1. Thesis Statements
Easy steps to a great thesis

2. A thesis statement is… A guide map for your entire paper.
Provides a mini- summary of the paper’s content.
Allows the reader to know in advance how the paper is organized.
Lets the reader know why he/she should care…the so what.
Specific in presenting the writer’s postion.

3. A thesis statement can be:
The answer to a question that you have posed.
The solution for a problem you have identified
A statement that takes a position on a debatable topic

4. Thesis statement: Argumentative
An argumentative paper makes a claim based on opinion, evaluation, or interpretation about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence.
Example:
High school graduates should be required to take a year off to pursue community service projects before entering college in order to increase their maturity and global awareness.

5. Thesis statement: Argumentative
High school graduates should be required to take a year off to pursue community service projects in order to increase their maturity and global awareness.
Red: Narrows your audience
Green: The main argument
Purple: Reasoning for your argument

6. Thesis statement: Argumentative
School uniforms:
High school students should be required to wear standard school uniforms in order to better the environment of public school by limiting social stigma.

7. Thesis statement: Argumentative
The legal driving should be sixteen-years-old so that drivers gain valuable experience before adulthood.

8. Thesis statement: Argumentative
Elementary school students should be required to attend school on Saturdays in order to maximize learning by giving students less time to withdraw from class.

9. Thesis statement: Argumentative
Now it’s your turn!
Topic: Cell phones are dangerous
Put audience in (…)
Underline main argument
Put all sub-arguments in *…*
Put reasoning in […]

10. Argumentative Practice
Topic: Cell phones are dangerous
Thesis Statement: Using cell phones while driving is hazardous for drivers of all ages, due to the distraction they cause, and should be a ticketable offence.
Main argument: Cell phones are dangerous when used while driving.
Cell phones cause a distraction
Cell phones can take attention from the road
Counter argument: Cell phones aren’t dangerous while driving when used correctly.
Reply Argument: (Deals with the main argument and proving that it is true)
How many times do drivers have an actual emergency while driving?
If communication is needed, drivers can use hands-free devices or voice command.

11. Animal Research Testing
Thesis Statement
Main Argument (Take a side)
At least two supports
Counter Argument (The opposite of your Main Argument)
Reply Argument (My Main Argument Outweighs the Counter Argument)