Writing an Amazing Thesis Statement

1. Writing an Amazing Thesis Statement Developmental Writing II

2. What is the purpose of a thesis statement? • The thesis sentence restricts and controls the ideas that are covered in a longer paper. • It is the most general statement in an essay and it directs and determines the topic sentences that will be used to support the thesis statement.

3. The thesis statement determines the organization for your paper. You can write a thesis in two ways: one that clearly states the direction for the longer paper or one that states the direction and specifies the points to be covered. Thesis Statements and Organization

4. States the direction and specifies the points to be covered Parents who read to their children advance the child’s education by teaching them cognitive thinking, story skills, and proper grammar. Clearly states direction Parents who read to their children are advancing their children’s education by two years. Examples

5. On Your Own • Write a thesis statement that clearly states the direction for the longer paper. • Write a thesis that states the direction and the points to be covered. • Topic • Music

6. Generating a Thesis Statement • Basics • It focuses on a single main point or position about the topic. • It is neither too broad nor too narrow. • It is specific. • It is something that you can show, explain, or prove. • It is a forceful statement written in confident, firm language.

7. One Main Point • Your thesis should focus on only one main point. • Example • In the next decade, many schools will have a drastic shortage of teachers. • Or • Teachers should have to take competency tests.

8. In your groups • Write five thesis statements with one main point about any topic. • Make sure they have only one main point.

9. Not too broad or too narrow • Your thesis should fit the size of the essay assignment. If it is too broad it will be impossible to support fully in a short essay. • If it is too narrow it will not give you enough to write a whole essay on. • Too Broad – Family is an essential part of life. • Too narrow – My family members all have the same middle name.

10. In Your Group • Look at your thesis statements. Take out any statements that are too broad or too narrow to develop an entire essay.

11. Be Specific • A strong thesis statement gives readers specific information so that they know exactly what the writer’s main point is. • General – Next month is a big one for me. • Specific – Next month will bring several important events.

12. In Your Group • Take one of the thesis statements and circle the statement that makes that thesis specific. If you don’t think your examples can do this then revise one of them so that you have a good example.

13. Show, Explain, or Prove • If a thesis is so obvious that it doesn’t need support, or if it states a known fact, you won’t be able to say much about it. • Obvious – Many people own pets. • Revised - In many households, pets get all the respect and privileges of a family member.

14. In Your Group • Take one of the thesis statements and underline the section that shows, explains, or proves your idea. • If you don’t think your examples can do this then revise one of them so that you have a good example.

15. Forceful and Confident • A strong thesis statement should be forceful and definite. Avoid writing a thesis statement that begins, “In this essay I will show…” Don’t say you will make a point. Just Do It! • Example • High school dropouts can expect to face surprising hardships in life.

16. In Your Group • Look over your thesis statements and select your favorite thesis statement to put on the board. It should have each of these elements. Be ready to support your choice. • It focuses on a single main point or position about the topic. • It is neither too broad nor too narrow. • It is specific. • It is something that you can show, explain, or prove. • It is a forceful statement written in confident, firm language.