1. Thesis Statements

2. What is a thesis statement?
A thesis statement is a complete sentence in your introductory paragraph that gives your paper focus and….
Presents the topic/ prompt, and your stand on the issue (it therefore answers the question/prompt)
Contains a SUBJECT and OPINION
Describes how you will support your opinion (in your 5 paragraph essay, these are your three pieces of support)
You can think of it as a formula
SUBJECT + OPINION+ 3 PIECES OF EVIDENCE = THESIS

3. Criteria for a good thesis statement
Arguable: Reasonable people could disagree with your argument
Supportable: It can be backed up with evidence and reasons
Specific: Not vague or too general. Make sure to clearly identify your topic
Simple: Regardless of your paper’s length try to limit your thesis to ONE sentence
Outlines the paper: It gives the reader a guide to the organization of the argument
Third Person: no “I” or “me” in the paper
Declarative: Be confident in your assertion! There should be no qualifiers such as might, may, perhaps, sometimes, etc…

4. What a thesis statement isn’t
An “I” or “my” statement (for example, do not use “I think/believe/argue” or “In my opinion”)
A title or incomplete sentence (i.e. “My summer vacation.”, “Smoking is bad.” )
A question (i.e. “What are the best ways to quit smoking?”
Please DO NOT begin your thesis with “This essay will talk about” or “In this paper” or anything along those lines…it will make Ms. Kubiak (and your future teachers) very, very sad 

5. So….Now What?
When it comes to writing your essay, the thesis is really half of the battle
Once you have your thesis, you know how your essay will be structured and what each paragraph will look like
EACH SUPPORTING POINT IN YOUR THESIS STATEMENT WILL BECOME ONE OF YOUR THREE BODY PARAGRAPHS
You should also make a point of addressing your thesis again in your conclusion

6. How to write your thesis
Decide on your topic
Narrow your topic
Put your topic in a sentence
Add your argument, viewpoint, or opinion
Add specific language to guide the direction of your argument
Use the “thesis test”

7. The “Thesis Test”
Once you have your thesis, “test” it by asking yourself the following questions:
Does my thesis answer the question/prompt?
Is my thesis specific?
Is my thesis arguable?
Does my thesis take on a position?
Does it pass the “So What?” test? (if the reader’s first response will be “so what”, “who cares” or something along those lines then you have some work to do).
Does your thesis provide an idea of the examples, explanations and/or evidence you might use?
Finally- is it interesting? Does it make me (or any reader) want to continue reading your work?
If you answer “NO" to any of these questions, what changes must you make in order for your thesis to pass this test?

8. Good or Bad?
Label each of the theses below as good or bad. Rewrite the “bad” to make them stronger
Summer is the best season.
Short stories teach many life lessons.
Coffee is the best drink in the world because it keeps you awake, tastes good and is readily available.
English is the best subject and math is the worst.
I believe that goats make good pets because they are fluffy, give milk and can jump.
Skittles is the best ferret ever because she is cute, energetic and fun to play with.
More technology should be used in school.
Students should be allowed to carry cell phones at school because they provide students more security, they can be used in emergencies, and they keep parents involved in their children’s school lives.

9. Try It
Write a thesis about the protagonist in your novel. When you are done, share with your neighbor and take the “thesis test” Ex. Bob is a generous character because he gives money to the poor, volunteers and helps others.
Happy
Writing