Crafting a Quality Thesis Statement Thesis Statements Crafting a Quality Thesis Statement

What is a Thesis Statement? Tell me what you think a thesis statement is. Just as a topic sentence states the main idea of a paragraph, a thesis statement states the main idea of a paper. Usually one sentence, but can be two or more sentences. All paragraphs in your paper support and/or prove your thesis statement.

A successful thesis statement SHOULD… A thesis statement SHOULD NOT… tell the subject of your paper be simply a statement of fact: “Mount Everest is popular with mountain climbers.” show your point of view on the subject be statement as an announcement: “In this paper I will show that…” be a statement that can be supported be an opinion that can’t be supported with facts: “Mountain climbing is the greatest sport.” be specific be general: “Mountain climbing takes different types of athletic skills.”

Example Thesis Statements Example 1: Many climbers have perished on Mount Everest as a result of poor planning, lack of experience, and bad weather. Example 2: Different climbing routes on a mountain require different kinds of climbing skills. Example 3: To prepare for a trip up Mount Everest, climbers need money, training, and experienced guides.

Step One Formulate a topic question – on what are you focusing your research? For example, if you topic is abortion your topic question could be: Should abortion be illegal or do women have a right to choose? For example, if you topic is gangs your topic question could be: What are the negative effects of gangs and how can society control them?

Step Two Form an opinion and state it clearly Do not be wishy-washy For example, if you topic is abortion your opinion is either 1) it should be legal or 2) it should be illegal For example, if your topic is gangs your opinion is either 1) gangs need to be controlled by the government or 2) gangs serve a purpose for communities and are necessary

Step Three Craft your thesis statement Contains the subject and your opinion – think about what your research proves Write a few thesis statements and think about which one will be the easiest to prove based on your opinion and research.

Step Four Does your thesis pass the "how and why?" test? If a reader's first response is "how?" or "why?" your thesis may be too open-ended and lack guidance for the reader. See what you can add to give the reader a better take on your position right from the beginning.

Practice The following slides contain three different thesis statements. Identify each as strong or weak, giving a reason for your opinion.

Practice Thesis #1 Many states have a maximum highway speed limit of 65 miles per hour. Is this a quality thesis statement? If not, what error is being made in the construction of this thesis statement?

Practice Thesis #2 In this paper, I will explain why highway speed limits should be raised. Is this a quality thesis statement? If not, what error is being made in the construction of this thesis statement?

Practice Thesis #3 Highway speed limits improve the safety and efficiency of motor vehicles. Is this a quality thesis statement? If not, what error is being made in the construction of this thesis statement?

The “How and Why?” Test For example: F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is a great American novel. Why? In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald develops a contrast between the lives of the rich and the lives of the working class. Why? and How? Through its contrasting rich and working class lifestyles, Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby suggests that to find the true expression of the American dream, one must not become corrupt and engage into false impressions of success.