1. What is a thesis statement?
It is an arguable statement.
It is a complete sentence that expresses your position/opinion on a given topic.
It narrows down your topic to a specific, single focus of investigation.
It establishes a direction for the entire paper.
It is usually stated in your introduction.

2. What is not a thesis statement?
A thesis is never a question; it could be the answer to a question.
A thesis is not an announcement of purpose.
A thesis is not simply a topic.
A thesis is not a fact.

3. Writing a Thesis A thesis has two parts
Topic: the main subject to be discussed in the essay
Opinion: what the writer thinks about the main subject to be discussed (the topic)
Topic: Community College Students
Opinion: Work diligently to pass class, to transfer to universities, and to earn four-year degrees.
Thesis: Community college students work diligently to pass class, to transfer to universities, and to earn four-year degrees.

4. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement
What causes violence in children?
Poor
A thesis statement is not a question!

5. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement
The purpose of my paper is to identify the causes of violence.
Poor
A thesis is not an announcement of purpose!

6. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement
The education system in the United States.
Poor
A thesis statement is not just a topic!

7. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement
Teen pregnancy can be reduced with good education, parental support, and birth control.
Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

8. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement
I would like to discuss how teachers and students can develop better relationships.
Poor
A thesis is not an announcement of purpose!

9. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement
I had squash, tomatoes, and corn in my garden last year.
Poor
A thesis statement is not too narrow!

10. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement
Vegetable gardening can be a frustrating hobby.
Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

11. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement
Honesty and trust in the classroom.
Poor
A thesis statement is not just a topic!

12. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement
Honesty and trust play an important role in successful teacher-student relationships.
Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

13. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement
Advertising has bad effects on all of society.
Poor
A thesis statement is not too broad!

14. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement
What can be done to reduce violence in schools? Who is to blame-- the parents, the schools, or society in general?
Poor
A thesis statement is not a question!

15. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement
Toy ads on television teach children to be greedy, competitive, and snobbish.
Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

16. America has always been a land shaped by immigrants.
Let’s look at the thesis statement in our book….
America has always been a land shaped by immigrants.