Three-Prong Thesis Statements

Would you rather? Grab a writing utensil. Quickly answer the question at the station. Write down three primary reasons to support your answer. Visit 3 stations total. Return to your desk and star your top 2 choices.

What is a Thesis Statement? It’s the road map for your paper. It presents the paper’s central argument and previews the evidence that will be presented later on within the body paragraphs.

How Does it Look? There are FOUR parts to a thesis statement: 1.) Narrowing statement 2.) Author/title 3.) Argument or stance 4.) Three prongs

Narrowing Statement A limiting or narrowing statement that begins with words like “although,” “despite,” or “even though.” It acknowledges different possibilities that exist, but at the same time, begins to limit the forthcoming argument. Example: Although there are many characters

Author & Title When writing about a work of literature, acknowledge the work and its creator. Example: in Stephanie Meyer’s novel Twilight,

Argument/Stance The heart of the thesis statement! Answers the prompt question directly. Reveals your opinion using third-person POV. “I think” and “I feel” are not acceptable in academic or analytical writing. Is arguable—others might disagree with your argument, but it’s going to be up to you to provide strong evidence and be convincing. Example: the most important character is Bella,

Prongs Your three reasons or points that support your argument. These three reasons connect to your topic sentences. The prongs need to be parallel in structure (phrasing and syntax). Example: because she crosses boundaries, she drives the plot, and she motivates other characters.

Parallel Prongs she crosses boundaries, she drives the plot, and she motivates other characters. Subject + verb Present tense Subject + verb Present tense Subject + verb Present tense

We must write thesis driven arguments! The Finished Product Although there are many characters in Stephanie Meyer’s novel Twilight, the most important character is Bella because she crosses boundaries, she drives the plot, and she motivates other characters. We must write thesis driven arguments!