How To Write a Thesis Statement

Thesis Statement A Thesis Statement is: A Thesis Statement is NOT: ONE complete sentence Title Phrase A statement of topic and a comment on that topic with reasons to support the comment. Statements of fact

Useful Definitions Topic: the subject matter of a conversation or discussion Comment: a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief about the topic Three-Prong Thesis Statement: ONE sentence stating the topic, comment of opinion/belief, and three reasons (three-prongs) supporting your opinion/belief to be discussed in detail in your research paper.

Building A Thesis Statement From your topic, you need to ask a question about it, research the topic based on the question, discover your opinion/belief about it, and think of 3 ways/3 whys to prove your opinion/belief.

3 Ways/Whys of the Three-Prong Thesis As you research, read, and process the logic of different viewpoints, you should begin to discover your opinion/belief on the topic question (Spoiler – it may change from what you first thought!).

My Example: TOPIC: Teacher salaries QUESTION: Should teacher salaries be increased? RESEARCH: (Okay, I kinda already have an opinion on this topic and question…) OPINION: Teacher salaries should be increased. 3 WAYS/3 WHYS: 1) hours they work 2) responsibilities 3) contributions to the community

STREAMLINED TOPIC: Teacher salaries OPINION/BELIEF: should be increased 3 WHYS (note order): hours they work responsibilities contributions to the community

An example of a three-prong thesis statement In a good thesis statement you can place a back-slash (/) between where the topic ends and the comment on the topic begins. Indicates an opinion is about to be shared Topic of the paper Teacher salaries/should be increased because of the hours they work, their responsibilities, and their contributions to the community. #2 #3 3 WHYS to support my opinion of the topic #1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCzuAMVmIZ8 (3:43)

Worth the $ or too expensive Professional Athlete Salaries Your Turn To Try School uniforms Yes or No Cost of college Worth the $ or too expensive Professional Athlete Salaries Too high, too low, or just right?

With a partner, think of at least one reason for each topics possible opinions/beliefs. Be ready to share your reasons.

EXAMPLE TOPIC: QUESTION: OPINION/BELIEF: WHY reasons (THREE-PRONGS): THREE-PRONG THESIS STATEMENT: School uniforms Should schools require uniforms for students? should be required for students Parents will spend less money on school clothes Students will have an easier time deciding what to wear to school Students will endure less bullying over fashion labels School uniforms should be required for students because parents will spend less money on school clothes, students will have an easier time deciding what to wear to school, and students will endure less bullying over fashion labels.

Topic + opinion + (transition) + 3 whys/3 ways = FORMULA FOR A THESIS STATEMENT Topic + opinion + (transition) + 3 whys/3 ways = THESIS STATEMENT School uniforms should be required for students because parents will spend less money on school clothes, students will have an easier time deciding what to wear to school, and students will endure less bullying over fashion labels.

Your Turn To Try The Other Two Step 1: What is the topic? (college cost, then professional athlete salaries) Step 2: What question are you asking? Step 3: (Pretend research) What is your opinion of your topic question? Step 4: What are 3 whys/3 ways you can support your opinion? Step 5: Piece together your thesis statement

YOUR TURN TO TRY THE OTHER TWO TOPIC: QUESTION: OPINION/COMMENT: 3 WHY reasons (THREE-PRONGS): Reason THESIS STATEMENT: Topic+opinion+(transition)+reason,reason,and reason.

Your Turn To Try The Other Two For ONE of your thesis statements: circle the topic place a back slash (/) between the topic and the comment, underline your opinion, and number the three reasons to support your opinion. With a partner, SWITCH PAPERS and follow the above for their remaining thesis statement.

School uniforms / should be required for students because parents will spend less money on school clothes, students will have an easier time deciding what to wear to school, and students will endure less bullying over fashion labels. 1 2 3 circle the topic place a back slash (/) between the topic and the comment, underline your opinion, and number the three reasons to support your opinion.