2. Thesis Statement What you need to know!

3. THESIS STATEMENT 2 What Is a Thesis Statement? It tells the reader what your paper is about. It tells the reader what your paper is about. It establishes the point of view the writer is taking, and the focus of the paper. It establishes the point of view the writer is taking, and the focus of the paper. It sets the mood for the paper, and it prepares the reader for facts and details which you will provide as evidence for your thesis. It sets the mood for the paper, and it prepares the reader for facts and details which you will provide as evidence for your thesis.

4. THESIS STATEMENT 3 Where Are Thesis Statements Located? Thesis statements are generally found in the introduction, or opening paragraph, of your paper. Thesis statements are generally found in the introduction, or opening paragraph, of your paper. In addition, thesis statements are often restated in the conclusion, or last paragraph. In addition, thesis statements are often restated in the conclusion, or last paragraph.

5. THESIS STATEMENT 4 A Few General Guidelines The thesis statement must be supported by using sufficient material in your paper. The thesis statement must be supported by using sufficient material in your paper. Keep the reader or teacher's expectations in mind. Keep the reader or teacher's expectations in mind. A good thesis statement is clear, restricted, and precise. A good thesis statement is clear, restricted, and precise.

6. THESIS STATEMENT 5 A GOOD THESIS STATEMENT… SHOULD fulfill the assignment. SHOULD fulfill the assignment. SHOULD assert one main idea. SHOULD assert one main idea. SHOULD be clearly stated in specific terms. SHOULD be clearly stated in specific terms. SHOULD say what it means. SHOULD say what it means. SHOULD state an attitude or opinion. SHOULD state an attitude or opinion. SHOULDN’T be unreasonable. SHOULDN’T be unreasonable. SHOULDN’T insult the reader. SHOULDN’T insult the reader. SHOULDN’T use general statements. SHOULDN’T use general statements. SHOULDN’T consist of facts or data. SHOULDN’T consist of facts or data. SHOULDN’T start with, "My purpose is…" "I intend to show that…" "In my opinion…" "I feel…" SHOULDN’T start with, "My purpose is…" "I intend to show that…" "In my opinion…" "I feel…"

7. THESIS STATEMENT 6 Example Idea: Peer pressure and someone’s first smoking experience Idea: Peer pressure and someone’s first smoking experience Thesis Statement: Although many friends think cigarettes are stylish, one will discover that smoking is actually a disgusting habit with many health risks. Thesis Statement: Although many friends think cigarettes are stylish, one will discover that smoking is actually a disgusting habit with many health risks.

8. THESIS STATEMENT 7 Example Idea: Finding a Solution to Campus Parking Problems at HFCC Idea: Finding a Solution to Campus Parking Problems at HFCC Thesis Statement: To solve the lack of parking space at HFCC, administrators should use state funds to build parking lots. Thesis Statement: To solve the lack of parking space at HFCC, administrators should use state funds to build parking lots.

9. THESIS STATEMENT 8 Improve These Thesis Statements Obvious: Litter creates pollution of the environment. Obvious: Litter creates pollution of the environment. Thesis Statement: Recycling programs, though expensive at first, are ultimately an efficient, cost effective, and environmentally sound means of reducing waste in our environment. Thesis Statement: Recycling programs, though expensive at first, are ultimately an efficient, cost effective, and environmentally sound means of reducing waste in our environment.

10. THESIS STATEMENT 9 Opinion: I like chocolate. Opinion: I like chocolate. Thesis Statement: Even though chocolate satisfies my taste buds, it causes weight gain, clogs arteries, and contains caffeine. Thesis Statement: Even though chocolate satisfies my taste buds, it causes weight gain, clogs arteries, and contains caffeine.

11. THESIS STATEMENT 10 Many topics: Medical marijuana and television violence should not be legalized because they negatively influence young children. Many topics: Medical marijuana and television violence should not be legalized because they negatively influence young children. One Topic: Medical marijuana use should not be legalized because it can create problems for families and communities. One Topic: Medical marijuana use should not be legalized because it can create problems for families and communities.

12. THESIS STATEMENT 11 Unfocused: Martin Luther King, Jr. is a role model for everyone to follow. Unfocused: Martin Luther King, Jr. is a role model for everyone to follow. Focused: Because of his determination, his courage to follow his beliefs, and his continuous sense of justice, Martin Luther King, Jr. is a symbol of American freedom. Focused: Because of his determination, his courage to follow his beliefs, and his continuous sense of justice, Martin Luther King, Jr. is a symbol of American freedom.

13. THESIS STATEMENT 12 How Do I Write a Thesis Statement? A. Decide on your topic. Choices & Consequences B. Put your topic in a sentence. Choices & consequences affect our lives.

14. THESIS STATEMENT 13 C. Add your argument, viewpoint, or opinion to your topic to make your thesis persuasive. Choices that you make in your life might have a positive or a negative impact on your future.