Essay Writing: Thesis Statements

What is a thesis statement? A thesis statement is a general sentence with a subject and an opinion (also called commentary [CM]). A thesis statement organizes and states the focus of your paper. A thesis statement can be found in your introductory paragraph (usually at the end).

How does one craft a thesis? Subject: –Summer vacation –School dances –Horror films Opinion: –Too short –Risqué –Predictable

Some Examples (personal) Summer vacation is relaxing, but it is too short. School dances can be fun, but are often risqué. Horror films are predictable and are therefore not as scary as they could be. Australia is the best country of all for a vacation.

Review A thesis is a general sentence with a ____________ and an _________ (also called __________).

Practice For each of the following thesis statements, underline the subject once and the opinion (commentary) twice. Example: West Hills is a wonderful place to go to school. 1. Fishing is fun to do when I’m with my dad. 2. English is my favorite class. 3. It’s exciting going to a new school. 4. Tacos are my favorite food. 5. I like radio station Q106 the most.

Review What are the two parts of a thesis? –_______ and _______ (also called ________)

Descriptive Words Do NOT use vague words in your thesis that do not explain how you feel. E.g., lame, stupid, awesome, cool, etc. Use more descriptive words to convey your feelings: –Disgusting, uninteresting, expensive, mysterious, cruel, embarrassing, brave, proud, selfish, satisfying, thankful, unsuccessful, victorious, etc.

Practice Now you will practice writing thesis sentences of your own. First you need to think of some subjects you know something about. Here are some ideas: –Getting braces –Bicycling –Homework Write your subject in your notes

Practice (cont’d) Next, write a thesis for your subject. Here is an example: –Getting braces was one of the best things that could have happened to me. Notice the subject and opinion (commentary) in this thesis. Now think of a thesis for the subject you chose and write it in your notes. Underline your subject once and your opinion twice.

Your Turn Create a thesis statement for each of the following subjects: –Dress codes –Rap music –The Internet Be ready to share with the class. Now, create 2 thesis statements with subjects of your own choosing. –Underline each subject once and each opinion (commentary) twice.

Final Review A thesis is a general sentence with a _______________ and an __________ (______________).

Homework Write a thesis for our prompt “The 3 Most ___ Things About the First Day of School” Look at what you wrote in your journal entry. What kinds of things did you write about? –Were they: scary, exciting, new, boring, overwhelming…etc?

Review Identify the sentences Mrs. Drake will show you as thesis statements or not. Number 1 to 10 in your notes. For each sentence you see, write “Yes” if it is a thesis statement and “No” if it is not. Remember that a thesis is a general sentence with a ________ and an _______ (_______)