 Don't let the term “Thesis Statement” scare you away from writing a good paper. “Thesis statement” is just a fancy term for a one sentence summary of what the main purpose or point of your paper is.

 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. Your thesis statement belongs in your introduction. Here are some examples to help you develop a thesis statement:

 The life of Christopher Columbus had a lasting economic and cultural impact on the world. NOT  Christopher Columbus was an explorer.

 The deserts of the world have many things in common, but their differences are what make them special. NOT  I am going to tell you about the deserts of the world.

 While the nutritional value of school lunches may be adequate, their taste and appearance are unappetizing. NOT  School Lunches Suck Slides 1-5:

Topic + main points = Thesis

 Suppose you are asked to write about whether “Spongebob Squarepants” is the best show on television ….  First, turn your prompt into a question: Why do so many people like “Spongebob?” OR What makes “Spongebob” so special?

 TOPIC: “Spongebob Squarepants” is the best show on television.  SUBTOPIC #1: Spongebob is always getting into troublesome situtations that are humorous.  SUBTOPIC #2: Squidward is a disagreeable personality that people like to make fun of.  SUBTOPIC #3: Bikini Bottom provides an exciting setting.

To understand why so many people love “Spongebob Squarepants,” one must consider elements of the show such as Spongebob’s talent for getting into trouble, Squidward’s disagreeable but funny personality, and the exciting setting of Bikini Bottom. Among the reasons why so many people love “Spongebob Squarepants” are elements such as Spongebob’s humorous talent for getting into trouble, Squidward’s thoroughly disagreeable personality, and the exciting setting Bikini Bottom provides.

PROMPT: Explain whether companies should use social media to screen employees and job applicants. TOPIC: Main Point #1: Main Point #2: THESIS:

PROMPT: Explain whether companies should use social media to screen employees and job applicants. QUESTION: Why are companies screening people with social media? What are the effects? TOPIC: Companies are using social media to screen employees and potential employees. Main Point #1: Main Point #2:

PROMPT: Explain whether companies should use social media to screen employees and job applicants. QUESTION: Why are companies screening people with social media? What are the effects? TOPIC: Companies are using social media to screen employees and potential employees. Main Point #1: High unemployment rates mean employers can be more selective about who they hire. Main Point #2: Main Point #3: THESIS:

PROMPT: Explain whether companies should use social media to screen employees and job applicants. TOPIC: Companies are using social media to screen employees and potential employees. Main Point #1: High unemployment rates mean employers can be more selective about who they hire. Main Point #2: Employers who see inappropriate content online are not hiring those applicants. Main Point #3: Some people feel this is an invasion of privacy. THESIS:

PROMPT: Explain whether companies should use social media to screen employees and job applicants. TOPIC: Companies are using social media to screen employees and potential employees. Main Point #1: High unemployment rates mean employers can be more selective about who they hire. Main Point #2: Employers who see inappropriate content online are not hiring those applicants. Main Point #3: Some people feel this is an invasion of privacy. THESIS: Companies are using social media to help select the most qualified employees, but some feel this is going too far.

TOPIC: Companies are using social media to screen employees and potential employees. Main Point #1: High unemployment rates mean employers can be more selective about who they hire. Main Point #2: Employers are judging job applicants based on what they see online. Main Point #3: Some people feel this is an invasion of privacy. THESIS: Companies are using social media to help select the most qualified employees, but some feel this is going too far. THESIS: As more people compete for the same jobs, companies are turning to social media to help screen job applicants, but this is causing some controversy.

TOPIC: Companies are using social media to screen employees and potential employees. Main Point #1: High unemployment rates mean employers can be more selective about who they hire. Many people are competing for the same jobs To try to select the best person for the job, they are looking at more than the traditional resume by looking at what people put on Facebook, Twitter and other social media. They are even hiring special companies to do this for them.

 You should elaborate on each main point, just as we did with Point #1.  Each point should be explained with SEVERAL sentences – not just one!  Conclude by reminding the reader what you have discussed. You may add your own judgment or leave the reader with something to think about, but do not introduce any new points here.