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What is a Thesis Statement?

What is a Thesis Statement?. Don't let the term “Thesis Statement” scare you away from writing a good paper. “Thesis statement” is just a fancy term for a one sentence summary of what the main purpose or point of your paper is. A Thesis Statement is a roadmap.

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What is a Thesis Statement?

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  1. What is a Thesis Statement? • Don't let the term “Thesis Statement” scare you away from writing a good paper. “Thesis statement” is just a fancy term for a one sentence summary of what the main purpose or point of your paper is.

  2. A Thesis Statement is a roadmap. • A thesis statement lets your reader know early on exactly what your essay is going to be about, and it also keeps you focused on your essay's main point. Your thesis statement belongs in your introduction. Here are some examples to help you develop a thesis statement:

  3. A good thesis is very specific. It is not just a general statement. A general statement is too hard to write a good essay about. • The life of Christopher Columbus had a lasting economic and cultural impact on the world. NOT • Christopher Columbus was an explorer.

  4. A thesis does not just announce your paper's subject. • The deserts of the world have many things in common, but their differences are what make them special. NOT • I am going to tell you about the deserts of the world. 

  5. A thesis is not the title of your paper. • While the nutritional value of school lunches may be adequate, their taste and appearance are unappetizing. NOT • School Lunches Suck Slides 1-5: http://writing-for-kids.com/thesis.html

  6. A Simple Formula Topic + 3 main points = Thesis

  7. Let’s Try It With Spongebob • Suppose you are asked to write about why your favorite television show is the best, and that show is “SpongebobSquarepants.” • First, turn your prompt into a question: Why do so many people like “Spongebob?” OR What makes “Spongebob” so special?

  8. Now answer your question with this formula:Topic + 3 Main Points = Thesis • TOPIC: “SpongebobSquarepants” is the best show on television. • SUBTOPIC #1: Spongebob is always getting in trouble. • SUBTOPIC #2: Squidward is a disagreeable personality. • SUBTOPIC #3: Bikini Bottom provides an exciting setting.

  9. Topic + 3 Main Points = Thesis To understand why so many people love “SpongebobSquarepants,” one must look at elements of the show such as Spongebob’s talent for getting into trouble, Squidward’s thoroughly disagreeable personality, and the exciting setting of Bikini Bottom. Among the reasons why so many people love “SpongebobSquarepants,” are elements such as Spongebob’s humorous talent for getting into trouble, Squidward’s thoroughly disagreeable personality, and the exciting setting Bikini Bottom provides.

  10. Your Turn! What do you think is the best show on television? TOPIC: SUBTOPIC #1: SUBTOPIC #2: SUBTOPIC #3: THESIS:

  11. More Examples … • Too broad: It is outrageous for students to be forced to wear school uniforms. • Too narrow: Students who are forced to wear school uniforms have their creativity stifled. • Off topic: When kids grow up, they will have bad memories of school. • Strong Thesis: School uniforms should not be mandatory in public schools because it would stifle students’ creativity, take away students’ rights, and cause students to lose interest in school.

  12. More Examples … Too broad: A healthy diet is important. • Too narrow: People should include eight servings of fruits and vegetables in their diet everyday. • Off topic: Bananas are one of the most nutritious foods on earth. Strong Thesis: A healthy diet is important because it increases energy, prevents illness and promotes well-being in all people. Slides 11 -12: Writing Effective Thesis Statements for Essays: Examples of Strong Thesis Statements for Different Types of Essays http://www.suite101.com/content/writing-effective-thesis-statements

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