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Thesis Statement

Thesis Statement. The summary sentence that supports your opinions and ideas Often the LAST sentence in the introduction paragraph STATEMENT + OPINION = THESIS (Do not use first person). Since the thesis statement is the main statement for the entire essay, it should:

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Thesis Statement

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  1. Thesis Statement The summary sentence that supports your opinions and ideas Often the LAST sentence in the introduction paragraph STATEMENT + OPINION = THESIS (Do not use first person)

  2. Since the thesis statement is the main statement for the entire essay, it should: Express a complete thought and be a complete sentence.

  3. A thesis statement can be: The answer to a question that has been posed The solution for a problem A statement that takes a position on a debatable topic

  4. Why should your essay contain a thesis statement? • To put your key ideas into one summary sentence • To better organize and develop the opinion/argument of your essay • To provide your reader with a guide to your argument

  5. How to Generate a Thesis Statement • The thesis should answer a single question that will supply the main idea of your essay. • Your first step is to understand the specific question. • The answer to the question is the thesis statement for the essay.

  6. Example • Question: “What are the potential benefits of using iPads in a seventh grade class?” • Answer/THESIS: “The potential benefits of using iPads in a seventh grade class are …” (3 reasons/ideas)

  7. How to tell a strong thesis statement from a weak one • A strong thesis takes some sort of stand (gives your opinion). • A strong thesis expresses a main idea and is specific.

  8. Strong Thesis Statement • Question: Should middle schools serve soda at lunch? • Answer: Middle Schools should not serve soda at lunch because of the high sugar content which contributes to poor nutrition, tooth decay, and disruptive behavior in class.

  9. HINTS • Many clear and engaging thesis statements contain words like “because”, “since”, “so”, “although”, “unless”, and “however”. • Thesis Statements should never contain: “I think.., I feel…, I believe…, My opinion is…, My belief is…, etc.) Express your opinion without using first person pronouns.

  10. Thesis Don’ts • Do NOT--Announce your thesis: “In this essay, I am going to tell you about… • Do NOT state a fact: Doesn’t allow you to prove anything because it’s already factual. • Do NOT be vague/wishy-washy: Words like “good,” “bad,” “right,” and “wrong,” don’t convey specific meaning. • Do NOT pose a question: “Don’t you think animal testing is inhumane?” • Does not give the point of the paper. • Leaves it open for readers to fill in the blank.

  11. Creating a Thesis Statement(Three Pronged) • Read the question. • Figure out your opinion. • Brainstorm to find 3 reasons to support your opinion. • Form the thesis statement that answers your question by restating the question. • The three reasons should also be included in the thesis.

  12. Example • Should cell phones be allowed in school? On your paper brainstorm 3 reasons why cell phones should or should not be allowed at school. Write your thesis statement

  13. Cell phones should/should not be allowed in school because/since REASON 1, REASON 2, and REASON 3.

  14. Examine the steps 1.Determine essay’s topic (what you will be writing about) Example: Pixar’s film Up 2. Determine your viewpoint Example: Persuasive Essay--It’s not really a “kid” movie. 3. Determine three reasons to support your viewpoint 4. Put it all together! Example: Pixar’s film, Up, should not be considered a “kid” movie because it contains intense character conflicts, complex emotional scenes, and a theme of loss which is too difficult for young children to understand.

  15. Homework 1. Why is a good education crucial for being successful in life? 2. Should schools keep after-school and lunch detentions or eliminate them? 3. Should middle schools serve soda to students at lunch? 4. Should teachers assign homework? 5. Should schools change to a year round calendar? (2 week breaks; 6 week summer)

  16. A checklist for deciding if your thesis is effective: • __Presents an opinion • __Answers “So What?” by saying something meaningful • __Presents an arguable statement which can be supported and is worth exploring. • __Answers all parts of the question or prompt. • __Asserts a single idea • __Is the last sentence in the introduction.

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