1. Writing a Thesis Sentence
It’s As Easy As 1, 2, 3!

2. Does writing a thesis sentence make you feel like this?

4. Things to Remember About an Effective Thesis Sentence
It makes a claim that can be defended or explained.
It controls the ENTIRE Essay. (An essay without a thesis is like a car without a driver!)
It is a clearly worded, complete sentence.

5. A thesis sentence is NOT
A title or topic
Ex. The positive impact of hybrid cars
An announcement
Ex. This essay is about hybrid cars.
A narrow , statement of fact
Ex. BMW offers a hybrid model.

6. Simply put. . . A thesis sentence states the main idea of the essay.
It lets the reader know what the ENTIRE essay is about.
The ENTIRE essay will contain evidence, information, and examples that support the thesis sentence.

7. If you struggle with writing a thesis statement
Follow this simple formula:
Subject + Claim + 3 Supporting Points = Thesis Sentence
Subject = the topic of your essay
Claim = What you’re saying about the topic
3 Supporting Points = Reasons your claim is true
Emphasis to students that this is not the only way to write a thesis sentence, but it is one way that works. It provides a way for students (especially those who struggle or have no prior training) a starting point for writing a thesis sentence.

8. Find the three elements in this thesis sentences
Current research indicates global warming is a growing concern in today’s world because it is causing ice caps and glaciers to melt, oceans to warm, and sea levels to rise.
What is the topic?
What is the claim?
What are the three supporting points?
This is a good place for the teacher to expand on the thesis sentence—specifically how it drives the essay.
It is a crucial part of the introduction.
Each of the supporting points become the topic of a paragraph.
The thesis is restated in conclusion.

9. Try one more
J. Robert Oppenheimer, the American physicist who directed the building of the first atomic bombs during World War II, had technical, moral, and political reasons for opposing the development of the hydrogen bomb.
What is the topic?
What is the claim?
What are the 3 supporting points?

10. Now you try it!
Work with a partner to develop an effective thesis sentence from these 3 elements.
Topic: Internet addiction
Claim: It has serious, negative consequences.
3 supporting points: academic failure, job loss, breakdown in personal relationships.
Allow to work with a partner to create the sentence. Then facilitate a sharing session in which students share their sentences and the class evaluates it as “good to go” (has all the components) or “not yet” (is missing components). The students (not the teacher) will explain the rating they give a sentence.

11. Just remember
Writing a thesis sentence is as easy as 1, 2, 3—characteristics, that is!
A topic
A claim
Three supporting points