Writing Thesis Statements

Writing Thesis Statements IEL086300

A topic sentence introduces the subject of a paragraph • Example: • John likes basketball for the following reasons. This sentence tells you that the paragraph will be about why John likes basketball.

Thesis Statement • A thesis statement is a lot like a topic sentence, except that a thesis statement covers an entire essay, while a topic sentence only covers one paragraph

Preparing to Write a Thesis Statement 1 Write your general topic • Example: Money and Happiness

Step 2 Write your position • Example: Money does not buy happiness

Step 3 Write the details or support of what is being said about the topic • Example: Many famous wealthy people are or were unhappy (you would also list some specific examples, like Brittany Spears.)

Step 4 Put them together to get the thesis sentence: Example: In my opinion, money does not buy happiness for the following reasons. (Note that each reason you have is a separate paragraph)

Find the Thesis Statement • Everyone likes to eat snacks. Some people like to munch on potato chips. Others prefer candy bars and sweets. As for me, I really like ice cream because it’s sweet, refreshing, and delicious. • What is the topic? (Ice cream) • What is said about the topic? (It is sweet, refreshing, and delicious.

Topic: A Dog Named MaxMain Idea: I will never forget him • Everyone has a favorite pet that he remembers. I once had a dog named Max that I will never forget for the following reasons. First of all, Max was very large; he was 135 pounds at his heaviest weight. Secondly, he was good with people, especially children. Finally, he could do all sorts of tricks.

Recap • First, choose your topic • Second, decide what you want to say about the topic • Finally, write a sentence that begins with the topic and ends with what you want to say about the topic. What you have to say about a topic is called a controlling Idea

Writing Thesis Statements