Developing a Thesis Statement

Connect: When you read informational texts, you seek the main idea. When you write an essay, you include a thesis statement.

Main idea is to reader as thesis is to writer. Thesis ═ Main Idea

What you already know: Start with a process Prewrite Free write Map / Cluster Brainstorm Narrow the focus (you are here) Sketch a working plan / generate ideas for body paragraphs Write Revise

A thesis is: The writer’s focus--an arguable statement with a clear leaning. (topic + control) A statement that can be supported with a variety of evidence. A statement that is specific. Best placed at the beginning of your essay.

Specific or Not Although many people call television a “visual wasteland,” three programs make it worth watching. Television is not the “visual wasteland” people say it is.

Narrow it down (closed) I enjoyed my summer vacation in California. (too broad) San Diego (more specific) Great vacation (a little vague) Weather (specific) Beaches (specific) Food (specific) The pleasant weather, beautiful beaches, and tasty food made my trip to San Diego a perfect vacation.

Narrow it down (open) I hated my job at the kennel. (Broad) Dirty, noisy, and smelly (more specific) Scrubbing kennels Picking up dog manure Barking all day Smell of wet dog So? The working conditions at the dog kennel were quite unpleasant, but the time I spent working there motivated me to change my life.

Open or Closed-See the difference? Producer Alfred Hitchcock effectively uses cinematic effects to produce viewer tension in the movie Psycho. Closed Producer Alfred Hitchcock effectively uses cinematic effects of lighting, sound, and angle to produce viewer tension in the movie Psycho.

A thesis is not: A statement of fact A question An announcement -I spent my vacation in San Diego. A question -Are school uniforms a good idea? An announcement -This paper will discuss the importance of good nutrition.

Let’s practice!