Chapter 11 | Developing Your Thesis Statement

In Chapter 11, Bedford reviews various ways to develop your thesis statement.  As Bedford states, this is “crafting your own contribution to the conversation” (203).  I like thinking of this as a conversation, that image has been more helpful to me than just writing a paper.  Joining the conversation implies that you have something to add to the conversation verses just repeating something someone else has said. 

There are three main steps to developing your thesis statement, according to Bedford they are:  defining your research question, developing your position statement and lastly your thesis statement.  When finalizing your thesis statement it is helpful to determine what type of statement is most effective for your audience and type of document.  The three main types of thesis statements are:  Asking your readers to learn something new, asking reader to change their attitudes or belief, and or asking readers to take action.  Choosing which one of these statements you are making will focus your thesis statement.

I am having a hard time knowing if my thesis statement is too large, or too focused.  Repetitive exposure to constructive play will neurologically develop a brain ripe for creative thought, deep personal connections and overall increased happiness.   Is this too focused?  Simply reviewing the benefits of play seems too large – yet there’s a lot of evidence to support that.