Thesis Statements

1. Thesis Statements

2. What is a thesis statement? • A thesis statement is the main idea of an essay. • It is the point you want to argue or support in an essay. What you are trying to prove in your essay. SO • The thesis statement explains to a reader the main idea (purpose) of the essay, and the writer’s opinion of that idea.

3. A thesis statement is almost always one sentence. • It is placed in the introductory paragraph of an essay or paper. Usually the last sentence. • It is the argument or point you are making in your essay, summed up in one sentence • The essay will contain evidence and opinions that support the argument you made in the thesis statement.

4. Thesis statements avoid the following: • the first person (I believe, In my opinion, etc.) • unclear language (It seems, etc.) • attempting two topics at once (even if they seem related). Pick one and stick with it. • just stating a fact - A thesis is something you plan to make an argument about or a point you are proving. Facts are what you use in the body paragraphs to support your thesis statement.

5. A thesis statement should… • contain a topic (main idea that shows the reader what you are going to write about in your paper) • contain an opinion about the topic (what you are going to prove about the topic in your paper)

6. A thesis statement should not be too broad. Too Broad New York City is a magnificent place to live. Better As the capital of world financial markets, theater and fashion, New York City has plenty to offer young people with dreams of success.

7. Which sentence is too broad to be a good thesis statement? • One reason to live in New York City is the access to many wonderful Broadway productions. • New York City is a great place to live.

8. Too Broad New York City is a great place to live.

9. A thesis statement should not be too wordy Wordy Some problems with New York City is that it needs more highways, updated public transportation systems, cleaner air, new schools, a new mayor, and several modern updates to its infrastructure. Better New York City needs several changes to its aging infrastructure to make it a better city.

10. Which sentence is too wordy to be a good thesis statement? A. Abe Lincoln was one of the most successful presidents the United States has ever known. B. Abe Lincoln was an excellent speaker, the 16th President of the United States, a liberator of slaves, and united the North and South at the end of the American Civil War.

11. Too Wordy Abe Lincoln was an excellent speaker, the 16th President of the United States, a liberator of slaves, and united the North and South at the end of the American Civil War.

12. A thesis statement should not be too general. Too general New York City is quite large. Better The five boroughs of New York City are quite unique, making it one of the largest cities in North America.

13. Which sentence is too general to be a good thesis statement? A. Music makes people happy. B. Music therapy is useful in the treatment of stress and other related conditions.

14. Too general Music makes people happy.

15. A thesis statement should not be a a fact. A fact The average temperature for New York City in winter is 34 degrees and in summer is 80 degrees. Better The climate in New York City is ideal for tourism.

16. Which sentence would not be a good thesis statement because it is a fact? A. The recycling of one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours. B. Recycling is one of the most important jobs a person can do to protect our environment.

17. A Fact The recycling of one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours.

18. A thesis statement should notbegin with “In this essay”… EVER!!! • A thesis statement should notbegin with “In this paper” or “This paper will” … EVER!!! • A thesis statement as well as an essay should not ever contain or use “I” in any way, shape or form!!!

19. More Practice

20. Directions: 1) Find the words that make an argument in the statement. If there are no words that suggest an argument, it is not a thesis statement. 2) How do you know if this is a good thesis statement? Although most people believe otherwise, bats are harmless and highly beneficial.

21. Directions: 1) Find the words that make an argument in the statement. If there are no words that suggest an argument, it is not a thesis statement. 2) How do you know if this is a good thesis statement? In this essay I will discuss the crime rate in New York City.

22. Directions: 1) Find the words that make an argument in the statement. If there are no words that suggest an argument, it is not a thesis statement. 2) How do you know if this is a good thesis statement? Energetic exercise is a good way to help relieve stress.

23. Directions: 1) Find the words that make an argument in the statement. If there are no words that suggest an argument, it is not a thesis statement. 2) How do you know if this is a good thesis statement? New York City and Paris differ in many ways.

24. Directions: 1) Find the words that make an argument in the statement. If there are no words that suggest an argument, it is not a thesis statement. 2) How do you know if this is a good thesis statement? This paper will consider the advantages and disadvantages of students having nightly homework.

25. Directions: 1) Find the words that make an argument in the statement. If there are no words that suggest an argument, it is not a thesis statement. 2) How do you know if this is a good thesis statement? Hate speech should be eliminated for many reasons.

26. In your notebook… number from 1 to 10.For each of the following slides…1. Is the sentence a good or bad thesis statement?2. Why is it a thesis or not a thesis? You will only have a few seconds for each statement.

27. Is the Thesis Statement Good or Bad? How do you know? • Many people do not like to watch violent horror movies. • Today’s movies do not have the emotional impact of the classic horror movies of the 1940’s.

28. Is the Thesis Statement Good or Bad? How do you know? • Rap music is the best music ever. • Although some people find rap music offensive, it has had a positive impact on today’s youth.

29. Is the Thesis Statement Good or Bad? How do you know? • I enjoy white water rafting. • The first white water rafting trip can challenge a person both in body and spirit.

30. Is the Thesis Statement Good or Bad? How do you know? • Seniors are busy. • The life of a typical senior is challenging due to the pressure of peers, parents, teachers and extracurricular activities.

31. Is the Thesis Statement Good or Bad? How do you know? • Community service projects include building shelter for the homeless, servicing meals to the hungry, providing transportation for the sick, distributing clothes, and a large number of other helpful activities. • Students should help others who are less fortunate.

32. Create your own Thesis Statements • Using what we have learned today, work in your predetermined pairs to create well-written thesis statements using the following information. There are five different topics for practice. • Prom • The military • Technology • Sports or Exercise • Entertainment