Presented by Sul & Melissa THESIS STATEMENTS An LAVC Writing Center Workshop Presentation Presented by Sul & Melissa

What is a Thesis Statement? It is one sentence. It states the main idea or argument of your essay. It is typically placed at the end of the introduction paragraph. It lets your reader know what to expect. It is the basis for your entire essay. It is the most important part of your essay. It is awesome (kinda).

Your THESIS STATEMENT is comprised of two parts: The topic/subject. Your opinion of the topic. Quick Activity: Pick a subject that you feel you can support or disprove and try to think of three things you feel support your idea. For example: LAVC is a great college because of their experienced teachers, skilled tutoring offices, and welcoming academic environment.

Formalities: The Thesis is the central idea of attention within an essay It tells the reader what position you are supporting about the subject in the essay. The thesis must always be a complete sentence that is: specific, succinct, and suggestive of the organization to be followed in the essay.

How to Brainstorm your THESIS: The THESIS STATEMENT doesn’t always come first in the writing process, but it is good to develop it early so you can use it as a guide for your paper. I am writing about ____________ , and I am going to argue, show, or prove that _________, by stating that ___________ , _____________ , and _____________.

Subject + Opinion = Thesis Formula Just as E = mc²… Subject + Opinion = Thesis

Where Does the THESIS STATEMENT Go?

Where Does the THESIS STATEMENT Go? Cont…

Where Does the THESIS STATEMENT Go? Cont… The first sentence of your introductory paragraph should contain an attention getter, which is a sentence that attracts your reader’s attention makes them want to read further. The introduction paragraph of an essay provides the reader with a general survey of information of the subject being discussed.

Where Does the THESIS STATEMENT Go? Cont… Once all necessary and relevant background knowledge is stated, it is typically then that a thesis statement can be declared in the last sentence of the introduction paragraph.

Where Does the THESIS STATEMENT Go? Cont… After the Thesis Statement, an essay has body paragraphs. Each body paragraph should be at least 3-4 sentences long and will include a topic sentence and concluding sentence to let the reader know what that paragraph will discuss. These body paragraphs should discuss what you have stated in your Thesis Statement using evidence to back up your claims.

Where Does the THESIS STATEMENT Go? Cont… After your body paragraphs, you will have a conclusion paragraph that is located at the very end of your essay. Your conclusion paragraph should restate the ideas in your Thesis, but in a different way. Conclude your thoughts and let the reader know why you have successfully proved your point.

Simple or Complex? A beginning THESIS STATEMENT: A is B. A better THESIS STATEMENT: A is B because of x, y, and z A more complex THESIS STATEMENT: Although C is D, A is B because of x, y, and z.

Simple or Complex? Examples: BASIC THESIS (just alright!): Community colleges are an important part of California’s educational system. MORE COMPLEX THESIS (much better!): Community colleges are an important part of California’s educational system because they are a more cost-effective way to attain a degree, classes are smaller, and they prepare students for the demands of University life.

Simple or Complex? Examples: VERY COMPLEX THESIS (perfect!!): Although many students want to go straight from high school to a four-year university, community colleges are an important part of California’s educational system because they are a more cost-effective way to attain a degree, classes are smaller than at most four-year universities, and they prepare students for the demands of University life.

Defintions Although is a conjunction that means, “in spite of the fact; even though,” and is helpful in connecting and comparing/contrasting different, but related, ideas. Because is also a conjunction that means, “for the reason that; since,” and is useful for offering insight and introducing supporting details for a claim.

Useful Tips Thesis statements that are too broad and general will lead to an essay that lacks focus. Certain words may be used to narrow the focus of an argument, as well as expand a thesis statement to make it as specific as possible. EXAMPLE: “While, “Although,” “Because”: “While/Although the rise of industrialization led to the expansion of global trade relations, the conditions of working class people deteriorated because __________, _________, and _____________.

Workshop Activities: CONNECT-THE-THESIS Worksheet Create your own THESIS STATEMENTS! Anyone can do it!

Sources http://www.lavc.edu/WCweb/ http://thewritingcenter.edulounge.net/ http://studenthacks.org/2007/11/06/thesis-statement/ http://www.csu.edu.au/division/studserv/learning/essay/structure.htm