Writing Thesis Statements

What is a thesis statement? A thesis statement is a complete sentence. It serves as the guide for the essay. It gives the reader direction. Where am I going? ESSAY

Characteristics Addresses the prompt clearly Makes a claim and presents a reason Presents an argument Is arguable (an opinion or attitude) In first paragraph of essay

Steps to creating a thesis STEP 1 – Name topic. EXAMPLE – “Disney Princesses ” STEP 2 – Create a question: What is important? What is interesting? Is something particularly good or bad? EXAMPLE – “Are Disney Princesses damaging role models?” STEP 3 – THESIS: Make a judgment / make it specific. EXAMPLE – Disney princesses are bad role models because they place too much emphasis on the Prince”

Your Turn!! You will now apply what you learned by writing your own thesis statement When reading back your thesis, ask yourself a few questions… 1. Topic: Change over Time (600 CE- 1550 CE) 2. Question: How did Europe change between 600 CE- 1550 CE 3. Thesis: ???

Thesis- generally you should not be using key terms in your thesis Ex. for ONE field of change- In the Middle Ages (P/E/R/S/I/A) was like this (describe)however by the end of the time period it became more like this (describe) because of this thing (name) and that thing (name) Ex. for TWO fields of change In the Middle Ages (P/E/R/S/I/A) was like this and (P/E/R/S/I/A) was like this, however this (describe) and that (describe) happened and in the end (P/E/R/S/I/A) was like this and (P/E/R/S/I/A) was like that.

Tips for Into Paragraph 3 step formula Give historical background on topic Present your question, either as a question or as a problem… Ex. How did Europe change _____? Or While change in Europe was complex we can best explore it through __________ Give your thesis

Change over time During the time period of 600 to 1550 CE Europe was emerging as a unique civilization. These next few centuries saw enormous change in Europe. While change in Europe is complex we can best explore it through economics. Europe changed economically in this time by expanding from and isolated, agricultural civilization, to expanding trade routes and the growth of banking, until Europe eventually becomes a large interconnected Empire.

Example The French Revolution was sparked by many problems economically, politically, and socially. However, many historians have debated which of these problems is the most significant. The economic problems faced by France are the most significant because these issues are the root of Frances other concerns.

The French Revolution stemmed from centuries of repression, fiscal irresponsibility, and a king with absolute power. However, understanding which of these factors is at the source of the this conflict is crucial to understanding the Revolution itself. The irresponsible economic policies used by France are the most significant source because these issues are the root of Frances other concerns.

Can I argue against this statement?

Can I write a whole essay based on this thesis?

Is it grammatically correct? Adapted from mr_rodriguez23 on Apr 20, 2008 http://www.slideshare.net/mr_rodriguez23/thesis-identifying-activity