1. THESIS STATEMENTS

2. WHAT IS A THESIS STATEMENT? A Thesis Statement is a sentence that “states the main idea of writing assignment.” Beyond serving to introduce a topic, the sentence directs the reader on how to organize and understand the ideas of the paper. o The thesis contains an arguable point and becomes a “road map” that openly outlines the purpose and course of development the paper will take. (Thesis = TOPIC + SPECIFIC ASSERTION) o Generally, the statement is a one and two sentences. Usually it is placed at or near the end of the introductory paragraph. o The rest of the paper will serve as information to support your thesis.

3. HOW TO DRAFT A THESIS STATEMENT  Know your Topic: Before you can develop a thesis or argument, you must collect and organize information on your topic.  Narrow Your Scope: Based on your acquired information, limit the focus of your paper to a specific subject. This will help to make your ideas more concise and ease the construction of a thesis statement Ex. Astronomy -> Constellations -> The Big Dipper  Know Your Type of Paper: Is your paper analytical, expository, argumentative, or narrative? -Analytical: Paper deconstructs an idea or issue into components. It presents a “breakdown and evaluation to the audience.” -Expository: Paper provides an explanation of a subject to audience. -Argumentative: Paper makes a claim and seek to convince audience using supporting evidence  Accept That Your Topic Might Change

4. WHAT MAKES A GOOD THESIS STATEMENT o A strong thesis gives direction to the paper and specifies a specific focus. o A thesis statement, is greatly strengthened if supported by “proof” or evidence. Don’t write, “Eating fast food is bad and should be avoided.” While the statement does make an argument, it is not strong as it is too broad. Underlined is the argument of the statement. “Americans should eliminate the regular consumption of fast food because the fast food diet leads to preventable and expensive health issues, such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.” In this statement, the same argument is made that fast food should be avoided. However, this thesis becomes provides evidence to support the claim (fast food leads to health issues) and presents a clear direction of what the paper seeks explore. Underlined is the argument of the statement and the “proof” for the claim. Examples by: www.kibin.com/essay-writing-blog/thesis-statement-examples/

5. PURDUE OWL’S THESIS STATEMENT EXAMPLES Analytical Thesis statement: “An analysis of the college admission process reveals one challenge facing counselors: accepting students with high test scores or students with strong extracurricular backgrounds.” Expository Thesis statement: “The life of the typical college student is characterized by time spent studying, attending class, and socializing with peers.” 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.” Examples by: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/545/01/

6. THESIS PRACTICE 1.What is your topic? 2.What is your claim; how will you narrow your scope? 3.What is your paper type? 4.Gather evidence to add to the introduction and support paper’s claim 1. Amelia Earhart first female to fly solo across the Atlantic ocean. Too Factual Too Broad Too Vague 2. Being late to class will cause many problems. Too Factual Too Broad Too Vague 3. Traveling is good for a person. Too Factual Too Broad Too Vague Too Factual? Too Broad or Too Vague?

7. "10 Thesis Statement Examples to Inspire Your Next Argumentative Essay." Kibin Blog. N.p., 14 July 2014. Web. 29 Apr. 2016. Tardiff, Elyssa, and Allen Brizee. "Welcome to the Purdue OWL." Purdue OWL: Creating a Thesis Statement. Purdue OWL, 10 Feb. 2014. Web. 29 Apr. 2016.. "Tips on Writing a Thesis Statement." Gustavus Adolphus College. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2016.. WORK CITED