1. Thesis Statements - Notes You will need to formulate a thesis statement for the STAAR Expository Essay.

2. What is a Thesis Statement? A thesis statement presents what you intend to prove about a subject or an issue. A thesis statement must contain a subject (the topic) + an assertion (your opinion that you will prove in the paper). A thesis statement answers the prompt. The thesis statement is typically located at the end of your introduction paragraph, which sets up your thesis statement and outlines the rest of your essay.

3. Writing a Good Thesis Statement RULE 1 - A good thesis statement is short and simple. It should not be longer than one sentence.

4. Rule 1 – Example (....short & simple) Good Example: Success is a result of consistently doing the right things. Bad Example: In a world full of success gurus and books about success, it becomes ever so more important to delineate the one trait that ultimately determines success: doing the right things consistently.

5. RULE 2 - A good thesis statement is limited to one main idea.

6. Rule 2 – Example (…limited to one main idea) Good example: The key to successful dieting is focusing on a specific goal. Bad example: The key to successful dieting is focusing on a specific goal, which is also the key to successfully running a business and coaching a football team.

7. RULE 3 - A good thesis statement is a declarative sentence (forms a statement) that does not use qualifiers (might, maybe, perhaps, etc.)

8. Rule 3 – Example (…don't use might, maybe, perhaps) Good example: Kevin Durant's ability to score, rebound, and steal makes him the league’s most valuable player. Bad example: Kevin Durant’s ability to score, rebound, and steal just might make him the league’s most valuable player.

9. Thesis Statement Tips You must form an opinion and state it clearly. Do not be wishy-washy. Be sure you have approached your evidence fairly, without bias. Consider both sides of the controversial issue, and then write about the side you can prove more easily.

10. A thesis statement should NEVER contain the following: “I am going to tell you about....” “This essay examines...” “In my opinion...” “I think...” “I believe...”

11. Thesis Practice – Example 1 Prompt: What would make school less boring? Possible Answer: If cell phones were allowed in the classroom. Possible Thesis Statement: School would be less boring if cell phones were allowed in the classroom.

12. Now, let’s try the same prompt with a few different possible answers. Make sure the thesis you write supports the possible answer you are given!

13. Thesis Practice – Example 2 Prompt: Write an essay explaining whether it is always essential to tell the truth or if there are times it is better to lie. Possible Answer: You should always tell the truth. Possible Thesis Statement: It is always necessary to tell the truth no matter the circumstance or situation.

14. Thesis Practice – Example 3 Prompt: Write an essay explaining whether it is always essential to tell the truth or if there are times it is better to lie. Possible Answer: You should always be honest. Possible Thesis Statement: The most important value any human being can possess is honesty at all times.

15. Thesis Practice – Example 4 Prompt: Write an essay explaining whether it is always essential to tell the truth or if there are times it is better to lie. Possible Answer: It's ok to lie sometimes. Possible Thesis Statement: Saving someone's feelings from getting hurt is definitely a circumstance in which it is justifiable to lie.

16. Thesis Practice – Example 5 Prompt: Write an essay explaining whether it is always essential to tell the truth or if there are times it is better to lie. Possible Answer: Lying can sometimes help your relationships. Possible Thesis Statement: Sometimes telling a “little white lie” is acceptable in order to maintain a peaceful relationship.