The Thesis Statement A roadmap to your essay.

What is a thesis statement?

• ONE STRONG SENTENCE that states the position you

will take in your essay o A complete sentence

o Not a question

• Very specific – Doesn’t just state the topic, itself

• Acts as road map to your essay

A Road Map? • Your thesis statement should

include a main point along with sub-points.

• The sub-points tell the reader how your essay will be organized.

• In a 5 paragraph essay you should have 3 sub-points.

Take a look at the introduction paragraph on the following slide. Can you identify the thesis statement?

Identify the Thesis Statement:

Over the majestic palm trees the Arizona sun sets. In the distance mountains jut out against a pale blue sky. In the foreground sits

Grand Canyon University, Arizona's premiere Christian College.

Since 1949 Grand Canyon has been preparing students to be

leaders in the state and throughout the nation by providing quality education from a Christian perspective. Grand Canyon

University is the best University because it cares about students,

has great classes, and has a Christian World View.

The VERY LAST sentence is the thesis statement.

Over the majestic palm trees the Arizona sun sets. In the distance mountains jut out against a pale blue sky. In the foreground sits

Grand Canyon University, Arizona's premiere Christian College.

Since 1949 Grand Canyon has been preparing students to be

leaders in the state and throughout the nation by providing quality education from a Christian perspective. Grand Canyon

University is the best University because it cares about students,

has great classes, and has a Christian World View.

This is the main point of the thesis statement. This describes what the essay will prove.

These are the sub-points. These describe how the writer will prove the main point.

The Thesis Statement Helps Create the Outline

OUTLINE

Paragraph 1: Introduction

Paragraph 2: GCU cares about students

Paragraph 3: GCU has great classes

Paragraph 4: GCU has a Christian world view.

Paragraph 5: Conclusion

THESIS STATEMENT

Grand Canyon University

is the best University

because it cares about

students, has great

classes, and has a

Christian World View.

Quiz Time!

Take a look at the thesis statements on the following

slides. Decide if the thesis statement is a GOOD

example or a BAD example…

Is this a Good Thesis Statement?

The sport of cross-country running.

Is this a Good Thesis Statement?

The sport of cross-country running. NO. This is not a thesis statement because it is not a complete sentence.

This is a thesis statement: The sport of cross-country running can allow one

to get in better shape, meet some interesting people, and develop self-discipline.

Is this a Good Thesis Statement?

Why do people want to be teachers?

Is this a Good Thesis Statement?

Why do people want to be teachers? NO. This is not a thesis statement because it is a question, not a statement.

This is a thesis statement:

Being a teacher is a great profession, because it

allows for creativity, helping others, and opportunities

to continue learning.

Is this a Good Thesis Statement?

The problem of pollution in major cities can be

alleviated by limiting the number of cars on the street,

creating more efficient public transportation systems,

and planting more trees.

Is this a Good Thesis Statement?

The problem of pollution in major cities can be

alleviated by limiting the number of cars on the street,

creating more efficient public transportation systems,

and planting more trees.

YES! It states the main point of the paper and three sub-topics.

Is this a Good Thesis Statement?

Cancun is a popular vacation spot in Mexico.

Is this a Good Thesis Statement?

Cancun is a popular vacation spot in Mexico. NO! This is only expressing a fact. It does not give the writer very much to explain or prove in the essay.

This is a better thesis statement:

Cancun is one of the most popular vacation spots in

Mexico because of its comfortable climate, proximity to

well-known archeological sites, and affordability.

Is this a Good Thesis Statement?

In this essay, I am going to discuss the effects

of long-term drug abuse.

Is this a Good Thesis Statement?

In this essay, I am going to discuss the effects

of long-term drug abuse. NO! Don’t state the obvious (“In this essay, I am going to discuss”) and don’t use the first person (I, me, myself…)

This is a better thesis statement:

Long term drug use can have disastrous effects on

one’s marriage, career, and health.

To Sum it Up A thesis statement…

• Is a complete sentence

• Is not a question

• Does more than just state a fact – gives the writer

something to EXPLAIN or PROVE

• Doesn’t state the obvious

• IS THE ROADMAP OF THE ESSAY – contains a main

idea and sub-topics.