1. Thesis Statements

2. What is a thesis statement?
A thesis statement states main idea of an essay.
It directs the course your entire essay. All of your examples and facts are there to support your thesis.

3. A thesis statement is usually one sentence.
It is the last sentence in the introductory paragraph of an essay.

4. Avoid the following: the first person (I believe, In my opinion, etc.)
unclear language (It seems, etc.)
attempting two topics at once, even if they seem related.
Pick one and stick with it.
just stating a fact . A thesis is something you plan to make an argument about.

5. A thesis statement should not be too broad.
The world is a magnificent place to live.
Better
Good teachers make Lanier Middle School a fantastic school.

6. Which sentence is too broad to be a good thesis statement?
One reason to live in Houston is that it has wonderful restaurants and a thriving art scene.
Houston is a great place to live.

7. Too Broad
Houston is a great place to live.

8. A thesis statement should not be too wordy.
Some problems with Lanier Middle School are that it needs another computer lab, new lights in the gym, roof repairs, more restrooms, and a number of other physical changes to the building.
Better
Lanier Middle School needs several changes to its facility to make it a better school.

9. Which sentence is too wordy to be a good thesis statement?
A. Abe Lincoln was one of the best presidents the United States has ever known.
B. Abe Lincoln was an excellent speaker, the 16th President of the United States, a liberator of slaves, and united the North and South at the end of the American Civil War.

10. Too Wordy
Abe Lincoln was an excellent speaker, the 16th President of the United States, a liberator of slaves, and united the North and South at the end of the American Civil War.

11. A thesis statement should not be too general.
Lanier Middle School is a good school.
Better
Daily writing practice has led to improved writing skills for the students at Lanier Middle School.

12. Which sentence is too general to be a good thesis statement?
A. Music makes people happy.
B. Music therapy is useful in relieving stress and other conditions.

13. Too general
Music makes people happy.

14. Example Poor: Stephen King writes readable books.
Good: Stephen King’s books are so good because they are about normal people who get into supernatural situations.