Senior Project How to Write a Thesis Statement

Definition and Purpose What you will prove in paper Guides body paragraphs Body paragraphs support your side

Contents of a Thesis Topic Argument: your side Reasoning: why you have that argument Solution: what can be done to help

Example The portrayal of smoking in the media is harmful to teenagers because it causes many to start the habit, and must therefore be outlawed. Circle topic Underline argument Put a square around the reasoning Put a squiggly line under the solution

Rules for writing a thesis statement 1. One sentence only End of introduction paragraph Supported by facts/data Referenced in conclusion paragraph

Rules continued… 2. Not a fact Says something about a fact Takes a side on a topic

Rules continued…. 3. Uses precise vocabulary No “good” “bad” “sad” “stuff” Instead:

Rules continued… Unifies the paper Body paragraphs represented