Structure of a Thesis Statement EGL 101

Function of a Thesis Statement Tells the reader about your essay’s topic. Presents your attitude, feeling, idea, opinion, or point of view about that topic.

Parts of a Thesis Statement A thesis statement has three main parts: Topic Verb Attitude, idea, feeling, opinion, or point of view

Constructing a Thesis Statement First, state your Topic

Constructing a Thesis Statement Second, choose a Topic + verb

Constructing a Thesis Statement Third, express your Topic + verb + attitude, feeling, idea, opinion, or point of view.

A Constructed Thesis Statement Topic + verb + attitude, feeling, idea, opinion, or point of view.

Example Owning a pet + has + several important benefits.

Example Our company president + should be fired + for three main reasons.

Example Our cafeteria + would be improved + if several changes were made.

Example Celebrities + are + often poor role models because of the way they dress, talk, and behave.

Thesis Statement v. Topic Sentence A thesis statement applies to an entire essay. A topic sentence applies only to a single paragraph within an essay.