That vs. Thesis

Attribute	That	Thesis
Definition	Refers to something specific or previously mentioned	A statement or theory put forward to be maintained or proved
Usage	Used to indicate a specific thing or idea	Used in academic writing to present an argument or claim
Scope	Can refer to a wide range of things or ideas	Usually focuses on a specific topic or argument
Structure	Can stand alone as a complete sentence	Usually part of a larger argument or paper

Introduction

When it comes to academic writing, two terms that often cause confusion are "that" and "thesis." While they may sound similar, they serve different purposes in writing. In this article, we will explore the attributes of "that" and "thesis" to understand their differences and how they are used in writing.

Definition of That

The word "that" is a pronoun commonly used to introduce a clause or indicate a specific thing or person. It can be used as a demonstrative pronoun, relative pronoun, or conjunction. In writing, "that" is often used to introduce a subordinate clause that provides additional information about the main clause. For example, "I know that you are busy" or "She said that she would be late."

Definition of Thesis

A thesis, on the other hand, is a statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved. In academic writing, a thesis is the central argument or main point of a paper. It is typically found in the introduction and states the writer's position on the topic. A thesis guides the reader through the paper and provides a roadmap for the argument that will be presented.

Attributes of That

• Introduces subordinate clauses
• Indicates a specific thing or person
• Can be used as a pronoun, relative pronoun, or conjunction
• Provides additional information about the main clause
• Helps clarify the relationship between ideas

Attributes of Thesis

• Central argument or main point of a paper
• Found in the introduction
• States the writer's position on the topic
• Guides the reader through the paper
• Provides a roadmap for the argument

Usage in Writing

While "that" and "thesis" serve different functions in writing, they are both essential for clear and effective communication. "That" helps to connect ideas and provide additional information, while a thesis sets the direction for the entire paper. In academic writing, it is important to use both "that" and a strong thesis to ensure that your ideas are well-supported and logically organized.

Examples

Here are examples of how "that" and thesis are used in writing:

That: "I believe that education is the key to success."

Thesis: "The impact of social media on teenagers' mental health is a growing concern."

Conclusion

In conclusion, while "that" and "thesis" may seem similar at first glance, they serve distinct purposes in writing. "That" is used to introduce subordinate clauses and provide additional information, while a thesis is the central argument of a paper that guides the reader through the argument. By understanding the attributes of "that" and thesis, writers can effectively communicate their ideas and support their arguments in academic writing.