Thesis Statements

A thesis statement is…• the main idea of the entire essay.

– It is placed at the end of the introduction paragraph.

• a complete sentence.• is a claim that can be argued.

–(The essay will provide evidence that supports this claim.)

A thesis statement…

• is specific.

Thesis statements should avoid…

• the first person (I believe, In my opinion, etc.)– I believe the causes of the Civil War were social,

economical, and political.

Thesis statements should avoid…

• attempting two topics at once (even if they seem related). Pick one and stick with it.

-Wild animals should be kept in zoos for educational and economical purposes. However, keeping wild animals in zoos can be viewed as cruel.

Thesis statements should avoid…

• just stating a fact - A thesis is something you plan to make an argument about.

-Florida is a great vacation spot because the average summer temperature is 92˚.

A thesis statement should not be too general.

• Too general• Mountain City Elementary is a good school.

• Better• Daily writing practice has led to improved

writing skills for the students at Mountain City Elementary.

Which sentence is too general to be a good thesis statement?

A. Music makes people happy.

B. Music therapy is useful in relieving stress and other conditions.

• Music makes people happy.

Too generalToo general

A thesis statement should not be a fact.

• A fact• The average temperature for Mountain City in

winter is 34 and in summer is 75 degrees.

• Better• The climate in Mountain City is ideal for

outdoor sports.

Which sentence would not be a good thesis statement because it is a fact?

• A. The recycling of one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours.

• B. Recycling is one of the most important jobs a person can do to protect our environment.

A FACT

• The recycling of one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours.

1st person

• A. Students should wear uniforms for convenience and safety.

• B. I believe students should wear uniforms for convenience and safety.

1st person

• No good=

B. I believe students should wear uniforms for convenience and safety.