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A thesis statement is essential for organizing and articulating the main ideas of your essay. It not only guides your reader through your argument but also presents your opinion on the topic at hand. A strong thesis should answer a specific question, clearly stating your position and summarizing the supporting reasons. By understanding how to formulate a thesis, you can enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. This guide provides steps for creating strong thesis statements, ensuring your essay is engaging and coherent.
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Thesis Statement The summary sentence that supports your opinions and ideas The LAST sentence in the introduction paragraph
Why should your essay contain a Thesis Statement? • To put your main ideas into one summary sentence • To better organize and develop the opinion/argument of your essay • To provide your reader with a “guide” to your argument
How to Generate a Thesis Statement • The Thesis should answer a single question that will give the main idea of your essay. • Your first step is to understand the specific question. • The answer to the question is the thesis statement for the essay.
Example • Question: “What are the potential benefits of using computers in an eighth grade class?” • Answer/THESIS: “The potential benefits of using computers in an eighth grade class are …” (2 reasons/ideas)
How to Tell a Strong Thesis Sentence form a Weak One • A strong thesis takes some sort of stand. (gives your opinion) • A strong thesis expresses a main idea and is specific.
Strong Thesis Statement • Question: Should middle school’s serve soda at lunch? • Answer: Middle School’s should not serve soda at lunch because of soda’s high sugar content which contributes to poor nutrition, and bad behavior in class.
HINT • Many clear and engaging thesis statements contain words like “because”, “since”, “so”, “although”, “unless”, and “however”.
Forming a Thesis • Read the question. • Figure out your opinion. • Brainstorm to find 2 reasons to support your opinion. • Form the thesis statement that answers your question by restating the question. • The two reasons should also be included in the thesis.
Example • Should cell phones be allowed in school? On your paper brainstorm 2 reasons why cell phones should or should not be allowed at school. Write your thesis statement
Cell phones should be allowed in school because REASON 1, REASON 2.
Homework • Why is a good education crucial for being successful in life? • Should schools keep detentions or eliminate them? • Should middle schools serve soda to students at lunch? • Should teachers on Team 802 give homework? • Should schools change to year round school?