THE THESIS STATEMENT A very basic thesis statement is a single sentence at the end of the first paragraph that tells the reader the main idea of your essay. A thesis statement should do these three things: 1. It should clearly express what the essay is about. 2. It should make a discussible point. 3. It should indicate the structure of the essay.

Original Thesis: Many Americans are buying foreign cars. Revised Thesis: Many Americans are buying the Toyota Corolla because of its competitive price, fuel economy, and high resale value. The revised thesis statement clearly expresses what the essay is about (the Toyota Corolla.) It gives us a topic than can be discussed (why people are buying the Toyota Corolla.) And it establishes the organizational structure of the essay (three specific reasons for the model's popularity: price, fuel, and value.)

Original Thesis: San Francisco is an interesting place to visit. Revised Thesis: San Francisco is a stimulating place to visit because of its magnificent location, its theaters and art galleries, and its many fine restaurants. The revised thesis statement tells what the essay is about (San Francisco). It gives a topic that an be discussed (why San Francisco is such a great city.) And it indicates how the essay will be organized (three body paragraphs discussing the city's location, its art galleries and museums, and its wonderful restaurants.)

Original Thesis: Chess is a great game. Revised Thesis: Playing chess is a popular activity among students because it is inexpensive, engrossing, and can be played almost anywhere. The revised thesis statement states the main idea of the essay (chess.) It gives a topic than can be discussed ( chess is a popular activity.) And it reveals how the essay will be organized (three body paragraphs that deal with how cheap, entertaining, and portable chess is.)

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