1. Writing Thesis Statements
An Interactive Activity to Develop Effective Writing Skills

2. Learning Objective
Given the definition and components of a thesis statement, along with a sample writing prompt with pre-written thesis statements, students will be able to distinguish the better of three thesis statements by correctly identifying it.

3. You will see this on a test next week!
Thesis Statements:
You will see this on a test next week!
Give direction to the author of a paper
Give readers an idea as to what the paper will be about

4. An essay without a thesis statement is like a car without a driver
Where am I going?
An essay without a thesis statement is like a car without a driver
ESSAY

5. What is it?
Your thesis is the basic stand you take, the opinion you express, and the central point you wish to make.
It’s your controlling idea, tying together and giving direction to all of the separate elements in your paper.
Your primary purpose is to persuade the reader that your thesis is valid.

6. Most Important!!!!
The most important thing to understand before you create your thesis statement is that it MUST contain two parts, a subject (also called a topic) and an opinion or assertion about that subject.

7. Let’s start
When defining your thesis, start by writing a one-sentence version of the thesis called a thesis statement. For example,
1. Professor Smith (subject) is a classic absentminded professor (opinion about subject).
2. Professor Smith’s colorful personality (subject) makes her a great lecturer (opinion).

8. Limited Subject Thesis Statement
1. Professor X Professor X is an incompetent teacher.
2. Commercials Television commercials can be great entertainment.
Writing with a thesis gives a paper an intrinsic dramatic interest. You, as the writer, commit yourself. You have something at stake: “This is what I believe, and this is why I’m right.” You say, “Professor X is incompetent.” Your reader says, “Tell me why you think so.” You say, “I’ll be glad to.” Your reader says, “I’m listening,” and you’re ready to go.

9. A Thesis is not… 1. A Thesis is not a Title Title: Not a Thesis
An Enlightening Experience
Thesis Statement
My first day at Katella High School was an enlightening experience.

10. 2. A Thesis is not an Announcement of the Subject
Announcement: Not a Thesis This paper will attempt to explain why the boys split into two hostile groups.
Thesis Statement
The boys split into two hostile groups because of their inherent violent nature

11. 3. A Thesis Statement is Not a Statement of Absolute Fact A thesis makes a judgment or interpretation. There’s no way to spend a whole paper supporting a statement that needs no support.
Fact: Not a Thesis
1. Jack felt anger towards Ralph and eventually formed his own group.
2. Bellevue High School’s colors are Blue and Gold.

12. Characteristics of a Thesis Statement
Addresses the prompt clearly
Makes a claim, or
Presents an argument
Is arguable (an opinion)
In first paragraph of essay
You should be great at this!

13. What a Good Thesis Is
A Good Thesis is Restricted. It deals with restricted, bite-size issues rather than issues that would require a lifetime to discuss intelligently.
The more restricted the thesis, the better the chances are for supporting it fully.

14. A Good Thesis is Unified. It expresses one major idea about its subject. The tight structure of your paper depends on its working to support that ONE IDEA.
POOR: People trapped on islands aren’t usually captivating, but people have always liked learning about their stories, and many fine writers have written about their plights.
BETTER: Islands provide enchanting settings for stories that appeal to the basic human desire for adventure.

15. A Good Thesis is Specific. There is not enough time to be vague
A Good Thesis is Specific. There is not enough time to be vague! “The new gym is impressive,” for example, could mean anything from impressively beautiful to impressively ugly. With a thesis statement like “Our principal is cool,” you would probably have to spend more words defining “cool” than discussing the principal. Even when there’s no likelihood of confusion, vague ideas normally come through as so familiar or dull or universally accepted that the reader sees no point in paying attention to them.

16. A Checklist for deciding if your thesis is effective:
__The thesis statement presents an opinion that is sufficiently limited.
__The thesis statement answers “So What” by saying something meaningful.
__The thesis statement presents an arguable statement which can be supported and is worth exploring.
__The thesis statement answers all parts of the question or prompt.
__The thesis statement asserts a single idea. (No more than one!)
__The thesis statement is located at the beginning of the paper.

17. It’s time to spot a thesis!
On each of the following slides,
read the writing prompt and the two sample statements.
Click on the one that is the best choice for a thesis.

18. 1. Early on in life, people develop an admiration for heroes
1. Early on in life, people develop an admiration for heroes. In a well-developed essay, discuss a person you admire and why you chose this person.
Option A
One person I admire is Babe Ruth, who played baseball from 1914 until 1935.
Option B
One person I admire is Babe Ruth, the greatest baseball player of all time.

19. Incorrect
Option A
One person I admire is Babe Ruth, who played baseball from 1914 until 1935.
Although this does address the writing prompt, this is a factual statement. A thesis statement should be something you can argue for or against.

20. Correct! Great Job! Option B
One person I admire is Babe Ruth, the greatest baseball player of all time.
This statement addresses the prompt, and presents and opinion that can be argued.

21. 2. …Discuss the social, political and economic effects of World War II on the United States.
Option A
World War II was a costly war that had a major impact on the economy of the United States
Option B
World War II not only affected the economy of the United States, but also altered the role of the American government and the American people forever.

22. Incorrect
Option A
World War II was a costly war that had a major impact on the economy of the United States
Although this is meets all the criteria for a thesis statement, it only addresses part of the writing prompt. Remember, the statement tells the reader what to expect. With this as a thesis, one would only expect to read about the economic effects.

23. Correct Again!!!!
Option B
World War II not only affected the economy of the United States, but also altered the role of the American government and the American people forever.
This is correct because it addresses the social, economic and political effects as stated in the prompt. Notice that the words people (social) and government (political) were used in this statement. This makes the sentence more original and shows the reader that you know what “social” and “political” refer to.

24. Practice. You will get there.
Option B
In India, globalization has meant new jobs for India’s emerging middle class.
Again, this would be a perfect thesis statement, if the prompt only asked for the effects of globalization. The prompt, however, specifies positive and negative effects. This is only positive.

25. Assignment
Yes, this is due completed at the end of class.
Read the top half of your “Thesis Statement Practice” handout.
Note the four (4) requirements for each of the topic questions provided.
Look closely at the example completed for you.
Refer back to this example when you complete the remainder of the assignment.

26. Work Cited
Even I use easybib.com
Rodriguez, Mr. "Thesis Identifying Activity." Upload & Share PowerPoint Presentations and Documents. Web. 30 Mar <