Thesis Statements

Thesis Express and support an opinion, a proposal, a position, an evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an interpretation.

Criteria for Good Thesis Statements Arguable – Reasonable people could disagree Supportable – Can be backed up with evidence, reasons Specific – Not vague, not too general, not too broad “Maps out” the paper – Gives the reader a guide to the organization of the argument Third person – No “I” or “me” in the paper

Model Persuasive Thesis Statements Topic: School uniforms Because adopting school uniforms has been shown to improve behavior and academic achievement, Harrisburg High School should consider adopting them for a two year trial period. Because adopting school uniforms has not been shown to improve either behavior or academic achievement, Harrisburg High School should not adopt school uniforms.

Model Persuasive Thesis Statements Topic: Sodas in the lunchroom Our school should remove sodas and other artificially sweetened drinks from the lunchroom because students are replacing nutritional foods with empty calories. Sodas should remain an option in our lunchrooms because of their fundraising importance and because they allow students to begin exercising responsibility and good decision-making. Instead of banning sodas, schools should teach students about the nutritional and health effects of consuming high fructose corn syrup to better prepare them to make healthy and economical choices. Schools should not restrict lunchroom food choices because those decisions should belong to the students and their parents.

Model Persuasive Thesis Statements Topic: Cell phones at school Students should be allowed to carry cell phones at school because they provide students more security, they can be used in emergencies, and they keep parents involved in their children’s school lives. Cell phones should not be allowed at school because of their potential to distract students, to lead to thefts, and to be used for cheating. Schools should think of inventive ways to incorporate cell phones into modern education because students’ success in the future will depend on their ability to use technology for creative and productive purposes.

Evaluate this thesis statement I have always thought that soccer is the best sport.

Evaluate this thesis statement Snowboarders are a danger on the slopes.

Evaluate this thesis statement Skateboarding is not a crime.

Evaluate this thesis statement. Video games help build important skills like hand-eye coordination.

Evaluate this thesis statement. Social media is a fad. Social Media

Is Social Media a Fad? Create a thesis statement Arguable – Reasonable people could disagree Supportable – Can be backed up with evidence, reasons Specific – Not vague, not too general, not too broad “Maps out” the paper – Gives the reader a guide to the organization of the argument Third person – No “I” or “me” in the paper

Yesterd ayDate 2Date 3Date 4 Is Social Media a Fad?