Thesis Statements

1. Thesis Statements 7th Grade Research Project

2. Research Report vs. Research Paper Research Report Research Paper Topic Cites fact and statistics Direct quotes of information Thesis Statement Proves or makes a point Takes a stand

3. What is a thesis statement? • A thesis statement is the main idea of an essay. • It is an introduction to your paper that lets the reader know what your purpose for writing the essay. • A thesis statement is usually one sentence. • A thesis statement is a claim that can be argued. • The essay will contain evidence and opinions that support the argument.

4. A thesis statement SHOULD…… • Tell what the topic is • Contain an opinion about the topic that is non-obvious (what your attitude is toward the topic) • Give your purpose for writing the essay • Be able to be supported by the facts • Be stated in an interesting way • Include 3 parts

5. A thesis statement SHOULD NOT… • Be a statement of fact • Be an opinion • Be an announcement • Be written in first person • Attempt to include 2 topics at once • Be too broad • Be a title

6. Parts of a Thesis Statement • Limited Subject- tells the reader exactly on what, or whom the article focuses. • Precise opinion- gives your answer to a question about the subject. A good precise opinion is vital to the reader's comprehension of the goal of the essay. • Blueprint of reasons- A blueprint is a plan. It lets the builder know that the kitchen will be here, the living room will be to the east, the dining room to the west, and the family room will be north.

7. Example of a 3 part thesis statement • Snowboarding is the best winter sport available to young people because of its ease, relative inexpensiveness, and the many opportunities for socialization that it provides. • Snowboarding (limited subject) • Is the best winter sport available to young people (precise opinion) • because of its ease, relative inexpensiveness, and the many opportunities for socialization that it provides (blue print of reasons)

8. Can you identify the 3 parts of the thesis statement below? • The Snickers bar is the best choice for an on-the-go snack for active teenagers because of it’s high level of energy-inducing proteins, satisfying sweetness, and all-around portability. • The Snickers bar (limited subject) is the best choice for an on-the-go snack for active teenagers (precise opinion) because of it’s high level of energy-inducing proteins, satisfying sweetness, and all-around portability (blueprint of reasons).

9. Possible Thesis Statements • Yellow fever epidemic of 1793 was one of the worst epidemics in Philadelphia history because of its mysterious cause, tenacious symptoms, and economic impact. • Dr. Benjamin Rush was one of the most famous doctors of the time because of his medical experience, his use of controversial treatments and the lack of publicity regarding his failures. • French doctors had the most effective treatment of yellow fever because of less invasive procedures, knowledge of sanitary care and reliance on statistics of success. • Greater success in fighting the war against yellow fever could have been achieved through improved education of doctors, better hospitals, and improving treatments.

10. Now you try…. • With a partner, take a few moments to consider the possible topics from yellow. Form some opinions, and create a THREE PART THESIS STATEMENT