1. A Road Map for Your Essay
The Thesis Statement
A Road Map for Your Essay
Introduction
ESSAY
Thesis Statement
Body Paragraph #1
Body Paragraph #2
Body Paragraph #3

2. What is a thesis statement?
A thesis statement is the main idea of an essay.
It is often a point you want to argue or support in an essay. SO
The thesis statement explains to a reader the main idea of the essay, and the writer’s opinion on that idea.

3. A thesis statement is usually one sentence.
It is often placed in the introductory paragraph of an essay.
A thesis statement is a claim that could be argued.
The essay will contain evidence and opinions that support the argument.

4. Thesis statements avoid the following:
the first person (I believe, In my opinion, etc.)
unclear language (It seems, etc.)
attempting two topics at once (even if they seem related). Pick one and stick with it.
just stating a fact - A thesis is something you plan to make an argument about.

5. A thesis statement should
contain a topic (main idea of what you are writing about)
contain an opinion about the topic (what your attitude is toward the topic)

6. A thesis statement should not be too broad.
The world is a magnificent place to live.
Better
Good teachers make Southwestern Randolph High School a fantastic school.

7. Which sentence is too broad to be a good thesis statement?
The wide range of places to hunt makes Asheboro a great place to live.
Asheboro is a great place to live.

8. Too Broad
Asheboro is a great place to live.

9. A thesis statement should not be too wordy.
Some problems with Southwestern Randolph High School is that it needs a larger stadium, an air conditioned gym, a larger theater, more classroom space, more access to technology, and a number of other physical changes to the building.
Better
Southwestern Randolph High School needs several changes to its facility to make it a better school.

10. A thesis statement should not be too general.
Southwestern Randolph High School is a good school.
Better
Daily writing practice has led to improved writing skills for the students at Southwestern Randolph High School.

11. Which sentence is too general to be a good thesis statement?
A. Music makes people happy.
B. Music therapy is useful in relieving stress and other conditions.

12. Too general
Music makes people happy.

13. A thesis statement should not be a title.
Cost of Living
Better
The cost of living in Asheboro is lower than in most other cities in the United States.

14. Which sentence would not be a good thesis statement because it is a title?
A. Good teaching has led to an increase in AP scores at Southwestern Randolph High School.
B. Rising AP Scores at Southwestern Randolph High School

15. A Title
Rising AP Scores at Southwestern Randolph High School

16. A thesis statement should not be a a fact.
The average temperature for Asheboro in winter is 34 and in summer is 75 degrees.
Better
The climate in Asheboro is ideal for outdoor sports.

17. Which sentence would not be a good thesis statement because it is a fact?
A. The recycling of one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours.
B. Recycling is one of the most important jobs a person can do to protect our environment.

18. A Fact
The recycling of one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours.

19. More Practice

20. Directions: 1) Find the opinion words in the statement
Directions: 1) Find the opinion words in the statement. If there are no opinion words, it is not a thesis statement. 2) Tell if the statement is a good thesis statement.
Although most people believe otherwise, bats are harmless and highly beneficial.

21. In this essay I will discuss the crime rate in Asheboro.
Directions: 1) Find the opinion words in the statement. If there are no opinion words, it is not a thesis statement. 2) Tell if the statement is a good thesis statement.
In this essay I will discuss the crime rate in Asheboro.

22. Energetic exercise is a good way to help relieve stress.
Directions: 1) Find the opinion words in the statement. If there are no opinion words, it is not a thesis statement. 2) Tell if the statement is a good thesis statement.
Energetic exercise is a good way to help relieve stress.

23. Asheboro and Boone differ in many ways.
Directions: 1) Find the opinion words in the statement. If there are no opinion words, it is not a thesis statement. 2) Tell if the statement is a good thesis statement.
Asheboro and Boone differ in many ways.

24. Directions: 1) Find the opinion words in the statement
Directions: 1) Find the opinion words in the statement. If there are no opinion words, it is not a thesis statement. 2) Tell if the statement is a good thesis statement.
This paper will consider the advantages and disadvantages of students having nightly homework.

25. Hate speech should be eliminated for many reasons.
Directions: 1) Find the opinion words in the statement. If there are no opinion words, it is not a thesis statement. 2) Tell if the statement is a good thesis statement.
Hate speech should be eliminated for many reasons.

26. Take out a piece of notebook paper and number from 1 to 10
Take out a piece of notebook paper and number from 1 to 10. In each of the following slides tell whether the sentence is a good or bad thesis statement.

27. Good or Bad Many people do not like to watch violent horror movies.
Today’s movies do not have the emotional impact of the classic horror movies of the 1940’s.

28. Good or Bad
Rap music is the best music ever.
Although many people find rap music offensive, it has had a positive impact on today’s youth.

29. Good or Bad
I enjoy white water rafting.
The first white water rafting trip can challenge a person both in body and spirit.

30. Good or Bad
Sixth grade students are busy.
The life of a typical sixth grade student is challenging due to the need to succeed in extracurricular activities.

31. Good or Bad
Community service projects include building shelter for the homeless, servicing meals to the hungry, providing transportation for the sick, distributing clothes, and a large number of other helpful activities.
Students should help others who are less fortunate.

32. Thesis Statement
When I was young, I always knew that I wanted to become a teacher someday. When I played, I would often gather my dolls together and pretend to teach them how to do math problems or how to read a book. As I grew older, my desire to become an ESL teacher became clearer as I did some volunteer teaching overseas and in the United States. As I look back on my reasons for becoming a teacher, there are three reasons that stand out. These are: my love for the English language, my innate interest in how people learn, and my desire to help other people .
Subpoints in the thesis or nearby help the reader know how the essay will be organized
The thesis statement contains the main idea that controls the content of the essay.

33. Location Another Example
Maya Angelou is an accomplished African-American author in the United States. While growing up, she suffered tremendous hardship. Some of her most difficult life events are portrayed in novels and poems such as, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and, Still I Rise. Her written works often include strong themes such as perseverance through trials, love for family, and passionate optimism.
The thesis statement comes at the end of the introductory paragraph. This sentence tells the reader that he/she can expect to read more about how Maya Angelou expresses these themes in her writing.