1. Thesis Statement
Review

2. What is a Thesis?
1. Describes your topic – what your writing will be about.
2. Introduces a claim you are making about your topic – what is your opinion?
3. Describes three ways you will support and develop your claim.

3. Topic + Claim Three Supporting Details
Thesis Formula
Topic + Claim Three Supporting Details

4. Example:
Going back to college was a complex process that involved researching a school, applying for admission, and enrolling in classes. Let’s break it down …

5. Topic
Going back to college was a complex process that involved researching a school, applying for admission, and enrolling in classes.
The writing is about going back to college.
But, there is a lot to say on this subject, so we need to narrow it down to one, specific claim.

6. Claim
Going back to college was a complex process that involved researching a school, applying for admission, and enrolling in classes.
The topic is narrowed down to the complexity of going back to college. Now the topic is more focused.

7. Three Supporting Details
Going back to college was a complex process that involved researching a school, applying for admission, and enrolling in classes.
Three reasons going back to college is a complex process:
You need to research a school
You’ll have to apply for admission
You’ll need to enroll in classes

8. A Good Thesis Statement …
Establishes the focus of the writing.
Limited to one topic.
A declarative sentence – does not use might, maybe, probably, could, perhaps …)