1. Thesis Statement

2. In my paper, I am going to tell you about women’s rights in the 1800s. And your point is?

3. An essay without a thesis statement is like a car without a driver.

4. A thesis statement should... be specific appear towards the end of your first paragraph (in formal writing) be a road map for the rest of the paper be concise (one or two sentences) not a list of facts be arguable

5. Sample Thesis Women's labor in their homes during the first half of the nineteenth century contributed to the growth of the national economy. What do you think?

6. Sample Thesis? Women’s rights were important in the 1800s. What do you think?

7. Sample Thesis? The harmful effects of the gold rush on natural resources was detrimental to California’s natural environment, therefore, the gold rush should not be considered progress for our country. What do you think?

8. Sample Thesis? The transcontinental railroad was an important invention in our nation’s history. What do you think?

9. Improve the thesis: Prompt: Describe how television commercials influence children. Bad: Television commercials have an influence on children.

10. Improve the thesis: Prompt: Explain why many young people enjoy hobbies. Bad: One hobby that many young people enjoy is reading.

11. Improve the thesis: Prompt: Discuss the benefits of playing team sports. Bad: Playing team sports has many benefits.

12. A thesis is the result of a lengthy thinking process. Formulating a thesis is not the first thing you do after getting an assignment. Before you develop a thesis on any topic, you have to collect and organize evidence, look for possible relationships between known facts, and think about the significance of these relationships.

13. Once you do this thinking, you will probably have a “working thesis,” a basic or main idea, an argument that you think you can support with evidence but that may need adjustment along the way.

14. So how do I write a thesis? Writing a thesis

15. Step 1 Create a question about your topic

16. Step 2 Find evidence that answers your question

17. Step 3 Put it all together

18. And what if... How do I write a thesis in a short story or creative writing piece?

19. Creative Writing Thesis = Author’s message Your thesis will be shared in your writing through the author’s message