Keys to creating a successful thesis statement Thesis Statements Keys to creating a successful thesis statement

Every paper you write should have a main point, a main idea, or central message. The argument you make in your paper should reflect this main idea. The sentence that captures your position on this main idea is what is the thesis statement.

DEFINITION A thesis statement is a one-sentence summary of the of the writer’s argument, a main point to be supported by solid evidence and reasoning.

What is a Thesis Statement? It is usually one sentence. It states the main idea or argument of your essay. It makes a claim that others might dispute. Is focused and specific enough to be "proven" within the boundaries of your paper. Is supported by solid evidence. Provides a roadmap to the argument you will write. What is a Thesis Statement?

Thesis Requires the student to present a debatable point; the essay presents evidence not to explain but to support an argument or advocate a particular viewpoint. Argument: A debatable claim (not a factual statement) that is supported by concrete evidence, expert opinion, analysis, and personal insight. A persuasive paper might argue, "Pearl Harbor was a catastrophe that President Roosevelt could have averted."

Elements of a Thesis Statement The topic/subject. Select a topic of interest to you Your opinion or research you’ve gathered on the topic. After researching, determine your opinion on the topic that you will prove or disprove and try to think of two or three things you feel support your claim. For example: Marijuana should not be legalized because research has shown that its use negatively affects brain cells, compromises the user’s judgment, and can become addictive. Elements of a Thesis Statement

Steps in writing a thesis statement: Choose a topic. For example, ‘violent video games and children’ 2. Brainstorm keywords related to your topic and do preliminary research. 3. After looking at a couple of the articles, ask yourself some questions about the topic. For example, Does playing violent video games have a positive effect on children’s social skills? Does playing violent video games make children behave aggressively?

Steps in writing a thesis statement: 4. The next step would be to pose an answer to one of the questions - this would be your thesis statement. Example: Does playing violent video games make children behave aggressively? The thesis statement could be: Playing violent video games causes children to behave more aggressively.

{Based on your research} Formula: Subject + Opinion = Thesis {Based on your research} A complete ban on smoking in public is needed to protect people from passive smoking.

{Based on your research} Formula: Subject + Opinion + Reason= Thesis {Based on your research} The death penalty should be abolished because is often used in a disproportional manner against the poor, minorities and members of racial, ethnic, political and religious groups.

Dos and Don’ts Do Don’t State your position or the point you are arguing. Be as clear and as specific as possible; avoid vague words. Write in third person. Announce the thesis, e.g. “This paper will discuss….” Phrase it as your opinion. “I feel or I believe that….” Write your thesis in question format. Leave your reader asking “How?” or “Why?”

Sample thesis statement Weak thesis Explanation Eating fast food is bad and should be avoided. This statement is simply states an indisputable fact and is not debatable.

Sample thesis statement Better thesis Explanation Americans should eliminate the regular consumption of fast food because the fast food diet leads to preventable and expensive health issues, such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease In this example, three specific health reasons are given why people should not eat fast food. This provides a roadmap to the essay.

Revised thesis statements Weak Because of its benefits, it should be legal. Revised: Medical marijuana must be legalized for its medicinal properties, its implications to our legal system, and to our economy.

Revised thesis statements Weak: Marijuana should not be legalized because smoking it is morally wrong. Revised: Marijuana should not be legalized because research has shown that its use negatively affects brain cells, compromises the user’s judgment, and can become addictive.

Revision Thesis statements can (and should) be revised as you further refine your evidence and arguments. New evidence often requires you to change your thesis. If you find that your thesis statement and the content of your essay do not match, revise one or the other--or both.

Where Does the Thesis Statement Go? It is usually a single sentence at the end of your first paragraph that presents your argument to the reader.

Introduction paragraph The introduction paragraph of an essay provides the reader with general background information about the subject being discussed. The first sentence of your introductory paragraph should contain an attention grabber or hook, which is a sentence that attracts your reader’s attention makes them want to read further.

Introduction paragraph Once all necessary and relevant background knowledge is stated, it is typically then that a thesis statement can be declared at the end of the introduction paragraph. The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, presents the evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation.

Where Does the THESIS STATEMENT Go? PERSUASIVE ESSAY Introduction Paragraph: Hook or grabber State situation or controversy Thesis statement (opinion + 3 reasons)

Evaluate these thesis statements Euthanasia is wrong. There are many types of drugs that are abused. The laws surrounding legalized physician-assisted suicide don’t go far enough in protecting doctors from prosecution. Homeless people should be given access to services, such as regular food donations, public restrooms, and camping facilities, because it would improve quality of life for all citizens.