Don’t be scared.

1. Don’t be scared. You, too, can write a thesis.

2. What is a thesis statement? • The thesis clearly states the central point of the essay. • It is often called the controlling idea because the rest of the essay will support the thesis. • It appears in the introductory paragraph of the essay.

3. FORMULA FOR A THESIS SUBJECT + OPINION = THESIS

4. Writing a good thesis: • Should answer the question proposed in the prompt. • Should not be vague – should be specific • Stronger: Social media has an educational value because it makes learning more efficient. • Weaker: Social media is fun and should be used for education. • Should be a statement, not a question • Stronger: Students should not be required to wear uniforms at school because it limits their freedoms. • Weaker: Aren’t students freedoms taken away when they wear uniforms at school? • Should only take one side • Stronger: The cafeteria should have more lunch options because students need more healthy choices. • Weaker: There needs to be more lunch options in the cafeteria, but there are some good choices too.

5. What’s wrong with this thesis? • Weak:"Electric cars are better vehicles because they have benefits." • [This is a weak formulation of a thesis statement because it does not compare electric cars to another type of vehicle in terms of benefits.] • Strong:"Electric cars provide a viable alternative to gasoline-fueled cars because the benefits outweigh the costs."

6. Thesis Statement Example 2 • Weak:"Smoking should be prohibited." • [This thesis statement is too general apart from being too short. It does not really argue for or against any specific point.] • Strong:"There should be an absolute ban against smoking because it poses too great a health risk to citizens."

7. Thesis Statement Example 3 • Weak: German Shepherds are intelligent dogs. • [This only states a fact about German Shepards. It does not have an opinion that will be supported in the essay.] • Strong: German Shepherds are excellent pets compared to other large breeds because of their intelligent nature.

8. Literary Analysis Essaycitation: Petkus, Thadra. "Writing Effective Thesis Statements for Essays." Web log post. Suite101.com.N.p., Nov.-Dec. 2013. Web. 20 Nov. 2013. • Sample Prompt: How does Kurt Vonnegut use literary elements to criticize the government in the short story, “Harrison Bergeron”? • Example: Vonnegut criticized the government in many ways. • TOO BROAD • Vonnegut shows that Harrison deserves to be treated fairly, not like he is a freak. • TOO NARROW • Strong Thesis: In “Harrison Bergeron,” Vonnegut criticizes the government through the use of indirect characterization, irony, and external conflict.

9. What’s wrong with these Thesis statements? • Look at the examples – write down why they are weak thesis statements

10. EXAMPLES • Take a look at the examples of literary analysis introduction essays provided. • Underline the thesis statement • What is the essay about? • Does it meet all of the criteria of a thesis?

11. NOW LET’S TRY IT • Brainstorm ideas for your thesis • Write down two different versions of your thesis • Share with a partner to see if they can help you make your thesis better • Go through the Thesis Checklist& Revise • Turn in to Mrs. El-Kadi