The Roadmap of Your Essay 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 good thesis statement; Write a thesis statement.

Definition Thesis Statement 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?

Thesis Statement Example Studies show that teenagers would benefit from a later school start. A later school start would give students more time to rest, teachers more time to prepare lessons, and parents more time in the morning with their children. High schools should begin later in the morning to allow greater success in the school system. Thesis Statement

Key Features Thesis Statement Answers the prompt States the main idea in a complete sentence, not a question Appears at the end of an introduction Gives an opinion or attitude on a topic

Key Features Answers the Prompt Does not answer the prompt completely Prompt Student Responses School uniforms are not connected to violence. Writing Situation: There has been a problem in local schools with discipline and violence. Your school board has decided to institute a school uniform policy in order to cut down on these problems, based on the positive examples that they have seen at other schools. Consider the issue of school uniforms. What is your position on this issue? Directions for Writing: Write a persuasive essay giving reasons for your position on the school uniform issue. The introduction of school uniforms may decrease violence; however, there may be other detrimental effects as a result of this new policy. Answers the prompt

Main Idea in a Complete Sentence 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 asserts 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 Features The Main Idea is a Complete Sentence The sport of basketball. THIS IS NOT A SENTENCE. The sport of basketball is an engaging sport that everyone should learn to play. THESIS STATEMENT Why is writing the best subject? THIS IS A QUESTION, NOT A STATEMENT. Writing is a very challenging subject, yet rewarding, because a student can express himself on paper to convince others. THESIS STATEMENT

A COMPLETE SENTENCE Another Example Marcus Garvey and the Harlem Renaissance. THIS IS NOT A SENTENCE. Marcus Garvey’s ability to rally people behind a cause, to make speeches, and to defend civil rights makes him arguably the most important figure of the Harlem Renaissance. THESIS STATEMENT What is the problem with big cities? THIS IS QUESTION, NOT A STATEMENT. The problem of pollution in major cities can be alleviated by limiting the number of cars allowed to drive on city streets and creating more efficient public transportation systems. THESIS STATEMENT

Key Features- Location 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 often found at or near the end of the introductory paragraph.

KEY FEATURES LOCATION In America, freedom of expression is a right that our forefathers fought for. 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 to the loud noise in the cafeteria. THESIS STATEMENT

Key Features States an Opinion or Attitude 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 instruments at a young age helps a child to become a more intelligent and well-rounded person. I learned to play many musical instruments when I was young. This would not be considered a good thesis statement because it is only expressing a fact. It doesn’t give the writer’s opinion or attitude on playing musical instruments. This thesis statement doesn’t give the writer very much to explain or prove in her essay. This thesis statement is much better because it expresses how the writer feels about the experience of learning to play musical instruments. This thesis statement requires the writer to explain how and why playing a musical instrument may make someone a better person.

An Opinion or Attitude Another Example This would not be considered a good thesis statement because it is only expressing a fact. It doesn’t reflect the writer’s opinion or attitude on Cancun. This thesis statement doesn’t give the writer very much to explain or prove in her essay. Cancun is a popular vacation spot in Mexico. Cancun is one of the best vacation spots in Mexico because of its comfortable climate and proximity to some well-known archeological sites. This thesis statement is much better because it expresses how the writer feels about Cancun. This thesis statement requires the writer to explain how and why going to Cancun is a good choice for visitors.

Key Features 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 should not be assigned because it causes headaches for teachers, students, and parents.