Organizing a Thesis Statement English 202 Mr. Kershaw

Definition of Thesis Statement A Thesis Statement is a single sentence that contains your main argument, or claim, and breaks the paper down into sections (or subtopics). A Thesis Statement is a single sentence that contains your main argument, or claim, and breaks the paper down into sections (or subtopics).

A thesis must… A thesis must state an opinion, not a statement of fact. A thesis must state an opinion, not a statement of fact. A thesis must be a single, grammatically correct sentence A thesis must be a single, grammatically correct sentence A thesis must divide the paper into sections or subtopics. A thesis must divide the paper into sections or subtopics.

Issues to Avoid in Writing a Thesis Statement Avoid the first person: Avoid the first person: –Instead of saying “I think”, “I believe”, “In my opinion,” or “I will explain” simply state your thesis as a factual statement. Your research will then prove that this statement is true. Avoid Simply Stating a Fact: Avoid Simply Stating a Fact: –This is not a report, it is an argument.

Examples of a Thesis Statement Poor Thesis, Lacking Development: Poor Thesis, Lacking Development: –The death penalty should be abolished. Good Thesis Statement with Development: Good Thesis Statement with Development: –The death penalty in the United States should be abolished because it is (I.) not fairly applied, it is (II.) more expensive than life imprisonment, and it (III.) does not deter criminals. Good Thesis Statement Creatively Stated and Developed: Good Thesis Statement Creatively Stated and Developed: –Capital punishment, which often (I.) involves abhorrent mistakes and (II.) is cost prohibitive, (III.) is ineffective in deterring serious crime.

Another Example of a Thesis Statement Poor Thesis, Lacking Development: Poor Thesis, Lacking Development: –World War I had many causes. Good Thesis Statement with Development: Good Thesis Statement with Development: –World War I was caused by (I.) the rise of nationalism along with (II.) massive military buildups and the (III.) creation of competing alliances throughout Europe.

Things to Remember… You are the expert in your own research paper. State all of your opinions as fact, then use your research to prove your opinions. You are the expert in your own research paper. State all of your opinions as fact, then use your research to prove your opinions. All of the topics revolve around a historical mystery or a scholarly debate. Determine the question associated with your topic, and then make sure that your thesis responds to the question. All of the topics revolve around a historical mystery or a scholarly debate. Determine the question associated with your topic, and then make sure that your thesis responds to the question. Once you’ve decided your claim (your response to the question) be sure that your thesis provides three specific reasons why you answered the question as you did. Once you’ve decided your claim (your response to the question) be sure that your thesis provides three specific reasons why you answered the question as you did.