Includes index.

Pt. I: Thinking through the thesis statement. Defining the thesis statement and the academic essay -- Understanding the thesis statement through its three parts -- Using critical thinking to develop a thesis statement -- Supporting the thesis statement: the burdens of proof -- Drafting and revising the essay: supporting the thesis statement -- Pt. II: Thinking through your writing assignment. Developing a thesis statement from a writing assignment by using seven steps -- Using the seven steps to develop a thesis statement from an advanced writing assignment -- Pt. III: Writing beyond the composition classroom. Writing across the disciplines: beyond your composition class -- Writing about literature -- Writing a research paper -- Appendix A. Troubleshooting the thesis statement: common pitfalls -- Appendix B. Patterns of argument in your thesis statement: more on burdens of proof -- Appendix C. Grammar, style, and rules for citation.