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 prompt question that will give the main idea of your essay. Your first step is to understand the prompt question by deconstructing it. The answer to the prompt 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: “The potential benefits of using computers in an eighth grade class are …” (2 reasons/ideas)

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. When learning to write a thesis, directly restating the question in the answer is a starting point. Eventually a good writer will become more creative in their response.

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

HINT 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 opinion. Brainstorm to find 2 reasons to support your opinion. Form the thesis statement that answers your question by restating the question. The two reasons should also be included in the thesis.

Write your thesis statement Example Should cell phones be allowed in school? On your paper brainstorm 2 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.

Homework 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 teachers on Team 802 give homework? Should schools change to year round school?