Thesis Thesis StatementStatementWhat you need to What you need to

know!know!

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What Is a Thesis Statement?What Is a Thesis Statement?

It tells the reader what your paper is It tells the reader what your paper is about.about.

It establishes the point of view the It establishes the point of view the writer is taking, and the focus of the writer is taking, and the focus of the paper.paper.

It sets the mood for the paper, and it It sets the mood for the paper, and it prepares the reader for facts and prepares the reader for facts and details which you will provide as details which you will provide as evidence for your thesis. evidence for your thesis.

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Where Are Thesis Where Are Thesis Statements Located?Statements Located?

Thesis statements are generally Thesis statements are generally found in the introduction, or opening found in the introduction, or opening paragraph, of your paper. paragraph, of your paper.

In addition, thesis statements are In addition, thesis statements are often restated in the conclusion, or often restated in the conclusion, or last paragraph. last paragraph.

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A Few General GuidelinesA Few General Guidelines

The thesis statement must be The thesis statement must be supported by using sufficient material supported by using sufficient material in your paper.in your paper.

Keep the reader or teacher's Keep the reader or teacher's expectations in mind.expectations in mind.

A good thesis statement is clear, A good thesis statement is clear, restricted, and precise.restricted, and precise.

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A GOOD THESIS A GOOD THESIS STATEMENT… STATEMENT…

SHOULD fulfill the SHOULD fulfill the assignment.assignment.

SHOULD assert one SHOULD assert one main idea. main idea.

SHOULD be clearly SHOULD be clearly stated in specific stated in specific terms. terms.

SHOULD say what it SHOULD say what it means. means.

SHOULD state an SHOULD state an attitude or opinion. attitude or opinion.

SHOULDN’T be SHOULDN’T be unreasonable. unreasonable.

SHOULDN’T insult the SHOULDN’T insult the reader. reader.

SHOULDN’T use SHOULDN’T use general statements. general statements.

SHOULDN’T consist of SHOULDN’T consist of facts or data. facts or data.

SHOULDN’T start with, SHOULDN’T start with, "My purpose is…""My purpose is…""I intend to show "I intend to show that…"that…""In my opinion…""In my opinion…""I feel…""I feel…"

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ExampleExample

IdeaIdea: Peer pressure and someone’s : Peer pressure and someone’s first smoking experience first smoking experience

Thesis StatementThesis Statement: Although many : Although many friends think cigarettes are stylish, friends think cigarettes are stylish, one will discover that smoking is one will discover that smoking is actually a disgusting habit with many actually a disgusting habit with many health risks.health risks.

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ExampleExample

IdeaIdea: Finding a Solution to Campus : Finding a Solution to Campus Parking Problems at HFCCParking Problems at HFCC

Thesis StatementThesis Statement: To solve the lack of : To solve the lack of parking space at HFCC, administrators parking space at HFCC, administrators should use state funds to build parking should use state funds to build parking lots.lots.

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Improve These Thesis Improve These Thesis StatementsStatements

ObviousObvious: Litter creates pollution of the : Litter creates pollution of the environment.environment.

Thesis StatementThesis Statement: Recycling : Recycling programs, though expensive at first, programs, though expensive at first, are ultimately an efficient, cost are ultimately an efficient, cost effective, and environmentally sound effective, and environmentally sound means of reducing waste in our means of reducing waste in our environment.environment.

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OpinionOpinion: I like chocolate. : I like chocolate.

Thesis StatementThesis Statement: Even though : Even though chocolate satisfies my taste buds, it chocolate satisfies my taste buds, it causes weight gain, clogs arteries, causes weight gain, clogs arteries, and contains caffeine. and contains caffeine.

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Many topicsMany topics: Medical marijuana and : Medical marijuana and television violence should not be television violence should not be legalized because they negatively legalized because they negatively influence young children.influence young children.

One TopicOne Topic: Medical marijuana use : Medical marijuana use should not be legalized because it should not be legalized because it can create problems for families and can create problems for families and communities.communities.

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UnfocusedUnfocused: Martin Luther King, Jr. is a : Martin Luther King, Jr. is a role model for everyone to follow.role model for everyone to follow.

FocusedFocused: Because of his : Because of his determination, his courage to follow determination, his courage to follow his beliefs, and his continuous sense his beliefs, and his continuous sense of justice, Martin Luther King, Jr. is a of justice, Martin Luther King, Jr. is a symbol of American freedom.symbol of American freedom.

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How Do I Write a Thesis How Do I Write a Thesis Statement?Statement?

A.A. Decide on your topic.Decide on your topic.

Choices & ConsequencesChoices & Consequences

B. B. Put your topic in a sentence.Put your topic in a sentence.

Choices & consequences affect our Choices & consequences affect our lives.lives.

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C. C. Add your argument, viewpoint, Add your argument, viewpoint, or opinion to your topic to make or opinion to your topic to make your thesis persuasive.your thesis persuasive.

Choices that you make in your Choices that you make in your life might have a positive or a life might have a positive or a negative impact on your future.negative impact on your future.