10/03/12

*It is one complete sentence. 10/03/12 *It is one complete sentence. *It states the main idea or argument of your essay. *It is typically placed at the end of the introduction paragraph. *It lets your reader know what to expect. *It is the most important part of your essay. *It states your opinion about the topic.

10/03/12 EXAMPLE: CSUN is a great college because of their knowledgeable teachers, skilled tutoring offices, and welcoming academic environment.

10/03/12 The THESIS STATEMENT doesn’t always come first in the writing process, but it is good to develop it early so you can use it as a guide for your paper. I am writing about ____________ , and I am going to argue, show, or prove that _________, by stating that ___________ , _____________ , and _____________.

Your thesis should be very specific and narrow in focus. 10/03/12 Your thesis should be very specific and narrow in focus. Example: Animal abuse should not be allowed. More specific: Greater penalties should be placed on individuals convicted of abuse or neglect of a companion animal.

Subject + Opinion = Thesis 10/03/12 Just as E = mc²… Subject + Opinion = Thesis

10/03/12

Remind the reader of your thesis throughout the essay. 10/03/12

A beginning THESIS STATEMENT: A is B. A better THESIS STATEMENT: 10/03/12 A beginning THESIS STATEMENT: A is B. A better THESIS STATEMENT: A is B because of x, y, and z A more complex THESIS STATEMENT: Although C is D, A is B because of x, y, and z.

10/03/12 BASIC THESIS (just alright!): Community colleges are an important part of California’s educational system. MORE COMPLEX THESIS (much better!): Community colleges are an important part of California’s educational system because they are a more cost-effective way to attain a degree, classes are smaller, and they prepare students for the demands of University life.

10/03/12 VERY COMPLEX THESIS (perfect!!): Although many students want to go straight from high school to a four-year university, community colleges are an important part of California’s educational system because they are a more cost- effective way to attain a degree, classes are smaller than at most four-year universities, and they prepare students for the demands of University life.

Frame your thesis around a counterargument 10/03/12 Frame your thesis around a counterargument Certain words may be used to frame your thesis around a counterargument: “While, “Although,” “Because”: “While/Although the rise of industrialization led to the expansion of global trade relations, the conditions of working class people deteriorated because __________, _________, and _____________. 12

What a thesis is not... *A thesis is not a question. 10/03/12 What a thesis is not... *A thesis is not a question. *A thesis is not a statement of fact.