1. Take some good notes in your English notebook!
Thesis statements
Take some good notes in your English notebook!

2. A thesis…
Is a subject or idea plus an opinion about that subject or idea.
Is the main idea of an essay that tells a reader what the writer is trying to prove

3. What does a good thesis look like?
It is an assertion, not a statement of fact or an observation
It takes a stand rather than announcing a subject
It is the main idea, but not the title. It must be a complete sentence
It is narrow, rather than broad.
It is specific rather than vague or general
It has one main point rather than several main points

4. All the evidence and analysis in an essay must be related to the thesis.
The development of barbed wire fences in the American West was important because it contributed to a new business understanding of property and ownership.
Cattle and sheep grazing on open prairies
Prairie settlement before and after barbed wire
Stones and timber vs. wire
Development of threshers and reapers
Growth of ranching

5. All the evidence and analysis in an essay must be related to the thesis.
The development of barbed wire fences in the American West was important because it contributed to a new business understanding of property and ownership.
Cattle and sheep grazing on open prairies
Prairie settlement before and after barbed wire
Stones and timber vs. wire
Development of threshers and reapers
Growth of ranching

6. Work towards more mature thesis statements!
No more of this…
King Tut was the most famous pharaoh in Ancient Egypt.

7. Aim for this…
Although she previously was known as a fantasy writer, Suzanne Collins has become one of the premier authors of the post apocalyptic genre with her successful Hunger Games series.

8. More quality thesis statements…
Because of his close ties and experiences with fellow Beat writers, Ken Kesey is considered one of the Beat generation’s best known writers.
Although he was well known for his essays on writing, E.B. White is arguably best known for his beloved children’s book, Charlotte’s Web.
Because of her difficult and often traumatic childhood, Maya Angelou developed a writing voice for oppressed yet hopeful people everywhere.