Meanwhile, the Anti-Defamation League issued a statement deploring the state GOP for its failure to censure Duke.

Thesis

A thesis is a statement in a non-fiction or a fiction work that a writer intends to support and prove. One can find examples of thesis statement at the beginning of literary pieces. These thesis statements are of utmost importance, as they provide clear indicators as to which direction the writer will follow in their work.

A thesis statement is carefully crafted by a writer, and is marked by vigilant selection of words that will never miss its target. Generally, such a statement shows up in the first paragraph, or what is called an introduction. Despite writers’ efforts to prove their thesis statements, not all of these statements can be verified for their exactness. Nevertheless, they do develop an argument.

Importance of a Thesis Statement

In writing an essay, a thesis statement determines the worth of the essay by its capacity to stay focused on its thesis statement. For instance, if a writer fails to clearly mention or define a solid thesis statement in his or her essay, it will be difficult for readers to track the issue the writer plans to discuss and explain. Suppose a writer wants to write an essay on how to make a perfect fruit salad, the quality of his or her writing will exceedingly improve if he or she lets the readers know the subject matter at the start of the essay, for example:

“In this essay, I will tell you how to make the perfect fruit salad. Not only will it be tasty, but also healthy for your body.”

Narrative Thesis

In a narrative essay, or narrative section of a piece of literature, a thesis statement is called a “narrative thesis.” A narrative thesis can be an apparent one or a hidden or implied one. In both cases, such a statement is a powerful, propelling force behind an entire work, that guides it toward its ultimate purpose and the lesson it intends to instruct.

Narrative Thesis Examples

Below is a list of a few narrative thesis examples – opening lines that determine the entire course of the narratives.

Example #1: Pride and Prejudice (By Jane Austen)

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”

Example #2: One Hundred Years of Solitude (By Gabriel García Márquez)

“Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendía was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice.”

Example #3: Lolita (By Vladimir Nabokov)

Example #4: Anna Karenina (By Leo Tolstoy)

“Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”

Example #5: 1984 (By George Orwell)

Example #6: A Tale of Two Cities (By Charles Dickens)

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”

Example #7: The Catcher in the Rye (By J. D. Salinger)

“If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you’ll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don’t feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth.”

Example #8: A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (By James Joyce)

“Once upon a time and a very good time it was there was a moocow coming down along the road and this moocow that was coming down along the road met a nicens little boy named baby tuckoo.”

Function of Thesis

The above arguments clearly reveal the function of a thesis statements or a narrative thesis as a driving force behind a literary composition. It guides the narrative toward its ultimate purpose, which is the moral lesson it aims to inculcate.

Related posts:

Narrative Thesis

In a narrative essay, or narrative section of a piece of literature, a thesis statement is called a “narrative thesis.” A narrative thesis can be an apparent one or a hidden or implied one. In both cases, such a statement is a powerful, propelling force behind an entire work, that guides it toward its ultimate purpose and the lesson it intends to instruct.

Below is a list of a few narrative thesis examples – opening lines that determine the entire course of the narratives.

Example #1: Pride and Prejudice (By Jane Austen)

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”

Example #2: One Hundred Years of Solitude (By Gabriel García Márquez)

“Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendía was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice.”

Example #3: Lolita (By Vladimir Nabokov)

Example #4: Anna Karenina (By Leo Tolstoy)

“Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”

Example #5: 1984 (By George Orwell)

Example #6: A Tale of Two Cities (By Charles Dickens)

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”

Example #7: The Catcher in the Rye (By J. D. Salinger)

“If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you’ll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don’t feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth.”

Example #8: A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (By James Joyce)

“Once upon a time and a very good time it was there was a moocow coming down along the road and this moocow that was coming down along the road met a nicens little boy named baby tuckoo.”

Example #1: Pride and Prejudice (By Jane Austen)

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair. The thesis statement is widely taught in the humanities, especially in English classes in high school and college, to teach students how to make persuasive arguments that cite and analyze evidence and examples researched from literary, historical, or other texts.

“Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendía was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice.”

Resources:

Thesis

https://www.thoughtco.com/thesis-composition-1692546
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement
]

Is copying the exact statement of a definition or a theorem considered plagiarism?

