Expository Essay Writing Thesis and Introduction

Rules for a Clear Thesis Statement: should be a complete sentence should express an attitude or opinion should be an arguable statement (meaning some might agree and some might not) should only have ONE clear controlling idea (what you are going prove)

Which of the following are arguable thesis statements? The school cafeteria needs to have vegetarian options. Being in a school play will decrease one’s fears of performing in front of an audience. The Academy Awards ceremony takes place in Los Angeles. It is healthier to drink water than soda.

Where is it located in your essay? A thesis is normally placed at or near the end of the introductory paragraph because the rest of the paper will support or back up your thesis.

What exactly does it contain in it? A thesis contains a topic and a controlling idea. Example Thesis: The Global Positioning System, or GPS, is a new technology that helps people find locations and directs them to their destination with ease. This thesis is arguable, plus it has a topic and controlling idea.

What exactly does a good thesis contain in it? A good thesis statement should express one main idea or a clear relationship between two specific ideas linked by words like “because,” “since,” etc. Poor: Stephen King writes readable books. Good: Stephen King’s books are so good because they are about normal people who get into supernatural situations.

What about the introduction? You need an attention grabber! The attention grabber you use is up to you, but here are some ideas: Historical review – Some topics are better understood if a brief historical review of the topic is presented to lead into the discussion. Anecdote – An anecdote is a story that illustrates a point. Be sure your anecdote is short, to the point, and relevant to your topic. Famous person – Dropping the name of a famous person usually gets the reader’s attention. Of course, bringing up this person’s name must be relevant to the topic.

More introduction ideas… Startling information – This information must be true and verifiable, and it doesn’t need to be totally new to your readers. It could simply be a pertinent fact that explicitly illustrates the point you wish to make. Summary information – A few sentences explaining your topic in general terms can lead the reader gently to your thesis. Each sentence should become gradually more specific, until you reach your thesis. NOTE: If the attention grabber was only a sentence or two, add one or two more sentences that will lead the reader from your opening to your thesis statement.

Things NOT to do in the introduction: Do not apologize. Never suggest that you don’t know what you’re talking about. Avoid phrases like “In my opinion…” or “I’m not sure about this, but …” Do not announce your intentions. Avoid “In this paper I will…” or “The purpose of this essay is to…”

Student Introduction Examples

There is no clear thesis statement. This will lead to a weaker paper. Although it is important to help others when possible, it is also essential to put oneself first in life. After all, we all have one life, and each person’s main concern is his own choices in life. Strong or Weak WEAK WHY?? There is no clear thesis statement. This will lead to a weaker paper.

Why should people put others before themselves Why should people put others before themselves? Why should they, who don’t have everything they want but don’t necessarily need in their life, stop for someone less fortunate? Strong or Weak WEAK WHY?? All rhetorical questions; no hook sentence; no thesis statement – VERY weak

WHY?? STRONG Strong or Weak Helping another person with a difficult task is a great thing to do. However, most of us are too busy with our lives to take time for others. Even though it is easier to mind our own business, it is honorable and caring when a person goes out of his way to help another person. STRONG Strong or Weak WHY?? Interesting introduction with a clear thesis statement- we know what to expect from this essay!

NOW YOU TRY! Read the prompt (below) and 1) Construct a thesis statement that directly answers the prompt in a single sentence (last sentence of your introduction). 2) Create a “hook,” which is the opening sentence or two that you will use to begin your entire essay. This should grab your reader! PROMPT: Write an essay explaining why people should be more concerned about others than about themselves.