What are they ? How do you write a good one? Thesis Statements What are they ? How do you write a good one?

What is a thesis statement? A thesis statement is the main point or central message of your project. A thesis statement should be one or two sentences only. Your thesis should tell your reader what your project is about.

Helpful Hints when writing a thesis Make sure your statement/statements take a specific position that you will prove or defend in your project. Your thesis should act as a “road sign” that answers your essential question and tells what the reader will find.

Once you have your topic, the following questions will help you to write your thesis . Have I stated my thesis clearly? Is it precise and limited? Have I presented the most interesting and relevant aspects of the topic as it relates to this years History Fair theme? Does my thesis tell my point of view or position I am taking regarding the topic? Is my thesis statement a a positive one? Does my thesis statement ask and answer the questions “why” and “how” ? Is my thesis statement something I can defend in my project?

Writing your thesis. Think about your viewpoint about your topic. You will need three supporting arguments for your viewpoint.

Next Step Take your viewpoint and create an essential question for your topic. Your essential question should be what will drive the rest of your research to prove your viewpoint.

Essential Question to Thesis Statement Take your essential question and make it a statement. Use the three supporting arguments to add your thesis statement.

Thesis Statement Formula Clearly Stated Opinion + Specific Supporting Arguments = Thesis Your thesis statement will be ONE CONCISE SENTENCE!!

Remember Have I clearly expressed my opinion? Is my thesis specific and focused? Will my thesis statement trigger thoughtful debate? Is it something I can prove? Is it tied to the History Fair Theme? Avoid writing in the first person! (No I, me, us, our)