The Thesis Statement

ESSAY Introduction Thesis Statement Body Paragraph #1 Body Paragraph #2 Body Paragraph #3 The Thesis Statement A Road Map for Your Essay

Introduction Thesis Statements After you have brainstormed and you have some main ideas of what you would like to write in your essay, you can begin thinking about writing a thesis statement. What’s a thesis statement????

So, What is a Thesis Statement? • Subject + • Controlling Purpose • (sometimes plus Time and Place)

Definition Thesis Statement A thesis statement is a complete sentence that contains one main idea. This idea controls the content of the entire essay. A thesis statement that contains subpoints also helps a reader know how the essay will be organized. Look at the introductory paragraph below. See if you can identify the thesis statement and subpoints.

Definition Thesis Statement When I was young, I always knew that I wanted to become a teacher someday. When I played, I would often gather my dolls together and pretend to teach them how to do math problems or how to read a book. As I grew older, my desire to become an ESL teacher became clearer as I did some volunteer teaching overseas and in the United States. As I look back on my reasons for becoming a teacher, there are three reasons that stand out. They are: my love for the English language, my innate interest in how people learn, and my desire to help other people . Subpoints in the thesis or nearby help the reader know how the essay will be organized The thesis statement contains the main idea that controls the content of the essay.

Thesis Statement Another Example Psychologists have argued for decades about how a person’s character is formed. Numerous psychologists believe that one’s birth order (i.e. place in the family as the youngest, oldest, or middle child) has the greatest influence. I believe birth order can have a significant impact in the formation of a child’s character based on my own experience growing up in a family of four children. Birth order can strongly affect one’s relationship with parents, relationships with others, and how one views responsibility as an adult. The thesis statement contains the main idea that controls the content of the essay. Subpoints in the thesis or nearby help the reader know how the essay will be organized

Key Features Thesis Statement • states the main idea of the essay in a complete sentence, not in a question. • is usually at the end of an introduction. • states an opinion or attitude on a topic. It doesn’t just state the topic, itself. • often lists subtopics. • does not directly announce your main topic.

Key Features Main Idea in a Complete Sentence Since the thesis statement is the main statement for the entire essay, it should express a complete thought and be a complete sentence. The thesis statement is asserting an opinion or idea, so it should not be a question. Look at the examples below to see how they can be made into thesis statements.

Where To Start Once you have gathered your information, Ask Yourself a Few Questions: What would my reader want to know about my topic? What will be the point of my paper? What is the most important thought that I have about my topic? What has my research shown me about my topic? {Click Mouse to Continue}

Refining Your Working Thesis To turn your Working Thesis into a Final Thesis Statement, compare it to the requirements for a strong thesis statement: • Is it TOO NARROW? • Is it TOO VAGUE? • Is it TOO BROAD? This Working Thesis needs to be made more specific. It is too BROAD! Family may mean different things to different people, but it is an important part of every culture. {Click Mouse to Continue}

Requirements For a Strong Thesis: There Are Three (3) Requirements For A Strong Thesis Statement. Let’s look at each of these requirements a bit closer… • It should not be TOO BROAD! • It should not be TOO NARROW! • It should not be TOO VAGUE! {Click Mouse to Continue}

Requirements For a Strong Thesis: A Strong Thesis Should Not Be Too Broad! If your point is too wide or too deep for you... You may find yourself drowning in information, unable to prove your point! {Click Mouse to Continue}

Requirements For a Strong Thesis: A Strong Thesis Should Not Be Too Broad! The death penalty in Alabama has been ineffective in deterring crime and should be replaced with more efforts to reform criminals and not murder them. Let’s Look At An Example The death penalty should be banned in the United States. That would definitely leave you drowning: TOO BROAD! Much Better! That definitely is an opinion narrow enough to be proven in a college essay! {Click Mouse to Continue}

Requirements For a Strong Thesis: A Strong Thesis Should Not Be Too Narrow Either! If your thesis is too specific for you... You may find yourself Trying to stretch the small amount of information that you find to fit your essay! {Click Mouse to Continue}

Requirements For a Strong Thesis: A Strong Thesis Should Not Be Too Narrow! In Lord of the Rings, the author carefully chose a weapon for each character that was symbolic, and revealed something about them to the reader. Though this may be interesting, it would take some tugging to stretch it into an entire essay! In Lord of The Rings, the sward given to Frodo by his uncle represents the passing down of a legacy. Let’s Look At An Example That looks like a thesis statement we wouldn’t have to stretch for! {Click Mouse to Continue}

Thesis Statements Are Not As Hard As You May Think… First, let’s look at what a Thesis Statement is NOT! {Click Mouse to Continue}

This is not a complete sentence. The sport of cross-country running. Why do I want to be a teacher? This is a question, not a statement. Key Features Main Idea in a Complete Sentence The sport of cross-country running has allowed me to get in better shape and meet some interesting people. Thesis Statement Being a teacher is a great profession, because it allows me to work with students and be creative. Thesis Statement

This is not a complete sentence. The problem of pollution in big cities. Why should marijuana be legalized? This is a question, not a statement. A Complete Sentence Another Example The problem of pollution in major cities can be alleviated by limiting the number of cars allowed to drive on city streets and creating more efficient public transportation systems. Thesis Statement Marijuana should be legalized because it is not any more addictive than tobacco and it can provide numerous medicinal benefits for those suffering from terminal illnesses. Thesis Statement

Roadmap to your Paper Thesis sentence—expand to paragraph Topic sentence 1—expand to paragraph Topic sentence 2—expand to paragraph Topic sentence 3—expand to paragraph Closing sentence—expand to paragraph

Key Features Location English readers like to know what an essay will be about near the beginning of the essay rather than at the end. This is why the thesis statement is often found at the end of the introductory paragraph.

