Thesis Statements

What is a thesis statement? A thesis statement is the main idea of an essay. A thesis statement is the main idea of an essay. It is often a point you want to argue or support in an essay. It is often a point you want to argue or support in an essay.SO The thesis statement explains to a reader the main idea of the essay, and the writer’s opinion about that idea. The thesis statement explains to a reader the main idea of the essay, and the writer’s opinion about that idea.

A thesis statement is usually one sentence. A thesis statement is usually one sentence. It is often placed in the introductory paragraph of an essay. It is often placed in the introductory paragraph of an essay. A thesis statement is a claim that can be argued. A thesis statement is a claim that can be argued. The essay will contain evidence that supports the argument. The essay will contain evidence that supports the argument.

Thesis statements avoid the following: the first person (I believe, In my opinion, etc.) the first person (I believe, In my opinion, etc.) unclear language (It seems, etc.) unclear language (It seems, etc.) attempting two topics at once, even if they seem related. attempting two topics at once, even if they seem related.  Pick one and stick with it. just stating a fact. A thesis is something you plan to make an argument about. just stating a fact. A thesis is something you plan to make an argument about.

A thesis statement should contain a topic (main idea of what you are writing about) contain a topic (main idea of what you are writing about) contain an opinion about the topic (what your attitude is toward the topic) contain an opinion about the topic (what your attitude is toward the topic)

A thesis statement should not be too broad. Too BroadToo Broad The world is a magnificent place to live.The world is a magnificent place to live. BetterBetter Good teachers make Highlands Middle School a fantastic school.Good teachers make Highlands Middle School a fantastic school.

Which sentence is too broad to be a good thesis statement? A.One reason to live in White Plains is because it is very close to New York City. B.Mountain City is a great place to live.

Too Board White Plains is a great place to live.White Plains is a great place to live.

A thesis statement should not be too wordy. Wordy Some problems with Highlands Middle School are that it needs a larger playground, an air conditioned gym,, restrooms connected to each classroom, running water in the classrooms, and a number of other physical changes to the building.Some problems with Highlands Middle School are that it needs a larger playground, an air conditioned gym,, restrooms connected to each classroom, running water in the classrooms, and a number of other physical changes to the building.Better Highlands Middle School needs several changes to its facility to make it a better school.Highlands Middle School needs several changes to its facility to make it a better school.

Which sentence is too wordy to be a good thesis statement? A. Abe Lincoln was one of the best presidents the United States has ever known. B. Abe Lincoln was an excellent speaker, the 16 th President of the United States, a liberator of slaves, and united the North and South at the end of the American Civil War.

Too Wordy Abe Lincoln was an excellent speaker, the 16 th President of the United States, a liberator of slaves, and united the North and South at the end of the American Civil War.Abe Lincoln was an excellent speaker, the 16 th President of the United States, a liberator of slaves, and united the North and South at the end of the American Civil War.

A thesis statement should not be too general. Too generalToo general Highlands Middle School is a good school.Highlands Middle School is a good school. BetterBetter Daily writing practice has led to improved writing skills for the students at Highlands Middle School.Daily writing practice has led to improved writing skills for the students at Highlands Middle School.

Which sentence is too general to be a good thesis statement? A. Music makes people happy. B. Music therapy is useful in relieving stress and other conditions.

Too general Music makes people happy.Music makes people happy.

A thesis statement should not be a title. A titleA title Cost of LivingCost of Living BetterBetter The cost of living in White Plains is higher than in many other cities in the United States.The cost of living in White Plains is higher than in many other cities in the United States.

Which sentence would not be a good thesis statement because it is a title? A. Good teaching has led to an increase in ELA scores at Highlands Middle School. B. Rising ELA Scores at Highlands Middle School.

A Title Rising ELA Scores at Highlands Middle SchoolRising ELA Scores at Highlands Middle School

A thesis statement should not be a a fact. A factA fact The average temperature for White Plains in winter is in the 20’s and in summer is in the 80’s.The average temperature for White Plains in winter is in the 20’s and in summer is in the 80’s. BetterBetter The climate in White Plains is ideal for outdoor sports almost all year round.The climate in White Plains is ideal for outdoor sports almost all year round.

Which sentence would not be a good thesis statement because it is a fact? A. The recycling of one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours. B. Recycling is one of the most important jobs a person can do to protect our environment.

A Fact The recycling of one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours.The recycling of one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours.

Subject + Claim + Three Points of Support Copyright Copyright 2012

Let's look at this example: "Going back to college was a complex process that involved researching a school, applying for admission, and enrolling in classes." Can you find the three different components in this thesis statement? Copyright Copyright 2012

Let's look at them this way: "Going back to college was a complex process that involved researching a school, applying for admission, and enrolling in classes." 1. subject or topic 2. claim 3. three points of support Copyright Copyright 2012

Remember the easy formula for a thesis statement! Subject + Claim + Three Points of Support Copyright Copyright 2012

Practice

1.Many people do not like to watch violent horror movies. Many people do not like to watch violent horror movies because ___________, ____________, and _____________.

2. Rap music is the best music ever. Subject + Claim + support

3. I enjoy white water rafting.

4. Sixth grade students are busy.

6. Students should help others who are less fortunate.

Let’s Combine Sentences! Now that we’ve gone over thesis statements, combining sentence will seem very easy.

Let’s Read This Paragraph Plan ahead when visiting Big Bear Lake, California. You don’t want to sleep at a rest stop. You don’t want to use railroad ties for firewood. Big Bear Lake is near San Diego. It is near Los Angeles. It is near Las Vegas. There are many campsites. There are lodges. There are RV parks. They fill up fast. There are many hiking trails. Bring sturdy shoes. Sandals are not optimal for hiking. Many pro athletes live there. There’s a lake at Big Bear Lake, California. Big Bear Lake is at 7,000 feet above sea level. The water is cold. Swimming is discouraged. Boating is encouraged. What is bad about this paragraph?

To make sentences sound more interesting, we can combine two smaller sentences.

Instead of – “there is a lake at Big Bear Lake, California. The water is cold. Swimming is discouraged.” Combine – “The water at Big Bear Lake is cold and swimming is encouraged.”

Another Example “You don’t want to sleep at a rest stop. You don’t want to use railroad ties for firewood.” Combined: “You don’t want to sleep at a rest stop, nor do you want to use railroad ties for firewood.”

Now, Let’s Try It! With your shoulder partner, complete the worksheet using the following words:  For, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.  Read each sentence aloud with your partner to help determine which word works the best.