What is a Thesis Statement?

Mrs. GillespieAdvanced Reading February 23, 2012

Thesis Statement

Usually appears in the first paragraph.Expresses the writer’s position/opinion on

a particular subject and must be supported by evidence.

Clarifies the writer’s purpose and provide a focus for your writing.

How to write a thesis statement?

Begin with an idea you believe may be correct.Examine available data.Annotate for deeper meaning/Interpret the

data.Find quotes that support your ideas.Form your thesis statement based on what you

discovered.You often have to change your thesis because

the data may not necessarily support your position.

Writing a Thesis Statement

What is the subject?What is your opinion about the subject?

What do you believe to be true about the subject?

What is a concrete element that will be used to support the opinion?

Explain why each statement would or would not make a good thesis for a paper.

Who is Ray Bradbury? He is perhaps the most influential writer of science fiction and fantasy in generations.

Ray Bradbury’s accomplishments as an author were amazing considering his background.

◦Subject, Opinion, Concrete element.

Samples of Thesis Statements

Weak◦ In Fahrenheit 451 Ray Bradbury, the author uses a

variety of figurative language to express his attitude toward technology.

Average◦ In Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, the author uses

figurative language, such as similes and metaphors to express his attitude toward technology.

Strong◦ In Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, the author uses

figurative language, such as similes and metaphors to express his objection toward technical advances.

Thesis Statement Template

In ________(title of work), _______(Subject) uses ______________( concrete element that will be used to support the opinion) to ____(verb e.g.- express, reveal, convey, explore, suggest, portray etc.)__________(writer’s opinion about the subject that must be proven )

Works Cited

Author Study Ray Bradbury.(2001). The Language of Literature Texas Teacher’s Edition Grade 7 (pp. 474-475). Evanston, IL: McDougal Littell.

Stephenson, J. (2011, October) Thesis Statement Progressions. Laying the Foundation One-Day Conference, J. Frank Dobie High School Houston, Texas