Strong Thesis Statements “In this paper, I am going to tell you my opinion of the things that are going on in Syria in the modern day world.” And your point is?

Thesis Statement Elements  Controlling Thought  What is my topic?  How do I feel about it? What is important about it?  Thesis Statement  Combine the two components of a controlling thought into a concise sentence.

What is a thesis statement? 4 It is a complete sentence that expresses your position on a given topic. 4 It narrows down your topic to a specific focus of investigation. 4 It establishes a direction for the entire paper, especially if it consists of sub-parts. 4 It points forward to the conclusion. 4 It is always stated in your introduction.

Strong Thesis Statements  Take a Stand  Justify a Discussion  Express One Main Idea  Are Specific

Example 

Take A Stand  Consider:  There are some negative and positive aspects to the Banana Herb Tea Supplement.  Verses:  Because Banana Herb Tea Supplement promotes rapid weight loss that results in the loss of muscle and lean body mass, it poses a potential danger to customers.

Justify a Discussion  Consider:  My family is does not eat meat.  Verses:  While many American families would view vegetarianism as a threat to US traditions, many Native American families believe that not eating meat is a healthier alternative.

Express One Main Idea  Consider:  Companies need to exploit the marketing potential of the Internet, and web pages can provide both advertising and customer support.  Verses:  Because the Internet is filled with tremendous marketing potential, companies should exploit this potential by using web pages that offer both advertising and customer support.

Are Specific  Consider:  World hunger has many causes and effects.  Verses:  Hunger persists in Appalachia because jobs are scarce and farming in the infertile soil is rarely profitable.

What is not a thesis statement? 4 A thesis is never a question; it could be the answer to a question. 4 A thesis is not a statement of purpose. 4 A thesis is not simply a topic.

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement What are the causes of violence? Poor A thesis statement is not a question!

The purpose of my paper is to identify the causes of violence. Poor A thesis is not a statement of purpose! Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement

The education system in the U.S. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Poor A thesis statement is not just a topic!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Teen depression can be reduced with good education, parental support, and a healthy lifestyle. Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statementa good or poor thesis I would like to discuss how teachers and students can develop better relationships. Poor A thesis is not a statement of purpose!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Why are there so many high school drop outs in the U.S.? Poor A thesis statement is not a question!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Grades should be eliminated because they cause anxiety and put unnecessary pressure on students. Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Honesty and trust in the classroom. Poor A thesis statement is not just a topic!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Honesty and trust play an important role in successful teacher-student relationships. Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement The increase of cheating in our classrooms. Poor A thesis statement is not just a topic!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement What can be done to reduce violence in schools? Who is to blame-- the parents, the schools, or society in general? Poor A thesis statement is not a question!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Essay writing is a process that can be learned, but it takes time, patience, and hard work. Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

Adapted from a slide share by Vivian Sinou of Purdue University. Just remember, the thesis must reflect a position that can be supported.