1. Thesis Statement

2. What is it?
The controlling idea of the essay.
A sentence that explains to your reader what to expect your essay to be about.
(Important Idea)

3. Where does it go? In the introductory paragraph.
Usually the last sentence in the paragraph.
Make sure to lead up to the thesis!
Don’t introduce your thesis…(Don’t say, “The thesis of my essay is…”).

4. Caution!
Be sure that everything that you write in your essay ties in to the thesis statement.
If it doesn’t, you are either off topic or you need to rewrite the thesis.

5. Extra Info It can be (and usually is) an opinion.
The thesis statement should make it clear what the purpose of your paper is.
It is NOT a question! You know what your paper is about…now tell the reader.

6. Example Pizza is a healthy food.
Although pizza can have healthy ingredients, it is typically not considered a healthy food.
Technology is bad for kids.
Although technology can have negative effects on learning, there are also many benefits.