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isn't unusual to hear people say they can't write any more because
they've run out of ideas, as though every sentence had to present
a new thought. Most experienced writers understand, though,
that a whole essay, a whole book, can be built from a single
idea that is fully explored and developed. The
writer's job is not simply to list ideas, which could be seen
as mere personal opinions, but to probe and test a single
worthwhile thought, to take the reader inside that idea rather
than pass quickly over its surface.
To
begin doing this, look carefully at your thesis. Try asking:
" Why do I believe this statement is true?
" What have I seen or done or read or heard that caused
me to make this statement?
At
this point, look less for specific details than for "good
reasons." Maybe you've heard the expression, "Give
me three good reasons why I should believe you." If you
can do that, give at least three good reasons why a reasonable
person should believe your thesis, you're well on your way.
For example, the thesis, "Drug education deserves a more
prominent place in this university's Physical Education program,"
could be supported as follows:
Original
Subject: An important issue in my major field
Focused Topic: Drug education for college physical education
majors
Thesis: Drug education deserves a more prominent place in
this university's Physical Education program.
Reason 1: Athletes are especially likely to be victims of
drug abuse.
Reason 2: The University presently offers very little instruction
in this area.
Reason 3: As coaches and health education teachers our graduates
will be in a good position to pass the knowledge along to
their team members and students.
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