What is a thesis statement? It is an arguable statement. It is a complete sentence that expresses your position/opinion on a given topic. It narrows down your topic to a specific, single focus of investigation. It establishes a direction for the entire paper. It is usually stated in your introduction.

What is not a thesis statement? A thesis is never a question; it could be the answer to a question. A thesis is not an announcement of purpose. A thesis is not simply a topic. A thesis is not a fact.

Writing a Thesis A thesis has two parts Topic: the main subject to be discussed in the essay Opinion: what the writer thinks about the main subject to be discussed (the topic) Topic: Community College Students Opinion: Work diligently to pass class, to transfer to universities, and to earn four-year degrees. Thesis: Community college students work diligently to pass class, to transfer to universities, and to earn four-year degrees.

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement What causes violence in children? Poor A thesis statement is not a question!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement The purpose of my paper is to identify the causes of violence. Poor A thesis is not an announcement of purpose!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement The education system in the United States. Poor A thesis statement is not just a topic!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Teen pregnancy can be reduced with good education, parental support, and birth control. Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement I would like to discuss how teachers and students can develop better relationships. Poor A thesis is not an announcement of purpose!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement I had squash, tomatoes, and corn in my garden last year. Poor A thesis statement is not too narrow!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Vegetable gardening can be a frustrating hobby. Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Honesty and trust in the classroom. Poor A thesis statement is not just a topic!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Honesty and trust play an important role in successful teacher-student relationships. Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Advertising has bad effects on all of society. Poor A thesis statement is not too broad!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement What can be done to reduce violence in schools? Who is to blame-- the parents, the schools, or society in general? Poor A thesis statement is not a question!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Toy ads on television teach children to be greedy, competitive, and snobbish. Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

America has always been a land shaped by immigrants. Let’s look at the thesis statement in our book…. America has always been a land shaped by immigrants.