The Thesis Statement

1. The Thesis Statement Writing and Reading Center Moreno Valley Campus

2. What is a thesis statement? • It is an arguable statement. • It is a complete sentence that expresses your position/opinion on a given topic. • It narrows down your topic to a specific, single focus of investigation. • It establishes a direction for the entire paper. • It is usually stated in your introduction.

3. What is not a thesis statement? • A thesis is never a question; it could be the answer to a question. • A thesis is not an announcement of purpose. • A thesis is not simply a topic. • A thesis is not a fact.

4. Writing a Thesis • A thesis has two parts • Topic: the main subject to be discussed in the essay • Opinion: what the writer thinks about the main subject to be discussed (the topic) Topic: Community College Students Opinion: Work diligently to pass class, to transfer to universities, and to earn four-year degrees. Thesis: Community college students work diligently to pass class, to transfer to universities, and to earn four-year degrees.

5. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement What causes violence in children? Poor A thesis statement is not a question!

6. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement The purpose of my paper is to identify the causes of violence. Poor A thesis is not an announcement of purpose!

7. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement The education system in the United States. Poor A thesis statement is not just a topic!

8. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Teen pregnancy can be reduced with good education, parental support, and birth control. Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

9. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement I would like to discuss how teachers and students can develop better relationships. Poor A thesis is not an announcement of purpose!

10. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement I had squash, tomatoes, and corn in my garden last year. Poor A thesis statement is not too narrow!

11. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Vegetable gardening can be a frustrating hobby. Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

12. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Honesty and trust in the classroom. Poor A thesis statement is not just a topic!

13. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Honesty and trust play an important role in successful teacher-student relationships. Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

14. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Advertising has bad effects on all of society. Poor A thesis statement is not too broad!

15. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement What can be done to reduce violence in schools? Who is to blame-- the parents, the schools, or society in general? Poor A thesis statement is not a question!

16. Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Toy ads on television teach children to be greedy, competitive, and snobbish. Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

17. Writing Reading Center: HUM 232Meet with an Instructor on DutyMeet with a tutorTalk with your instructorOrganize a study group Where can you go for additional help with writing assignments?