Thesis Statements: Developing a working thesis for an effective essay Mr. Ramirez English 9

What makes an effective thesis statement? There are many characteristics related to a good thesis, but most importantly, it is your answer to the prompt, plus a justification for your particular position.

Once you have written your thesis, completing your essay become much easier happy dance

Characteristics of a good thesis: The thesis statement tells your reader what to expect: it is a restricted, precisely worded declarative sentence that states the purpose of your essay – the point you are trying to make. Tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion.

Characteristics of a good thesis: Is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper. Makes a claim that others might dispute. (Arguable) Is usually a single sentence at the end of the introductory paragraph that presents your argument to the reader. The rest of your paper persuades the reader of the logic of your interpretation.

Examples of good thesis statements: If asked to discuss the reasons why the North and South fought the Civil War: While both Northerners and Southerners believed they fought against tyranny and oppression, Northerners focused on the oppression of slaves while Southerners defended their own right to self-government.

Examples of good thesis statements: Write an analysis of some aspect of Mark Twain’s novel Huckleberry Finn. Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain’s Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American democratic ideals, one must leave “civilized” society and go back to nature.

Examples of good thesis statements: Alberto Alvaro Rios’s short story “The Secret Lion”. The key symbols in the story reinforce its main theme: change is inevitable and always accompanied by a sense of loss.

Now… It’s your turn!!!