Need help on a Research paper, my author is CS Lewis, I am having a major writers block on what to write about, teacher has left it fairly open, need to have an outline and cited works today but he is pretty slack I could have it in tomorrow and be fine, either way stuck on thesis, essay has to be 1500 words, writing about the author, could be specific could be broad
pretty broad question. have you read any of Lewis' works?
what are the guidelines, what sort of thesis are you supposed to write...is it a biography? or are you arguing that such and such event in his life influenced some work of his?
I have read the narnia books, I have another book called "A Life" by Michael White its a biography, the essay is as I said before 1500 word minimum, I am looking at arguing how he was influential and is influential still today in his writings, I am having issues coming up with a good thesis, also thinking possibly how his influences during his life also influenced his writing
I have a thesis started, I kind of decided on my topic, how Lewis has influenced such writers like JK Rowling, Tolkien and helped them write the novels they are so famous for here is the thesis statement so far
"Modern interpretive Literature has led the way for some of the highest grossing fantasy movies ever made like Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Chronicles of Narnia. The ideas for these novels didn’t just appear to these authors, they were influenced by the authors before and during their time. C.S. Lewis was one of these authors, paving the way for authors like J.R.R Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, and Sheldon Vanauken. Lewis’ Influence has created a legacy which will not soon be forgotten."
I don't think you're clear on what a thesis statement actually is. For one thing it's a statement (ONE sentence), not a paragraph.
Your thesis statement must include factual information (which you already have, for the most part) plus your position/opinion/stance. Without your position on the topic, it isn't a true thesis statement. So think of this sentence as the angle you want to take on the topic and what you intend to prove by the end of your paper. (If your statement is simply factual, then there's nothing to prove!)
http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/thesistatement.html
This is one of the very best places I've seen online to help students write good thesis statements. It shows you sentences that aren't thesis statements and how to turn each one into real thesis statements.
When it comes to choosing a topic for your research paper on CS Lewis, consider exploring various aspects of his life and work. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you generate a thesis statement and create an outline for your essay:
1. Research CS Lewis: Begin by gathering information about CS Lewis—the key events in his life, his literary contributions, his beliefs, and his impact on literature. Read his biography, study his works (both fiction and non-fiction), and take notes on any areas that interest you.
2. Identify areas of interest: Based on your research, jot down a list of specific aspects of CS Lewis's life or work that you find intriguing. For example, you might be interested in exploring Lewis's religious beliefs and how they influenced his writings, or you might want to focus on a specific book or series he wrote.
3. Narrow down your focus: Once you have a list of potential topics, narrow it down to one that is manageable within the scope of your 1500-word essay. Consider the available research material, the depth of analysis required, and your own level of interest.
4. Formulate your thesis statement: Your thesis statement should capture the main idea or argument of your essay. It should be concise, specific, and debatable. For example, if you decide to explore how Lewis's religious beliefs influenced his writings, a possible thesis statement could be: "CS Lewis's deep Christian faith shaped the themes and moral messages in his works, which made him a prominent figure in Christian literature."
5. Create an outline: An outline helps you organize your thoughts and ensures that your essay flows coherently. Start with a clear introduction that provides background information on CS Lewis and introduces your thesis statement. Then, create several sections for the body of the essay where you can discuss various aspects that support your thesis statement. Each section should focus on a specific point or theme related to CS Lewis. Finally, conclude your essay by summarizing your main arguments and reiterating your thesis statement.
6. Conduct further research and gather citations: Once your outline is complete, conduct additional research on the specific aspects you plan to write about. Gather quotes, facts, and examples that support your points. Be sure to keep track of the sources you use, including author names, book titles, web links, and page numbers, as you will need them for your citations.
Remember, creating an outline and gathering citations are just the first steps. Make sure to allocate sufficient time for writing, revising, and editing your research paper. Good luck!