1. Thesis Statement The Backbone of Your Paper

2. Thesis Statement A persuasive paper basically does two things: –It makes a point –It supports that point with evidence

3. Thesis Statement To say it another way, the paper expresses an opinion and then gives reasons why that opinion is correct. This is exactly what the thesis statement includes… –Your opinion –Your three reasons why that opinion is correct.

4. Thesis Statement Basically, your thesis is a road map to your paper, stating briefly – in only one sentence – what your opinion is and why.

5. Thesis Statement Example: It’s hard being the oldest brother or sister in a family because you usually get blamed for what goes wrong, you are expected to be a good, responsible role model for your younger sibling, and you always have to help the littler ones and nobody ever helps you.

6. Thesis Statement Your turn! Create your thesis statement based on your opinion and the research you have found. Remember…the power of three! Never include words like “I think” – just state your opinion.

7. Thesis Statement But wait!!! The order you write your reasons will be the order you create your paragraphs, so choose the order carefully! You could order it from most important to least, or least important to most; however, often you start with your strongest support, then your weakest, and end with the 2 nd strongest.

8. Wishy-washy…kind of…sort of… Taking a momentary break from the thesis statement, let’s talk a little bit about strengthening your paper. What if Thomas Jefferson had written, “I think that all men are created equal.” It just doesn’t pack the same punch as “All men are created equal.”

9. Wishy-washy…kind of…sort of… Let’s practice: Read this letter noticing the wishy- washy words. Wishy-washy words are weak – don’t use them! –“I think” –“I believe” –“I feel”

10. Dear Eddie, I think you are the one for me, and I believe that I am the one for you. I think that you are always looking at me in Mrs. Dietz’s class. I feel we are a match made in heaven. Even though you are always in in-school suspension, I believe that you are a good person deep down inside. My mom and my best friend Shelby don’t agree, but I think they just don’t know you like I do. I think we should declare our love to the whole school by going to the Fall Festival together. What do you think? Love, Clarissa

11. Wishy-washy…kind of…sort of… Now let’s read this letter without using wishy-washy words. Remember…NO “I think” or “I believe” or “I feel”

12. Dear Eddie, You are the one for me, and I am the one for you. You are always looking at me in Mrs. Dietz’s class. We are a match made in heaven. Even though you are always in in- school suspension, you are a good person deep down inside. My mom and my best friend Shelby don’t agree, but they just don’t know you like I do. We should declare our love to the whole school by going to the Fall Festival together. What do you think? Love, Clarissa

13. Thesis Statement Craft your thesis statement: –Opinion –Reason 1, –Reason 2, –and Reason 3.