5 STEPS TO WRITING AN EFFECTIVE THESIS The objective (or goal) for today is for you to write your thesis statement in response to your topic.

Step 1: The Topic The “topic” of your essay is essentially what your essay is about. Once you have chosen your topic from the list of those provided to you, write it at the top of your paper.

Step 2: The Position What is one thing about your topic that you believe to be true and that you wish to make a case about? You may already have a “position” in mind, or you may just have a general topic you know you wish to work with. If you do not yet have a position, making a cluster or a map with your topic in the center is a good way to help yourself find a position. Another good way is to begin a free write, “I’m supposed to write an essay about____________...” and see where it takes you. However you get there, write a short statement describing your position; this will help you limit your focus. Write your position below your topic. Example Position: I am supposed to write about Saturday school; I don’t want to go to school on Saturdays because I work, see my dad, and play soccer.

Step 3: The Qualification Is what you say always true always? Are there exceptions? Are there good reasons why your position may have a down side? How can you make your position have a reality check? What general reasons why your position may have problems can you admit up front? To make absolute statements usually causes your essay’s thesis to seem foolishly simplistic. Get real! Here’s a trick: begin your qualification with a word(s) like “although,” “even though,” “while,” or “it may be true that...” “some people argue/believe/contend/...Don’t worry if it’s not a complete sentence. And, don’t be afraid to turn to your prompt. Example Qualification: Although many schools are open on Saturdays to further their students education,... Write your qualification in the space below your position.

Step 4: In general why do you believe your position to be correct in spite of your qualification? What is the over all good to be gained by agreeing with your position? This is a general statement; your specific reasons will follow in the body of your essay. These will be up to three points. Write your reason below your qualification. Example Reason: it would not be detrimental to student success.

Step 5: Put them all together! In one sentence, present your thesis, including a qualification, a reason, and a position. – The classic, traditional way of combining is to first present your qualification; this immediately demonstrates your interest in accuracy. – Then present your general reason that demonstrates your thinking process, and finally the punch line--your position. Example Thesis: Although many schools are open on Saturdays to further their students’ education, Saturday classes may actually be detrimental to many students’ lives outside the classroom because time is taken away from other life-enriching pursuits.

Example Example of an argumentative thesis statement: High school graduates should be required to take a year off to pursue community service projects before entering college in order to increase their maturity and global awareness. The paper that follows should: present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community projects before entering college

Examples 1. The government needs to limit farm subsidies to farmers who make less than $100,000 a year profit. 2. The NCAA academic requirements need to be changed to accommodate students whose focus has been athletics and not academics. 3. Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations need to be enforced more strictly on farms to keep employees, employers, and children safe. 4. Without private school vouchers for taxpayers, some of America’s finest schools may be closed. 5. Liberal arts requirements are outdated in a world where technology determines human success.

Examples 6. Term limitations in Congress will force members of Congress to meet their constituents’ demands. 7. Passage of the Equal Rights Amendment will give women the chance to serve in combat. 8. The amendment to ban the destruction of the United States flag in protest demonstrations is a sacrifice of the First Amendment. 9. Unless people vote in favor of the levy referendum, Thief River Falls Public Schools will have to cut programs, such as art, music, and athletics, that are valuable to its students and, therefore, to the community. 10. To live in a secure nation, Americans must be willing to sacrifice basic freedoms guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.

Review Review Review Your thesis will not be perfect the first time. Don’t worry about making it “pretty” until after you get the basic ideas down. Add higher grade level words and extensions after you get it down!