is a fancy term for a one sentence summary that describes the main purpose or point of your paper. is a fancy term for a one sentence summary that describes the main purpose or point of your paper.

A thesis statement...  lets your reader know early on exactly what your essay is going to be about, and it also keeps you focused on your essay's main point.  needs to be placed in the introduction paragraph  must be supported by details in the paragraphs that follow it  is very specific. It is not just a general statement. It is not just a general statement. A general statement is too hard to write a good essay about. A general statement is too hard to write a good essay about.

 A thesis is… arguable arguable takes a stand takes a stand specific, focused specific, focused a road map for the reader a road map for the reader Controlling idea of the essay Controlling idea of the essay avoids first person - I avoids first person - I

Examples  The life of Christopher Columbus had a lasting impact on the world.  Christopher Columbus was an explorer.  The deserts of the world have many things in common, but their differences are what makes them special.  I am going to tell you about the deserts of the world.  NOT NOT

Which is a thesis statement?  A. I would like to become a chef when I finish school.  B. Although both chefs and cooks can prepare fine meals, chefs differ from cooks in education, professional commitment, and artistry. And the answer is B.

Which is a thesis statement?  A. Hip hop music offers urban youth an important opportunity for artistic expression, and allows them to articulate the poetry of the street.  B. Hip hop music is the best thing that has happened to music in twenty years. And the answer is A.

Write an essay about your name.  Paragraph 1: Introduction – Introduce the reader to your topic Introduce the reader to your topic Include a thesis Include a thesis My name _________ is unique because my parents chose it for me. My name _________ is unique because my parents chose it for me. (name) is unique only to me. (name) is unique only to me.

 Paragraph 2: Parent interview (Why did your parents choose your name?) Research on (meaning and origin of your name) from the internet website provided (Why did your parents choose your name?) Research on (meaning and origin of your name) from the internet website provided You may want to add other elements to your essay. A. Nickname A. Nickname B. Middle name B. Middle name C. Famous people with your name C. Famous people with your name D. Opinion and feeling. What do you like/dislike or want to change about your name? D. Opinion and feeling. What do you like/dislike or want to change about your name?

 Paragraph 3: Last Paragraph:  Paragraph 3: Last Paragraph: Summary or conclusion, including "Does my name suit me?" Reaction/comments on research information Summary or conclusion, including "Does my name suit me?" Reaction/comments on research information