis, Definition, Argumentative, and Interpretive . For many university Research Essays, you will choose between the final two Persuasive Models: Cause and Effect or Compare and Contrast.

When you write your thesis statement, your wording will indicate which of these two purposes you will use.

While there are a number of ways to craft a successful thesis statement, here is a Writer’s Hack Sheet to help you.

If you Compare/Contrast, your thesis statement will reflect that you are comparing one organization, process, idea, venture, etc. with another. Alternately, you can contrast the differences between the two. (e.g. You may compare and contrast secular recovery programs with faith \-based recovery programs, then find three aspects or ways you want to research and analyze for your argument.)

If you use Cause/Effect for your persuasive purpose, you will research what an organization, process, idea, venture, etc. causes, and discuss three effects. Conversely, you may write about an effect that comes from three causes (e.g. You may research what the causes of HIV positive epidemics in a nation or sub-culture, and then discuss three effects on the culture.)

For either of these purposes (Compare/Contrast, or Cause/Effect) consider including at the end a solutions-based conclusion.

To write a clear thesis statement, choose a workable conjunction from the two lists below and use it at the start or in the middle to introduce the second half of your thesis statement – you don’t have to use a conjunction, but it may help you with clarity and form:

• Cause/Effect
  • Because
  • Since
  • Therefore
  • As a result
  • Consequently
  • For
  • Due to
• Compare/Contrast
  • However
  • But
  • Although
  • In contrast
  • In comparison
  • Whereas
  • Even though

Picking up our Compare/Contrast example above, and using the conjunction suggestions above might lead us to write this as our Thesis Statement:

“Whereas, recovery programs in the secular counseling field have found some success, in comparison, faith-based recovery programs have demonstrated measurable sustainable freedom for those who have struggled with substance abuse, sexual addiction, and PTSD symptoms.”

For the Cause/Effect example above, and using the conjunction suggestions above, we might end up with this as our Thesis Statement:

“Because of the high incidents of HIV-related fatalities among men in Eastern and Southern Africa, women have become the catalyst for change in community-centered education, economic growth, and health improvement.”

Best to you in your writing Journey!