1. Thesis statement formula…

2. Step 1: Topic state the topic under construction
School uniforms

3. Step 2: Issue state the specific issue in the form of a debating proposition or resolution
Students at Roxbury High School should be forced to wear school uniforms.

4. Step 3: Position and Rational
Step 3: Position and Rational using a because clause, convert the resolution into a sentence that states your position on the issue and provides a main rationale for that position, thereby creating a rough thesis
Students at Roxbury High School should be forced to wear school uniforms because students will take academics more seriously if they are not focused on looking stylish.

5. Step 4: Polish and qualify
Step 4: Polish and qualify refine the rough thesis: add any qualifications - although clauses are good for this-and consider dropping overt use of because

6. Although opponents argue that making school uniforms mandatory takes away comfort and free choice which makes students more likely to focus on academics rather than clothing, it nevertheless holds true that student grades are lower than in the past and studies show that students wearing school uniforms score significantly higher on standardized tests.

7. Step 5: Reverse and Test test your faith in the thesis and expose potential counter-arguments by reversing your position

8. While one cannot ignore the increase in standardized test scores among students who wear school uniforms, the many other variables associated with those students including, private schooling, extra tutoring, and increased parental involvement in education, are also valid reasons for achievement and, therefore, higher standardized test scores among uniform-wearing students cannot be attributed to the mandatory uniforms alone.

9. Now your turn…
Step 1: Topic state the topic under construction HOMEWORK

10. Step 2: Issue
state the specific issue in the form of a debating proposition or resolution…

11. Step 3: Position and Rational
using a because clause, convert the resolution into a sentence that states your position on the issue and provides a main rationale for that position, thereby creating a rough thesis

12. Step 4: Polish and qualify
refine the rough thesis: add any qualifications - although clauses are good for this-and consider dropping overt use of because

13. Step 5: Reverse and Test
test your faith in the thesis and expose potential counter-arguments by reversing your position