1. Ms. N. Williams 5th/6th Grade ELA
Thesis Statements
Ms. N. Williams
5th/6th Grade ELA

2. Objective
I CAN learn to write thesis statements in order to introduce a claim.

3. What is A Thesis Statement?
A thesis statement is the controlling idea or main proposal that a writer attempts to support in a piece of writing.
It is one sentence. It is the proposal that you will need to support or prove with claims and evidence.

4. What ISN’T a Thesis Statement?
A thesis statement is NOT:
An indisputable fact (the earth is round)
A personal opinion (rap music is horrible)

5. Thesis Statement Examples
Alexander Hamilton was a great leader because he assured the financial securing of the United States.
George Washington was called the Father of our country because without him, the colonists would have lost.

6. Brainstorming a Thesis Statement
Know your topic
Ask an interesting question
Form an argument
Revise the question into a thesis
Know your topic: television violence and children
Ask an interesting question: What are the effects of television violence on children?
Form an argument: Television violence has a negative effect on children.
Revise the question and argument into a thesis: Violence on television increases aggressive behavior in preschool children.

7. Things to Keep in Mind when Writing A Thesis Statement
Use clear, strong language
Your thesis should tell your audience what your entire essay will be about.
Use specific language – NOT “sometimes,” “some people say,” “at least,” and “some of the time”
Your thesis statement will never be a question, and it will always be a complete sentence.
It will mention the problem and your position.