Thesis Statement What, Why and How

What? A thesis statement is… One sentence that tells the audience what your paper will be about. The most important sentence in your paper.

Why? A thesis statement is… Important because it tells the audience the topic, your opinion you’re proving, and the reasons why. Gives the structure of your paper

How to write a thesis Easy equation Topic of paper + Opinion you are proving 3 Main Points of Paper_____________ = Thesis Statement

Example Thesis Statement Question of paper: which is better, Coke or Pepsi? Thesis chart: Thesis Statement: Pepsi is better than Coke because it tastes better, costs less, and has a better logo. Topic Pepsi Opinion Is better than Coke 3 Main Points Taste, cost, logo

Example Thesis Statement Question of paper: What is the best hobby? Thesis chart: Thesis Statement: Writing poetry is the best hobby because it allows for freedom of expression, it is all about creativity, and it can be done anywhere. Topic Writing Poetry Opinion Is the best hobby 3 Main Points Freedom, creativity, can do it anywhere

3 ways to structure statement Topic, Opinion, 3 Main Points Writing poetry is the best hobby because it allows for freedom of expression, it is all about creativity, and it can be done anywhere Opinion, Topic, 3 Main Points The best hobby is writing poetry because it allows for freedom of expression, it is all about creativity, and it can be done anywhere 3 Main Points, Topic, Opinion Because it allows for freedom of expression, it is all about creativity, and it can be done anywhere, poetry is the best hobby.

Who is the most heroic person in the world? Topic: Opinion: 3 main points: Thesis Statement:

What are boy’s/girl’s worst quality? Topic: Opinion: 3 main points: Thesis Statement:

Who is the greatest person you know? Topic: Opinion: 3 main points: Thesis Statement:

What is the ugliest animal? Thesis Statement:

Now let’s get serious.

Miss Swanson’s sample theme thesis Thesis Statement: The silence of God is the most poignant theme in the book Night because it is prevalent in Night, it was happening even before the Holocaust when God did nothing when Hitler was taking power, and God is silent today in the Somalia drought. Topic: Silence of God : Theme Opinion: Most poignant theme 3 main points: Before Holocaust = saw Hitler coming During the book Night In life today= Somalia drought

Your turn. Write your own thesis statement for your paper now. Make the box first. Next create your thesis statement.