The Thesis Statement The Roadmap of Your Essay
Introduction By the end of our lesson today, you will: Have a better understanding of a thesis statement Know how to identify a thesis statement Know how to identify a good thesis statement Write a thesis statement.
Wh What at is is a th a thesi esis st s stat atem emen ent? t? I’m glad you asked.
De Definition inition Thes esis is Sta tatement ement The thesis statement is one sentence that tells the main idea of an essay. It tells the argument that you are going to defend. It states a claim and takes a position. In the essay you will defend your position using examples and/or facts to support your argument. Can you find the thesis statement in the following examples?
Definition De inition Thes esis is Sta tatement ement Since I was a little girl, I’ve always been a teacher. Being the oldest made me the teacher and the student of many lessons that I would later have to teach my younger siblings. Teaching requires a person’s full attention. It also demands an extreme amount of patience. Being a teacher warrants a full commitment from the teacher. Teaching is a demanding, yet rewarding job.
Thesis hesis Sta tatement ement Another ther Ex Example ample Studies show that teenagers would benefit from a later school start. A later school start could mean more time for students and teachers to rest. This could also mean that teachers are more productive and could plan better lessons to engage their students in learning. Finally, a later start in school gives parents more time in the morning with their children. Middle and high schools should begin later in the morning to allow greater success in the school system.
Key Fea eatures tures Thes esis is Sta tatement ement Answers the prompt States the main idea in a complete sentence, not a question Usually at the end of an introduction States an opinion or attitude on a topic Does not directly announce your main topic
Key Fea eatures tures Does not Answ swer ers s th the Pr e Prom ompt pt answer the prompt completely Prom ompt pt Stud uden ent t Respon sponses ses Writing Situation: There has been a problem in local schools with discipline School uniforms are not connected and violence. Your school board has to violence. decided to institute a school uniform policy in order to cut down on these The introduction of school problems, based on the positive examples that they have seen at other uniforms may decrease schools. violence, however, there may Consider the issue of school uniforms. be other detrimental effects as a What is your position on this issue? result of this new policy. Directions for Writing: Write a persuasive essay to giving reasons for our position on the school uniform issue. Answers the prompt
Key Features Main Idea in a Complete Sentence Since the thesis statement is the main statement for the entire essay, it should express a complete thought and be a complete sentence. The thesis statement is asserting an opinion or idea, so it should not be a question. Look at the examples below to see how they can be made into thesis statements.
Key y Feat eatures ures The he Ma Main Idea ea is a C a Comple plete e Sent ntence ence The sport of basketball. THIS IS NOT A SENTENCE. The sport of basketball is an engaging sport THESIS that everyone should learn to play. STATEMENT Why is writing the best subject? THIS IS A QUESTION, NOT A STATEMENT. Writing is a very challenging subject, yet rewarding because one can express THESIS himself on paper to convince others. STATEMENT
A COM A OMPLETE PLETE SENTENC ENTENCE Another ther Ex Example ample Marcus Garvey and the Harlem THIS IS NOT A SENTENCE. Renaissance. Marcus Garvey’s ability to rally people behind a cause, to THESIS make speeches, and to defend civil rights makes him STATEMENT arguably the most important figure of the Harlem Renaissance. What is the problem with big cities? THIS IS QUESTION, NOT A STATEMENT. The problem of pollution in major cities can be alleviated by THESIS limiting the number of cars allowed to drive on city streets and STATEMENT creating more efficient public transportation systems.
Key F y Fea eatures tures- Lo Location cation Your reader likes to know what the essay is going to be about early on in the essay rather than the end of the essay. Because of this, the thesis statement is usually found at the end of the introductory paragraph.
KE KEY FE FEATURES RES LOC OCATION ION In America, freedom of expression is a right that our forefathers fought foe. Lunch is a social time for students where they can express themselves with their friends. It is also a time when students don’t have to talk about school. Finally, allowing students to express themselves in lunch allows for less off-topic discussion during classes. Silent lunch is a violation of students’ first amendment rights and is not an acceptable solution the loud noise in the cafeteria.
Key y Features eatures Location cation Maya Angelou is an accomplished African- American author in the United States. While growing up, she suffered tremendous hardship. Some of her most difficult life events are portrayed in novels and poems such as, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and, Still I Rise. Her written works often include strong themes such as perseverance through trials, love for family, and passionate optimism. STATEMENT THESIS
Key F y Fea eatur tures es Sta tates an es an Op Opin inio ion or n or Atti ttitud tude e A thesis statement states an opinion or attitude about a particular topic, making the thesis more specific. The writer must defend or explain this opinion in the essay. Look at the following slides to see examples.
Key Features States an Opinion or Attitude Learning to play many musical I learned to play many musical instruments when I was young instruments when I was young. helped me to become a more intelligent and well-rounded person. This would not be considered a This thesis statement is much good thesis statement because it better because it expresses how is only expressing a fact. It the writer feels about the doesn’t give the writer’s opinion or experience of learning to play attitude on playing musical musical instruments. This instruments. This thesis thesis statement requires the statement doesn’t give the writer writer to explain how and why very much to explain or prove in playing a musical instrument his/her essay. made him/her a better person.
An Op Opinion nion or or Att ttitude tude Another ther Ex Example ple This would not be considered a good thesis statement, because it is only Cancun is a popular vacation spot expressing a fact. It doesn’t reflect the in Mexico. writer’s opinion or attitude on Cancun. This thesis statement doesn’t give the writer very much to explain or prove in his/her essay. Cancun is one of the best vacation This thesis statement is much better spots in Mexico because of its comfortable climate and proximity because it expresses how the writer feels to some well-known archeological about Cancun. This thesis statement sites. requires the writer to explain how and why going to Cancun is a good choice for visitors.
Key y Feat eatures ures Don’t State the Obvious At all costs, you should avoid using “I’m going to write about…” or “This essay will discuss…” in your thesis statements. Try to write the thesis statement in a way that will capture your reader’s attention, but does not state the obvious.
Don’t State the Obvious In this essay, I’m going to talk about why students shouldn’t have to wear uniforms. A dress code requiring students to wear uniforms can inhibit student expression, quench creativity, and deter students from enjoying school.
Don’t State the Obvious This essay will discuss why teachers should not be permitted to assign homework to students. Homework is a nuisance that causes headaches for teachers, students, and parents and should not be assigned.
Key Features Review Answers the prompt States the main idea in a complete sentence, not a question Usually at the end of an introduction States an opinion or attitude on a topic Does not directly announce your main topic
Practice Exercises Now it’s your turn. With your partner, complete the practice exercises on the thesis statement. Use the following subjects and write a solid thesis statement for each. Favorite holiday celebration Fearful situation Giving thanks
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