Writing a Thesis Statement

What is a Thesis Statement? Definition: “A thesis statement is a single sentence, preferably a simple declarative sentence, that expresses the basic idea around which the paper will develop” (McLeese, Webster University Online) It is the single most useful organizational tool for both the writer and the reader.

Question the Thesis Statement Should Answer What am I going to illustrate or define or argue in this paper? What is my research focused on?

Determine the Type of Paper… An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience. An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience. 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. Source: Purdue OWL: http://owl.english.purdue.edu

Things to Think About… Your thesis statement should be specific—it should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and should be supported with specific evidence. The thesis statement usually appears at the end of the first paragraph of a paper. Your topic may change as you write, so you may need to revise your thesis statement to reflect exactly what you have discussed in the paper. Source: Purdue OWL: http://owl.english.purdue.edu

Example for Expository Example of an expository (explanatory) thesis statement: The life of the typical college student is characterized by time spent studying, attending class, and socializing with peers. The paper that follows should: explain how students spend their time studying, attending class, and socializing with peers Source: Purdue OWL: http://owl.english.purdue.edu

The Thesis Statement Should Include 1. Your topic 2. Three areas of focus (more can be added if needed) 3. A subject and a verb 4. Verb that is precise, and factual (i.e. not include words such as good or interesting)

Example Topic Example topic: Women in WWI Three areas of focus: jobs in machinery, taking jobs men had at home, and jobs in the military How would you write this example?

How to Write the Thesis on Women in WWI? One way: Women helped the country during WWI by working at home, working on machinery used in the war, and working in the military. Subject: Women (during WWI) Verb: helped Three Areas of Focus: working at home, working on machinery, and working in the military

Good Examples Comprehensive examinations encourage student cramming. A college education is a life-long benefit.  In European nations that have adopted national health insurance, the cost of this program has always been much greater than that estimated by its supporters.

Poor Examples 1. There are serious objections to tracking students. (This is too broad; what objections will be presented?) 2. Benjamin Franklin had a colorful career. (Colorful could mean anything; you have no control over the subject.) 3. Paris is one of the most interesting cities in Europe. ("Interesting" is so vague that you may write about Paris with no point.) 4. The United Nations has major weaknesses and cannot prevent a major war. (This requires two large/broad focuses, not just one).

When Writing Your Own Take into account that it might have to be written several times (that is very normal) It might change depending on what you find in your research

Exit Slip for Today By the end of today, you should be able to say: “I can write a concise and thorough thesis statement.” On a separate sheet of paper write a thesis statement for the prompt on the following slide Write out the “I Can Statement” on the top of your paper, and title your paper, “Thesis Statement Exit Slip”

Prompt for Thesis Statement Writing Situation: The school board of your district is considering making the school day longer by adding an extra hour. The purpose for lengthening the school day is to provide more time for instruction and practice in the existing school curricula. They believe that greater student achievement can be achieved by making the school day longer. They point out that there are experts in the field of education who agree with them. The school board is seeking input from all community members. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of lengthening the school day by an hour. Directions for Writing: Write an argument essay to convince your reader on your point of view on the school board’s plan to lengthen the school day by an hour. Be sure to use reasons and examples to support your response.