Thesis/Claim Statements An effective thesis statement tells readers specifically what you plan to write about in your paper. It also serves as a personal guide to keep you on track.

Thesis/Claim Statements A thesis statement usually takes a stand or expresses a specific feeling or feature of your subject. Examples: Although Cole Matthews and Stargirl Caraway are involved in different conflicts in their respective novels, the characters are surprisingly similar. With incidents of cyber bullying on the rise, many schools, teens, lawmakers, and even social networking sites are working to stop the problem.

Thesis/Claim Statements Although Cole Matthews and Stargirl Caraway are involved in different conflicts in their respective novels, the characters are surprisingly similar. With incidents of cyber bullying on the rise, many schools, teens, lawmakers, and even social networking sites are working to stop the problem.

Thesis/Claim Statements In an argumentative essay the thesis or claim must be debatable. Pollution is bad for the environment. (This is NOT debatable because everyone agrees that pollution is bad) Example of a debatable thesis statement: At least twenty-five percent of the federal budget should be spent on limiting pollution.

Thesis/Claim Statements Formula Specific Subject + a particular stand, feeling, or feature= An effective thesis statement: Writing Assignment: Research paper about the environment Specific subject – Recycling Feature – benefits Thesis: Recycling is beneficial to the environment.

Thesis: A person’s personality is shaped by a person’s peer group Effective Thesis Statement: Writing Assignment: Research paper about human growth and development Specific Subject: Personality traits Feature: Influence of peers Thesis: A person’s personality is shaped by a person’s peer group

Thesis/Claim Statements A Thesis Statement Should… Tell the topic of the essay State the view and purpose for writing Suggest what the paper will be about and how it will be organized Be based on facts and information Use clear and specific language Engage the reader’s interest A Thesis Statement Should NOT… Be an incomplete thought Be a simple statement of fact Express a sweeping opinion Be stated as an announcement: “In this paper I will show that…” Be too general or overemotional In Not a question!

Thesis/Claim Statement Checklist… Identifies a specific subject Focuses on a particular feature or feeling about the subject Is stated in a clear, direct sentence or sentences Can be supported with convincing facts and details Focuses on the topic assigned Every paragraph in the paper supports this statement

Thesis Statements Now you try… Read each of the following. Decide whether each is an effective thesis statement. Be prepared to defend your answer. Los Angeles and New York are about 3,000 miles apart. High ticket prices and athletes who are paid too much. A diet that is low in carbohydrates is the best way to maintain a healthy weight.

Thesis Statements Specific Subject + Formula Specific Subject + a particular stand, feeling, or feature = An effective thesis statement

Argumentative Claims An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.

Argumentative Claims Examples of an argumentative thesis statement: High school graduates should be required to take a year off to pursue community service projects before entering college in order to increase their maturity and global awareness. Global warming is a myth.

Exit Ticket Choose a problem that really interests you. Write an essay in which you explain the problem, examine its causes, and explore possible solutions. Possible Problems to Explore: Stereotypes of teenagers Environmental issues School lunches Cheating in professional sports