The thesis statement comes at the end of the introductory paragraph. This sentence tells the reader that he/she can expect to read about the events that caused the author to stop smoking in the rest of the essay. Key Features Location For most of my life I have lived with bad health, smelly clothes, and a chronic cough. My children and husband begged me to stop the habit that caused these conditions, but I couldn’t. The habit of smoking had wrapped its addicting arms around me and was slowly strangling me until one day I realized I had to stop. This realization came after three terrifying events occurred in my family.

The thesis statement comes at the end of the introductory paragraph. This sentence tells the reader that he/she can expect to read more about how Maya Angelou expresses these themes in her writing. Location Another Example Maya Angelou is an accomplished African-American author in the United States. While growing up, she suffered tremendous hardship. Some of her most difficult life events are portrayed in novels and poems such as, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and, Still I Rise. Her written works often include strong themes such as perseverance through trials, love for family, and passionate optimism.

Key Features States an Opinion or Attitude Good thesis statements often express a writer’s opinion or attitude on a particular topic. This makes the thesis statement more specific and requires the writer to explain or prove his/her opinion in the essay. Look at the examples below.

Key Features States an Opinion or Attitude Learning to play many musical instruments when I was young helped me to become a more intelligent and well-rounded person. I learned to play many musical instruments when I was young. This thesis statement is much better because it expresses how the writer feels about the experience of learning to play musical instruments. This thesis statement requires the writer to explain how and why playing a musical instrument made him/her a better person. This would not be considered a good thesis statement because it is only expressing a fact. It doesn’t give the writer’s opinion or attitude on playing musical instruments. This thesis statement doesn’t give the writer very much to explain or prove in his/her essay.

An Opinion or Attitude Another Example This would not be considered a good thesis statement, because it is only expressing a fact. It doesn’t reflect the writer’s opinion or attitude on Cancun. This thesis statement doesn’t give the writer very much to explain or prove in his/her essay. Cancun is a popular vacation spot in Mexico. Cancun is one of the best vacation spots in Mexico because of its comfortable climate and proximity to some well-known archeological sites. This thesis statement is much better because it expresses how the writer feels about Cancun. This thesis statement requires the writer to explain how and why going to Cancun is a good choice for visitors.

Key Features Subtopics You can make your thesis statement more specific by including subtopics or supporting ideas. By doing this, you give your reader a clear idea of what will follow in the body paragraphs of your essay.

subtopic #2 subtopic #1 subtopic #3 Key Features Subtopics The large influx of people to California has had major effects on the state. No subtopics are named in this thesis statement. The large influx of people to California has had major effects on the ability of the state to provide housing, electricity, and jobs for all residents. This statement names three subtopics. Can you find all of the subtopics?

subtopic #1 subtopic #2 subtopic #3 Subtopics Another Example Inner-city public schools grapple with some serious problems. No subtopics are named in this thesis statement. Some of the most serious problems in today’s inner-city public schools are the overcrowded classrooms, the low percentage of trained teachers, and the lack of resources such as textbooks for students. This statement names three subtopics. Can you find all of the subtopics?

Key Features Don’t State the Obvious In thesis statements, you should avoid using statements like, “This essay will discuss…” or “I’m going to write about…”. Try to write a thesis statement that captures your reader’s attention without announcing your main topic and stating the obvious. Look at the examples below.

Key Features Don’t State the Obvious In this essay, I am going to discuss the effects of long-term drug abuse. Long-term drug use can have disastrous effects on one’s marriage, career, and health.

Don’t State the Obvious Another Example This essay will discuss some ways teachers can fight teenage drug abuse. Teachers can fight teenage drug abuse by educating young people on its dangers and by being good role models.

Key Features Review • states the main idea of the essay in a complete sentence, not in a question. • is usually at the end of an introduction. • states an opinion or attitude on a topic. It doesn’t just state the topic, itself. • often lists subtopics. • does not directly announce your main topic.

Practice Exercises Now, you are ready to practice what you’ve learned. Click on the button below to go back to Unit B. Complete the Interactive Review and Exercise 1.

Types of Thesis Statements • 1. Illustration—to show what is meant • 2. Description—person, place, object • 3. Process—how to do something • 4. Definition—an explanation • 5. Compare and Contrast • 6. Classification • 7. Persuasion—to convince the reader of something

Types of Thesis Statements • Narrative—begin with anecdote or example • Unusual fact or Startling Statistic makes the reader want to read on • Quotation—relevant or interesting quote from reputable source, literature or directly from your historical figure • Explanatory—tell the reader why the topic is noteworthy • Summary—give the reader an overview of the topic • Rhetorical Question—ask a question your paper will answer • Definition—if you use a term in a certain way, define it for the reader • Historical—give a brief history of the key points of the topic • Specialized—link with the audience to make them want to read on

Conclusions • Closure—refer to the introduction but avoid restatement • Quotation—end with a short quote that summarizes, gives insight or gives a twist • Question—be challenging and appropriate • Sentence Definition—to summarize and present your opinion • Summary—rephrase main points to re-emphasize importance • Refer to the future—discuss implications for coming generations • Call to action—tell the reader to act today if you discuss a persuasive topic.

The Thesis Statement