1. Keys to creating a successful thesis statement
Thesis Statements
Keys to creating a successful thesis statement

2. Every paper you write should have a main point, a main idea, or central message. The argument you make in your paper should reflect this main idea. The sentence that captures your position on this main idea is what we call a thesis statement.

3. Definition
A thesis statement is a one-sentence summary of the of the writer’s argument to be supported by solid evidence and reasoning.

4. What is a Thesis Statement?
It is usually one sentence.
It states the main idea or argument of your essay.
It makes a claim that others might dispute- you must give your opinion.
Is focused and specific enough to be "proven" within the boundaries of your paper.
Is supported by solid evidence.
Provides a roadmap to the argument you will write.
What is a Thesis Statement?

5. What type of paper are you writing?
An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.
An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.
An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.
From Purdue OWL (

6. Structure of a thesis statement
The enumerative thesis lists the evidence that supports your argument. This is also known as a three point thesis. Each body paragraph discusses one major point and provides supporting evidence Example: Communism in Eastern Europe failed as a political system due to corruption in the government, mismanagement of financial resources and the growing unrest of the people.
The umbrella thesis encompasses the entire argument in a concise statement without naming each piece of evidence that the author plans to use Example: Communism collapsed in Eastern Europe because of the ruling elite's inability to address the economic concerns of the people.
From The Harvard Writing Center

7. Dos and Don’ts Do
Don’t
Present a clear position or point that you are arguing.
Be as clear and as specific as possible; avoid vague words.
Write in third person.
Announce the thesis, e.g. “This paper will discuss….”
Phrase it as your opinion. “I feel or I believe that….”
Write your thesis in question format.
Leave your reader asking “How?” or “Why?”

8. Revise again and again
Create a simple thesis for your topic and work to improve it. Most people do not write the perfect thesis statement on the first try.
Exchange the informal wording for more formal language. Academic papers require a more formal style of language than conversation

9. Examples Too informal: Eating fast food is bad and should be avoided.
Much better:   Americans should eliminate the regular consumption of fast food because the fast food diet leads to preventable and expensive health issues such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.
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Weak : Marijuana should not be legalized because smoking it is morally wrong.
Much better: Marijuana should not be legalized because research has shown that its use negatively affects brain cells, compromises the user’s judgment, and can become addictive.

10. Revision
Thesis statements can (and should) be revised as you further refine your evidence and arguments. New evidence often requires you to change your thesis.
If you find that your thesis statement and the content of your essay do not match, revise one or the other--or both.

11. Thesis statement examples - Civics
Excessive playing of video games can cause decreased social interaction, increased aggressive behavior, and poor academic performance in children.
Animal testing can lead to our healthier future, less incurable diseases, and more saved lives.
Vaccinations against diseases such as polio, rubella, and mumps, should be mandatory, without exception, for all children of the U.S. who wish to attend school.
Even though cyberbullying frequently happens after the school day is over, school officials should have the authority to discipline students who engage in this behavior.

12. Thesis statement examples – History
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s leadership, personal commitment and focus on nonviolence earned him national prominence as a civil rights leader that effectively worked to end segregation in the United States.
The efforts of American women during World Ward II permanently changed gender roles in American society.
Joseph Stalin’s terror-ridden regime was a totalitarian dictatorship in which he stopped at nothing to attain his goals of rapid industrialization and complete government control of the Russian citizens.

13. Thesis statement examples - English
Samuel Beckett’s Endgame reflects characteristics of Theatre of the Absurd in its minimalist stage setting, its seemingly meaningless dialogue, and its apocalyptic or nihilist vision.
Gwendolyn Brooks‟s 1960 poem “The Ballad of Rudolph Reed” demonstrates how the poet uses the conventional poetic form of the ballad to treat the unconventional poetic subject of racial intolerance.

14. Where Does the Thesis Statement Go?
It is usually a single sentence at the end of your first paragraph that presents your argument to the reader.

15. Introduction paragraph
The introduction paragraph of an essay provides the reader with general background information about the subject being discussed. The first sentence of your introductory paragraph should contain an attention grabber or hook, which is a sentence that attracts your reader’s attention makes them want to read further.

16. Introduction paragraph
Once all necessary and relevant background knowledge is stated, it is typically then that a thesis statement can be declared at the end of the introduction paragraph.
The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, presents the evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation.

17. Introductory paragraph. Where does the THESIS STATEMENT go?
Hook or attention grabber to engage your audience
State situation or controversy or provide some background information about the topic
Thesis statement is usually at the end of the introductory paragraph.

18. Let’s practice
thinking/argumentative-thesis/argumentative-thesis-activity/