Let’s say in a paper when I am talking about a theorem someone else proved, I state the result in the exact same way, word for word, as in their paper. Is this considered plagiarism? I would still give credit and citation to the result, just that I don’t paraphrase the statement.

It is plagiarism only if you state it without reference, implicitly claiming that it is your own discovery. If you say: "The well-known Mean Value Theorem" and then state it, you are OK, even if your statement is word-for-word identical to the version in some book. When stating something not as well known as that, provide a reference (to help the reader, more than to avoid accusations of plagiarism).

@Louic I think copying an equation is fine, but not paraphrasing seems like I am stealing people’s hard work.

@kosmos in sensible systems, that flag would go a human marker (academic or TA) would would spot the citation and context and not worry. Not all systems are sensible; I’ve heard recently of students being auto-failed for plagiarism scores on turnitin, and I’ve also seen scores reach over 20% just from the bibliography and a few short common phrases.

3 Answers 3

In mathematics, often there are highly optimized/perfected statements of theorems. It would be silly to alter them (introducing damage?!) just for the sake of avoiding exact quoting. Cite, that’s all.

That is, unless you have something to add to their idea, there’s scant point to changing the wording. apart from the risk of mis-stating them. just to meet a sort of fake goal. Cite and acknowledge. Be honest. With citation, what could possibly be the objection to quoting a perfected assertion of a good theorem?

‘unless you have something to add to their idea, there’s scant point to changing the wording’ Unless, for example, you’re an undergraduate and one of the learning outcomes you’re supposed to demonstrate that you’ve achieved is something equivalent to "students will be able to review and rewrite key theorems". Learning outcomes or items in marking rubrics that involve the word "understand" often are equivalent to that.

I believe there is one subtle issue. Copying a theorem is not plagiarism, provided that the source is cited. In fact, even copying ten theorems from a single source is not plagiarism, provided that the source is cited. However, from the perspective of the copyright holder (often a corporate entity) the latter may appear as a breach of copyright. Whether something like fair dealing/fair use exists and is applicable (and to what extent) depends on the jurisdictions involved. Thus, if one has an intention to "copy" a significant part of a scientific work, it may be safer to paraphrase.

@user9716869, I strongly agree. Copyright must also be considered. It is a separate issue from plagiarism. But also note that there is a rule (usually included in copyright laws) that you can’t copyright something that can be said in only one way. Some math falls under this rule.

@user9716869 math.meta.stackexchange.com/a/1854/152317 Basically it depends on how much "idea" vs "expression" the theorem is. If it is the mathematical equivalent of simple language then it may not be copyrightable at all. even if the idea is quite complex, because ideas aren’t copyrightable.

I’d say "the well-known Mean Value Theorem" doesn’t need a citation because (a) it is well known, and (b) calling it well-known tells us that you didn’t invent it, even if I personally didn’t know it.

Plagiarism is the representation of another author’s language, thoughts, ideas, or expressions as one’s own original work.

If you state a result or definition that someone else came up with, (in your own words or theirs), and say that you came up with it, then that’s plagiarism.

If you state a result or definition that someone else came up with, (in your own words or theirs), and properly attribute it to the original author, then that’s not plagiarism.

Things are a bit different when talking about "classical" results, if I would have need to state, say, the fundamental theorem of calculus, I would either:

The point here is that in this case there is no risk of me giving the impression that I’m trying to pass off the result itself as my own. Further, in the case of 1, I am actually using my own words, so there is no risk of plagiarism. In the case of 2, I am using someone else’s words, and thus give proper attribution.

It should be noted that plagiarism is distinct from, but related to, copyright infringement. If you directly copy a passage of text (or piece of music, etc.), no amount of correct attribution can absolve you of copyright infringement. However, this does not mean that you can never copy text directly. Doing so might be considered fair use, or you could have permission from the copyright holder, or the work might be exempt from copyright in the first place.

In general, you should make sure that you commit neither plagiarism, nor copyright infringement. (In the above example, I would feel confident that copying a single theorem from a textbook, and using it in a longer work would not be copyright infringement, but I am not a lawyer, and this is not legal advice.)

2) Use Quotes

If you say The well-known Mean Value Theorem and then state it, you are OK, even if your statement is word-for-word identical to the version in some book. This is still considered plagiarism in the world of academia because the student is still guilty of copying the structure of the authors arguments which is a key element of their delivery of ideas.

