How to write a thesis statement

1. How to write a thesis statement

2. What is a Thesis Statement? • A thesis can act as a map that you provide for your reader to follow. • works as a guide to say what is most important about your • it can serve as an outline to follow as you write. • A strong thesis statement is composed of three parts: the what, the what about it, and the why.

3. Thesis Statement Location • The thesis statement should guide your reader through your argument. • It is generally located in the introduction of the paper. • A thesis statement may also be located within the body of the paper or in the conclusion, depending upon the purpose or argument of the paper.

4. The What: • This is the overall subject of the sentence and the basis of your topic • Should open the sentence as the clear subject • State the full name • For example: Because of its benefits, it should be legal. • Instead write: Medical marijuana must be legalized for its medicinal properties, and its implications to our legal system and economy.

5. What about it? • This is your position on your topic, your argument, or what you will prove. • Should clearly state the purpose of your paper • As the action of the statement, it should follow the subject. • For example: Because of its benefits, it should be legal. • Instead write: Medical marijuana must be legalized for its medicinal properties, and its implications to our legal system and economy.

6. Why • This is the significance of your argument, why you have chosen your position, how you will prove it, or what supporting evidence will be shown. • Try to present them in order of how you will organize your body paragraphs. • For example: Because of its benefits, it should be legal. • Instead write: Medical marijuana must be legalized for its medicinal properties, and its implications to our legal system and economy.

7. Components of a Strong Thesis • Focused • Make sure your thesis statement is not too broad! • Position must be clear. Do you agree with what your topic? Why? What evidence do you have? • Relevant • Make sure your thesis pertains to your topic • Readers should not be asking: so what?

8. Most important steps: • Revise, revise, R-E-V-I-S-E • Make sure that as you go through the writing process, make sure that your thesis is matching up with your paper. • Common mistakes include changing information or shifting the focus in one’s topic and not changing the thesis to align with it. • Be sure you are answering the prompt • It’s easy to get lost in a paper, but be sure that you find yourself back to your original purpose and goals.

9. Questions?