1. Thesis Statements and Topic Statements
English II Academic Writing

2. How to write thesis statements
1. Use the prompt as a stem for your answer.
How does Langston Hughes address the issues of race in his poem “Theme for English B”?
Langston Hughes addresses the issue of race through word play, contrasting images of place, and repetition and rhyme.

3. The Three-Part Thesis
The three part thesis identifies the main points (topic statements) of each body paragraph. In the following thesis:
Langston Hughes addresses the issue of race through word play, contrasting images of place, and repetition and rhyme.
The first paragraph would provide evidence for word play; the second body paragraph would provide evidence for contrasting images; the last body paragraph would show examples of repetition and rhyme.

4. Make an observation 2. Make an observation
By looking at A and B (or C), it is clear that….
Why does Achebe include details about Ibo culture when they are unrelated to the theme?
By presenting details about the Ibo judicial system and socioeconomic structure, Achebe presents the Ibo as complex a civilization as the British.

5. D.A.D.S. Thesis statements must be…
Defendable- it must be supported by facts or evidence that can be found.
Analytical- it cannot be a statement of fact or opinion. It should extend an idea or observation.
Debatable- it must be a view that a reasonable person could contest or challenge.
Specific- it must focus on/ analyze one topic/ text.

6. Determine which of the following thesis statements follow DADS.
Free speech is a good thing.
Of all the examples of persuasive speaking in American history, Frederick Douglass’s “What to the Slave is Fourth of July” is by far the most effective.
Communism is a socio-political economic system.
High school intervention programs for teens who are at high risk of pregnancy should be implemented in South Texas schools with state funding.

7. Transform the following topics into a DADS thesis statement.
American involvement in the Middle East.
The death penalty/ capital punishment
Doctor-assisted suicide/ euthanasia
More restrictions on gun control

8. Topic Statements
The first sentence of each paragraph is a topic statement. A topic statement represents the main idea of your paragraph.

9. Sample Outline for Joe Paterno
Thesis Statement: Joe Paterno was a beloved iconic figure, who made an error in judgment that ultimately led to his downfall.
Topic Statement 3: Paterno’s poor decision led to his downfall at a point in his life where he should be focusing on his health.
Fired
Topic Statement 1: Joe Paterno was revered at Penn State.
Battling cancer
His reputation and career marred by the Sandusky scandal
Discuss Paterno’s successful football program
Topic Statement 2: Although Joe Paterno did report the incident, his lack of inquiry granted Sandusky another nine years of child molestation.
Discuss the incident