1. Thesis Statement  The summary sentence that supports your opinions and ideas  The LAST sentence in the introduction paragraph

2. Why should your essay contain a Thesis Statement?  To put your main ideas into one summary sentence  To better organize and develop the opinion/argument of your essay  To provide your reader with a “guide” to your argument

3. How to Generate a Thesis Statement  The Thesis should answer a single question that will give the main idea of your essay.  Your first step is to understand the specific question.  The answer to the question is the thesis statement for the essay.

4. Example  Question: “What are the potential benefits of using computers in an eighth grade class?”  Answer/THESIS: “The potential benefits of using computers in an eighth grade class are …” (2 reasons/ideas)

5. How to Tell a Strong Thesis Sentence form a Weak One  A strong thesis takes some sort of stand. (gives your opinion)  A strong thesis expresses a main idea and is specific.

6. Strong Thesis Statement  Question: Should middle school’s serve soda at lunch?  Answer: Middle School’s should not serve soda at lunch because of soda’s high sugar content which contributes to poor nutrition, and bad behavior in class.

7. HINT  Many clear and engaging thesis statements contain words like “because”, “since”, “so”, “although”, “unless”, and “however”.

8. Forming a Thesis  Read the question.  Figure out your opinion.  Brainstorm to find 2 reasons to support your opinion.  Form the thesis statement that answers your question by restating the question.  The two reasons should also be included in the thesis.

9. Example  Should cell phones be allowed in school? On your paper brainstorm 2 reasons why cell phones should or should not be allowed at school. Write your thesis statement

10.  Cell phones should be allowed in school because REASON 1, REASON 2.