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Writing a Thesis Statement

Writing a Thesis Statement. Definition: A thesis statement is the main point or idea a writer wants to prove and support in an essay. Four Formulas for Writing a Thesis Statement. Formula # 1. Claim + Scope = Thesis Claim = the writer’s opinion or position on an arguable topic or issue

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Writing a Thesis Statement

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  1. Writing a Thesis Statement Definition: A thesis statement is the main point or idea a writer wants to prove and support in an essay.

  2. Four Formulas for Writing a Thesis Statement

  3. Formula # 1 Claim + Scope = Thesis Claim = the writer’s opinion or position on an arguable topic or issue Example: “Capital punishment should be made illegal.” Scope = a summary of your supporting evidence The scope answers the question “why do you make this claim and how will you prove this claim?” Example: “…because it does not effectively deter violent crime.” Sample Thesis Statement: Capital punishment should be made illegal because it does not effectively deter violent crime.

  4. Formula #2 Specific topic + Attitude/Angle/Argument = Thesis Specific topic:E-coli contamination Attitude/Angle/Argument:should not happen. Thesis statement: E-coli contamination should not happen.

  5. Formula #3 What you plan + How you plan to argueto argue it = Thesis Example: Downloading music on the Internet should be legalbecause it helps promote new artists and makes it easy for consumers to sample new music.

  6. Formula #4 An interesting+The special partsubjectto emphasize = Thesis Example: Susan B. Anthony’s fight for women’s suffrage was a turning point for women across the country.

  7. Other examples of well-written thesis statements • Capital punishment should be kept legal because it effectively deters violent crimes. • Plessy v. Ferguson legalized Jim Crow laws, resulting in the loss of rights for African Americans in the South.

  8. Examples continued • The causes of the Civil War were economic, social, and political. • The Simpsons represents the greatest animated show in the history of television. • The Simpsons treats the issues of ethnicity, family dynamics, and social issues effectively.

  9. Things to Know About Writing Thesis Statements • It is typically located in the opening paragraph (The opening paragraph serves to set the context for the thesis.) • It is clear, strong, and easy to find. • Is developed after topic is researched and studied thoroughly (may be a refining of the statement of controlling purpose (controlling statement))

  10. Helpful websites for writing a thesis statement • http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/545/1/ • http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/thesis_statement.shtml • http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/thesis-statements/ • http://www.crlsresearchguide.org/13_Thesis_Statement.asp

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