When you use several quotes, then you will be increasing the similarity index causing your papers to have high plagiarism.

Resources:

https://www.scanmyessay.com/plagiarism/what-is-plagiarism.php
https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/167906/is-copying-the-exact-statement-of-a-definition-or-a-theorem-considered-plagiaris

Is Copying a Definition Plagiarism: How to Give Definitions Well

]

Keep track of homework with a built-in task list, manage your schedule and always know when assignments are due.

Juggle Homework and College Apps Without Going Insane

How many plates does a high school junior or senior have spinning in the air? Between homework, extracurriculars, and social life, it can be stressful to keep up. Add one more spinning plate in the form of college applications, and it all might come crashing down.

We can help! With some planning, it is possible to add one more element to that already long to-do list without losing your mind. Take a deep breath and follow these tips.

How to Keep Your Grades Up While Rocking Your Applications

1. Make a List

Have you created a college checklist of all the things you need to do for your applications? From asking teachers for college recommendations and prepping to retake the SAT to applying for financial aid, assign yourself deadlines and put them on the list. Thinking early admission? Better get going!

2. Keep a calendar

Plot your application-related deadlines in a calendar along with your homework and long-term studying needs. Include everything coming up in the next month, from your weekly French vocab quiz to your 5-page history essay.

3. Factor in extracurriculars

Don’t forget to schedule time on the calendar for your away games or work shifts. The goal is map out everything you have to accomplish over the next month—including clubs and social plans.

4. Where are your pressure points?

Do an important college application deadline and major chem exam fall on the same day? Avoid a head-on collision by finishing up your application early. You can’t study too far in advance, but you can get your college app done anytime.

5. Start early

This will save you from scrambling at the last minute. For example, request letters of recommendation as early as possible. You’ll avoid chasing them on deadline when teachers get overloaded right before the holidays. And as for college essays, everyone’s writing is better when it’s been put away and reviewed (more than once) at a later date.

6. Take advantage of free time

How often do we waste 10 minutes here and 5 minutes there? Create a list of tasks you can do on the fly, like making flash cards or outlining an essay. Even if you can’t finish it, you’ll feel a surge of energy when you reopen a document and see that something is already there…instead of a blank page.

7. Cross stuff out

Crossing something off your list just feels inspiring! Break your big projects into little ones. It’s easier to plan, and every task you get done helps you feel more accomplished.

8. Pad your calendar for the unexpected

One trick is to look at the actual due date and mark it down one day before. Sometimes things go awry and you need that last day. But if you don’t, just sit back and smile while everyone else stresses.

9. Just say no

Accept the limits on your time and realize there might be a weekend when you have to say no to the extra babysitting job, to hanging out at your BFF’s house, or to running mom’s errands (You can even tell her we said that!).

10. Ask for help

Call on The Princeton Review for a brain boost when you’re running low. Our online tutors can help you understand that challenging concept in calculus or give an extra polish to your college essay.

Remember, there is light at the end of this tunnel and it comes with the click of the “send” button. College application season ends with you accepting an offer of admission!

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The Staff of The Princeton Review

For more than 40 years, students and families have trusted The Princeton Review to help them get into their dream schools. We help students succeed in high school and beyond by giving them resources for better grades, better test scores, and stronger college applications. Follow us on Twitter: @ThePrincetonRev.

Class Manager

Whether or not that s cheating and how to stop it is one of the concerns surrounding a new app that can solve math equations with the snap of a camera. Packaging together favorites like Gmail, Hangouts, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Drive with Classroom, a digital hub for organizing assignments and sending feedback, the goal of this collection is to make learning a more collaborative process.

Taking the search giant’s suite of free browser-based apps and sandboxing them so they are safe for school use, Google Apps for Education is an excellent alternative to the mainstream installable productivity software, but this one has a perk that almost school board will love—it’s free. Packaging together favorites like Gmail, Hangouts, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Drive with Classroom, a digital hub for organizing assignments and sending feedback, the goal of this collection is to make learning a more collaborative process.

Resources:

https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/juggle-homework-and-college-apps
https://time.com/3545695/homework-answers-apps/
https://www.metroparent.com/education/tutors-classes/best-homework-apps-students/
]