The Thesis Statement A Road Map for Your Project Adapted from Ruth Luman, Modesto Junior College

Thesis Statment Persuasion Now that you have researched both sides of your topic, you are ready to write your thesis statement. What’s a thesis statement?

Definition Thesis Statement A thesis statement is a complete sentence that acts as a road map for your project—it summarizes what you believe about your topic and gives 3 reasons why. Thesis = what you believe about your topic + 3 reasons why

Class Practice Thesis Statement Topic: Organic foods Position: People should eat more locally-grown organic food Reasons: 1. organic foods are healthier and tastier 2. farming methods are better for the environment 3. buying locally-grown food reduces transportation costs Thesis Statement: People should eat more locally-grown organic food because organic foods are healthier and tastier, the farming methods are better for the environment, and it reduces transportation costs.

Class Practice Thesis Statement Topic: Death Penalty Position: We should abolish the death penalty Reasons: 1. it is not a deterrent to crime 2. it is a cruel and unusual punishment and therefore outlawed by our constitution 3. it unfairly affects the poor and minorities Thesis Statement: Because it does not deter crime, because it affects the poor and minorities unfairly and because it constitutes cruel and unusual punishment, the United States should abolish the death penalty.

Your Turn Thesis Statement Which side of the issue do you most agree with (pro/con)? – What solution/action do you recommend? (i.e. We want people to use more reusable products instead of disposable ones.) What are the 3 most convincing reasons from your research for your position? Put it all together in one sentence. Thesis = what you believe about your topic + 3 reasons why

On a piece of looseleaf... My topic: _______________ Write at least 3 different thesis statements – each time playing with your words, really working on the ideas of loaded language in support of your topic Choose your best one and re-write it at the bottom of your outline.