Composing Thesis Statements Common Places: Integrated Reading and Writing

Effective Thesis Statements Characteristics combines the topic of the essay with the point the writer is wanting to make about the topic expresses the most important point in the essay presents an idea that requires support expresses an idea that is broader than the ideas in supporting sentences is not a question Effective Thesis Statements

Method 1. Write down the topic. 2. Write down the point you wish to make about the topic. 3. Write a sentence that combines the topic and your point.

Assignment: Write an essay in which you discuss how failure can be a positive experience. Example 1. Topic selected: the value of failure 2. Point to be made: encourages self-discovery, is a way of learning new skills, teaches life lessons 3. Thesis statement: Failure is valuable because it encourages self-discovery, provides a way to learn new skills, and teaches life lessons.

Effective Thesis Statement Checklist Expresses the most important point in the essay? The paragraphs in the essay will help demonstrate the point that failure can be of value. Presents an idea that requires support? Readers will want to know how it’s possible for failure to be valuable. Expresses an idea that is broader than the ideas in supporting paragraphs? The supporting paragraphs will unpack how failure can encourage self-discovery, can provide a way to learn new skills, and can teach life lessons.  Not a question?    

Neither Too Broad nor Too Narrow Thesis statements, like Goldilocks' taste in porridge, chairs, and beds, need to be “just right.” “Just right” in this case means neither too broad nor too narrow.

conquering stage fright 3. Topic sentence options: 1. Essay topic selected: conquering stage fright . Example 2. Point to be made: how practice, relaxation techniques, and planning for mistakes can help a person conquer stage fright . 3. Topic sentence options: A. Stage fright can be conquered by setting aside time each day to practice. B. Stage fright is a very common experience. C. Stage fright can be conquered by practicing, using relaxation techniques, and planning for mistakes. Too narrow Too broad “Just right”

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