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Thesis Statement. The summary sentence that supports your opinions and ideas The LAST sentence in the introduction paragraph. Why should your essay contain a Thesis Statement?. To put your main ideas into one summary sentence To better organize and develop the opinion/argument of your essay
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Thesis Statement The summary sentence that supports your opinions and ideas The LAST sentence in the introduction paragraph
Why should your essay contain a Thesis Statement? • To put your main ideas into one summary sentence • To better organize and develop the opinion/argument of your essay • To provide your reader with a “guide” to your argument
How to Generate a Thesis Statement • The Thesis should answer a single question that will give the main idea of your essay. • Your first step is to understand the specific question. • The answer to the question is the thesis statement for the essay.
Example • Question: “What are the potential benefits of using computers in an eighth grade class?” • Answer/THESIS: “The potential benefits of using computers in an eighth grade class are …” (2 reasons/ideas)
How to Tell a Strong Thesis Sentence form a Weak One • A strong thesis takes some sort of stand. (gives your opinion) • A strong thesis expresses a main idea and is specific.
Strong Thesis Statement • Question: Should middle schools serve soda at lunch? • Answer: Middle Schools should not serve soda at lunch because of soda’s high sugar content which contributes to poor nutrition, and bad behavior in class.
HINT • Many clear and engaging thesis statements contain words like “because”, “since”, “so”, “although”, “unless”, and “however”.
Forming a Thesis • Read the question. • Figure out your opinion. • Brainstorm to find 2 reasons to support your opinion. • Form the thesis statement that answers your question by restating the question. • The two reasons should also be included in the thesis.
Example • Should cell phones be allowed in school? On your paper brainstorm 2 reasons why cell phones should or should not be allowed at school. Write your thesis statement
Cell phones should be allowed in school because REASON 1, REASON 2.
Homework • Why is a good education crucial for being successful in life? • Were Pontiac and his followers justified in fighting the British? • Who was more justified in their goals for the Ohio Valley, the British or the French? • Should teachers on the Dream Team give homework?