Thesis Statement The summary sentence that supports your opinions and ideas The LAST sentence in the introduction paragraph

Why should your essay contain a thesis statement? To put your main ideas into one summary sentence To better organize and develop the opinion/argument of your essay To provide your reader with a “guide” to your argument

How to generate a thesis statement? The Thesis should answer a single question that will give the main idea of your essay. Your first step is to understand the specific question. The answer to the question is the thesis statement for the essay.

Example Question: “What are the potential benefits of using computers in an eighth grade class?” Answer/THESIS STATEMENT: “The potential benefits of using computers in an eighth grade class are …” (THREE reasons/points)

How to Tell a Strong Thesis Sentence form a Weak One A strong thesis takes some sort of stand. (gives your opinion) A strong thesis expresses a main idea and is specific.

Strong Thesis Statement Question: Should middle school’s serve soda at lunch? Answer: Middle School’s should not serve soda at lunch because of soda’s high sugar content which contributes to poor nutrition, lack of academic focus, and negative behavior in class.

CONNECTING WORDS Many clear and engaging thesis statements contain words like “because”, “since”, “so”, “although”, “unless”, and “however”.

Forming a Thesis Read the question. Figure out your position. Brainstorm to find 3 reasons to support your opinion. Form the thesis statement that answers your question by restating the question. The three reasons should be included in the thesis statement

Write your thesis statement Exercise Should cell phones be allowed in school? On your paper brainstorm 3 reasons why cell phones should or should not be allowed at school. Write your thesis statement

Cell phones should be allowed in school because REASON 1, REASON 2, and REASON 3.

Practice Why is a good education crucial for being successful in life? Should schools keep detentions or eliminate them? Should middle schools serve soda to students at lunch? Should Franklin Academy teachers be allowed to give homework? Should schools change to year round school?