What Is A Thesis Statement?

Definition

• A thesis statement is the main idea of an essay.

• It is often the point you want to argue or support in an essay.

SO

• The thesis statement explains to a reader the main idea of the essay, and the writer’s opinion.

• A thesis statement is usually one sentence.

• It is usually placed after the introductory sentences as a part of the first paragraph.

• The essay will contain evidence in the form of reasons, examples, details and/or facts or figures to support your thesis.

The thesis statement should avoid the following:• The first person (I believe, In my opinion, I

am going to tell you, etc.)

• Unclear language (It seems, etc.)

• Attempting two topics at once (even if they are related only choose one topic)

• Just stating a fact ( a thesis is something you plan to prove)

A Thesis Statement Should..

• Contain a topic( main idea of what you are writing about)

• Contain an opinion about the topic( your attitude toward the topic)

Examples Thesis StatementEffective / IneffectiveYes

1. The life of Christopher Columbus had a lasting impact on the world.

2. The deserts of the world have many things in common , but their differences are what makes them special.

3. The fat content of today’s lunches is excessive for children.

No1. Christopher Columbus was

an explorer

2. My repot is on the state of California.

3. School lunches suck!

A Thesis Statement Should Not Be….

Too broad

Example: The world is a magnificent place to live.

Better

Example: Good teachers make Mountain View High School a fantastic school.

Which Sentence is too broad to be a good thesis?

A. One reason to live in Mountain view is access to many wonderful places to fish.

B. Mountain View City is a great place to live.

A Thesis Statement Should Not Be Too Wordy!Wordy:

Some problems with Mountain City Elementary School is that it needs a larger playground, an air conditioned gym, an auditorium, restrooms connected to each classroom, running water in the classrooms and a number of other physical changes to the building.

Better

Mountain City Elementary needs several changes to its facilities to make it a better school. (use a word that divides)

Which Sentence is Better?

A. Abe Lincoln was one of the Best presidents the United States has ever known.

B. Abe Lincoln was an excellent speaker the 16th President of the United States , a liberator of slaves, and united the North and South at the end of the American Civil War.

A thesis statement should not be too general.Example: Mountain City 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?

A. Music makes people happy.

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

A Thesis Statement Should Not Be A Title!A Title

A Cost of Living

Better

The cost of living in Mountain City is lower than in most other cities in the United States.

Which sentence would not be a good thesis statement because it is a title?A. Good teaching has ld to an increase in

EQT scores at Mountain View High School.

B. Rising EQT scores at Mountain View High School

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 good because it is a fact.A. The recycling of one aluminum can

saves enough money to run a TV for three hours.

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

Identify the sentences that would make good thesis statements.

A. Many people do not like to watch violent movies.

B. Today’s movies do not have the emotional impact of the classic horror movies of the 1940’s.

A. Rap music is the best music ever.

B. Although many people find rap music offensive, it has had a positive impact on today’s youth.

A. I enjoy white water rafting.

B. The first white water rafting trip can challenge a person both in body and spirit.

A. Sixth grade students are busy.

B. The life of a typical sixth grade student is challenging due to the need to succeed in extracurricular activities.

A. Community service projects include building shelter for the homeless, servicing meals to the hungry, providing transportation for the sick, distributing clothes, and large number of other helpful activities.

B. Students should help others who are less fortunate.