[dcuillo]

I need help formulating a thesis statement on “Youth and Gang Violence its Causes, Societal Impact, Social Policies and Strategies for Prevention and Intervention. My research paper should focus on this theme and a related question.

[Alty]

What do you have so far? Have you done any research?

[dcuillo]

Since he is allowing us such freedom I am having difficulty narrowing it down in the topics he assigned to come up with something.

[dcuillo]

The professor gave an example of a thesis of: What should be done about gang violence on long island?

But I do not want to copy his example. I also thought a thesis should have 3 main patterns. If so, I had seen on other posts: "Why is there gang violence, how does it impact our daily lives, and how can it be prevented?"

[Wondergirl]

Is there gang violence in your area?

[dcuillo]

In my home town there is no gang violence, but in surrounding areas yes.

[Alty]

That's a good place to start. So, why is there gang violence? You'll have to research, and back up your claims. How does it impact our daily lives? More research, more back up. How can it be prevented? That's research and opinion.

You're just starting this, so I would suggest starting by researching all the questions you want to answer in your thesis. Find sources to back up what you write. It's going to be a lot of research. Don't rely on Google, go to the library, find sources for your research.

Writing a thesis isn't easy, it's a lot of hard work. We're more than happy to read what you find, and what you write, but the research part of it, that's on you. Not us.

[dcuillo]

Yes, of course. I appreciate your help thus far. My professor wants journals as resources and books. I am just not sure if I am pleased with this: "Why is there gang violence, how does it impact our daily lives, and how can it be prevented?" as a thesis statement or if something else can be formulated. Is there suppose to be 3 questions in one thesis statement?

[Alty]

Yes, of course. I appreciate your help thus far. My professor wants journals as resources and books. I am just not sure if i am pleased with this: "Why is there gang violence, how does it impact our daily lives, and how can it be prevented?" as a thesis statement or if something else can be formulated. Is there suppose to be 3 questions in one thesis statement?

It really depends on what your professor wants.

Do you have a choice what you write about, or is Gang violence your only option? The questions your professor posted, were they an example of what he was looking for, or do you have a choice?

[dcuillo]

Gang violence or youth violence is my only option, something tied into that and either causes, societal Impact, strategies for prevention or intervention...

[dcuillo]

Is there gang violence in your area?

My thesis should focus around either gang violence OR youth violence.. and then,focus on:

Causes or societal impact or strategies for prevention or intervention...

[Wondergirl]

gang violence or youth violence is my only option, something tied into that and either causes, societal Impact, strategies for prevention or intervention....

How long does this have to be -- how many pages?

[dcuillo]

One 8-10 page double-spaced research paper

[Wondergirl]

One 8-10 page double-spaced research paper

That's not very long to do all you mentioned doing. Chicago (where I live) is struggling right now with this very question. As for solutions -- we are finding that getting kids involved in sports programs, especially basketball, helps focus them and get their minds off mischief. The Chicago Bulls are helping a lot with this. Getting tutors for struggling kids is helping because poor students are the ones who fall into gang life. As for reasons kids need to be in gangs, it starts with wanting a family. Do some research on what Chicago is doing and you might be able to transport that info into your paper. My suggestion is to deal with only one thing -- reasons it occurs or how society encourages it or solutions to eradicate it.

[dcuillo]

That's not very long to do all you mentioned doing. Chicago (where I live) is struggling right now with this very question. As for solutions -- we are finding that getting kids involved in sports programs, especially basketball, helps focus them and get their minds off mischief. The Chicago Bulls are helping a lot with this. Getting tutors for struggling kids is helping because poor students are the ones who fall into gang life. As for reasons why kids need to be in gangs, it starts with wanting a family. Do some research on what Chicago is doing and you might be able to transport that info into your paper. My suggestion is to deal with only one thing -- reasons why it occurs or how society encourages it or solutions to eradicate it.

That is of great help to me. I really appreciate your assistance, thank you! I feel like I have something to start with now.

[Wondergirl]

Making sure children start school at the preschool level is being pushed in Chicago. Sports plus dance and art and music are being added to the school day or made into additional programs. Too many kids don't have dads in their lives and their moms work two or three jobs to put food on the table and a roof over their heads -- so guess what happens then?

Holler if you need a librarian! (I am one.)

[dcuillo]

Making sure children start school at the preschool level is being pushed in Chicago. Sports plus dance and art and music are being added to the school day or made into additional programs. Too many kids don't have dads in their lives and their moms work two or three jobs to put food on the table and a roof over their heads -- so guess what happens then?

Holler if you need a librarian! (I am one.)

That's great, thank you!