Writing a thesis statement for A.P. World History THESIS STATEMENTS Writing a thesis statement for A.P. World History

WHAT IS A THESIS STATEMENT? A thesis statement is a single-sentence at the end of your introduction paragraph (your intro paragraph will have at least 3 sentences) that does the following: Provides your essay with a “roadmap” or direction Provides one (1) main argument (also known as a CENTRAL IDEA) that frames your essay Provides three (3) controlling ideas that identify topics of discussion (your future body paragraph topics)

The MAIN ARGUMENT (Central Idea) What the main topic of the paper is about (an umbrella topic). Announces what CLAIM you will be proving / solving throughout your essay. This is your “fist slamming” moment in the thesis where you strongly commit yourself to an argument. Traditionally, it is at the front/beginning of the sentence.

The CONTROLLING IDEAS These can be used to explain the WHY, the HOW, or HOW COME. These three (3) ideas will eventually become your body paragraph topics. You will ALWAYS have three (3) controlling ideas in your thesis statement.

EXAMPLES: School is wonderful because the teachers are smart, the classes are interesting and the food sold at lunch is outstanding.

EXAMPLES: Mr. Farvour’s mean personality is evident when he kicks puppies, yells at his students and torments old people.

EXAMPLES: The gradual shift from nomadic communities to sedentary civilizations resulted in domestication of crops, labor specialization and a reliance on annual flood cycles.

Final Notes: Your thesis statement will be ONE sentence in length. It will be at the end of your introduction paragraph. The order of your controlling ideas (three of them) will be the same order of your body paragraphs. You must have a clear, assertive main argument AND your body paragraphs must relate back to (explain) this main argument.