1. Created by José J. González, Jr.
Writing a Thesis
“Have you something to do tomorrow, do it today.”
Ben Franklin
Writing a good thesis is like finding a chest full of gold. It is the first step to a successful essay
Created by José J. González, Jr.
Spring 2002

2. Thesis defined:
The thesis sentence tells the reader what the entire essay is about, a map of your essay.

3. Thesis facts: It is usually the last sentence of the first paragraph.
It is the most important sentence of your entire essay.
In one sentence you must include your position and reasons.

4. Let’s look at a thesis sentence:
I strongly believe that smoking should be banned in public places because smoke pollutes the environment, contaminates our lungs, and smells terrible.
position
reasons
Note: Thesis is one sentence composed of two parts.

5. Unscramble the thesis and is used as a form of contraception
Learning the right order of the thesis sentence is important. So try to unscramble this sentence.
and is used as a form of contraception
because abortion is tantamount to murder
I strongly believe that abortion should be banned
cheapens life

6. Corrected thesis:
I strongly believe that abortion should be banned because abortion is tantamount to murder, cheapens life, and is used as a form of contraception.

7. Can you fix this thesis sentence?
I believe teenagers should get paid minimum wage because they do the same amount of work, equal labor laws , and they need the money.
In this thesis sentence the reasons are not parallel which means that they are not in the same grammatical form. Do your best to improve it and then we’ll take a look at the improved version on the next slide.
In this thesis sentence the reasons are not parallel which means that they are not in the same grammatical format. Do your best to improve and then take a look at the improved version on the next slide.

8. Improved version
Teenage workers should get paid minimum wage because they do the same amount of work, are subject to equal labor laws, and need the money.

9. Can you fix this sentence?
I myself say that all citizens at the age of 18 should serve one year in the military because they will learn to work. Also, learn patriotism. Furthermore, they will learn to get along with people.
One of the things you need to keep in mind is that you need to make the thesis sentence one sentence. Do not break it up in to separate sentences because you will use too many words. In this particular thesis sentence, the second and third “ sentences” are not sentences, but fragments.

10. Improved version
All citizens of the age of 18 should serve one year in the military because they will learn patriotism, work skills, and to get along with people.

11. Complete:
Trash burning fires should be banned because____,____, and_____.

12. Handguns should be banned because ______, _______, and ________.
Complete:
Handguns should be banned because ______, _______, and ________.

13. Assignment:
Write a thesis sentence to the following topic.
Do you think that all high school students should wear uniforms to school on a daily basis?