College has always been a process that presents students with academic challenges that are not present in high school. So when my professor assigned me Gerald Graff's essay, "Hidden Intellectualism," I thought it was his thesis. “Missing the opportunity to take that street knowledge and channel it into good academic work.” » (Graff 142) I thought it was his thesis because it explains the main idea of ​​the essay, but I assumed its purpose because of where it is placed. I'm so used to reading a high school essay where the thesis is in the first paragraph, so that's naturally where I look for it. However, as I read more, I knew that what follows is the thesis, not just because it. discusses the main topic, but because it clearly shows what the author was making his point about. “But [students] would be more likely to adopt intellectual identities if we encouraged them to do so first on topics that interest them rather than on the main topic. those that interest us." (Graff 199) Your thesis is one of the major aspects of a good academic paper because it shows exactly what the main topic of the paper as a whole will be. Three main points to remember from a thesis is your main statement or big idea that directly answers a question about the paper's attribution Is it written with the reader in mind with a road map that they could easily follow and finally, when you return to. revision and reflection, it will make your thesis clearer In my 1109 class, our task for eight weeks was to observe a tutor and writer working together during fifty-minute sessions This took place at the Writer's Studio here on the. OSU Newark campus The tutor I observed was Wyatt Bowman and the student was Adam Bielby Ad...... middle of paper...... also where it clearly shows what the author was on. making your point. Learning what a thesis is, as if it should make your main statement also a road map for the reader and, finally, should always be revised, makes my life much easier when reading. I know and have a complete understanding of a thesis. I never imagined growing up and excelling in an English class with both the knowledge and understanding that I have. Not only do I feel like I won my first battle, but I am much more confident and ready to face another war in my next English 1110.03 class. Works CitedBielby, Adam Personal Interview Questions #7, 8, April 2014Bowman, Wyatt Personal Interview Questions #7, #10, 8, April 2014Graff Gerald. “Hidden intellectualism” Ed. Gérald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein. They say what I say. Tardiff Elyssa, Brizee Allen, “Thesis Statement,” Purdue Owl, 2014-02-10 10:44:43