Writing A Good Thesis Sentence

Purpose of a thesis sentence: Controlling Statement for an essay States the purpose of the essay For an argumentative essay: states the position of the essay For problem solving essay: states the problem and states solution/solutions

EX: Argumentative Thesis Boys become more violent when they play violent video games; therefore, parents must not allow their boys to play violent video games.

Problem Solving Thesis Because violent video games cause boys to become more violent, parents have three alternatives to keep their boys from playing those violent games: don’t allow games in the home, play the games with the children, or offer only age appropriate games.

Qualities of A Good Thesis Narrow and focused on one topic Written in 3 rd person (plural) Written in active voice EX: Boys should not be allowed to watch violent movies and they shouldn’t be allowed to hangout with the wrong crowd because they cause boys to be violent. EX: Our boys in America have a serious problem with violence, so we should pay more attention to them. EX: Boys in America are in a lot of trouble; therefore the best solution is to concentrate on giving them more attention. REVISED: Boys in America need a positive, supportive environment in order to grow up healthy and happy.

A good thesis addresses an audience Addresses those who will make the changes. Think about the most likely audience Do you want a law passed? Which level of government should pass the law? Do you want citizens, individuals or groups to do something? Make careful word choice: High Schools should: high schools are buildings can’t do anything, but District School Board can

A good thesis has an essay map If written correctly, a thesis will help outline your essay: Because high sulfur coal causes acid rain which harms the forests, pollutes rivers, and streams and ruins lakes, the federal government should require energy companies to use cleaner energy sources.

Revise a wordy thesis Because high sulfur coal causes acid rain which harms the forests, pollutes rivers, and streams and ruins lakes, the federal government should require energy companies to use cleaner energy sources Because using high sulfur coal damages the environment, energy companies should use cleaner energy sources.

Problem Solving Outline Because using high sulfur coal damages the environment, energy companies should use cleaner energy sources. II. Explain High Sulfur Coal A. Where it comes from B. What it is C. How it is used D. How much costs

Causes and Effects III. Damages to the environment A. Forests B. Rivers, Streams, and Lakes C. Wildlife IV. Advantages of high Sulfur Coal A. Cheap B. Plentiful C. Easily mined

Propose Possible Solutions V. Energy companies need to find alternatives to high sulfur coal. A. Hydropower 1. advantages to hydropower 2. disadvantages B. Solar Power 1. advantages 2. disadvantages C. Best alternative: Clean Coal

Argumentative Outline Reasons For High Sulfur Coal Reasons Against High Sulfur Coal

Parent should now allow young boys to play violent video games becasue List your reason for your argument List reasons for Opposing view Refute opposing view using evidence or strong logic 1.Boys who play violent video games often display more violent behavior than boys who do not play violent video games 2.Boys who play violent video games become less interested in other activities and may develop obsessive behavior 3.Violent video games change the way young boys perceive the world, can’t distinguish between fantasy and reality 1.Video games are a harmless form of entertainment. 2.Boys will eventually outgrow video games. 3.Everyone plays video games and they don’t suffer mental damage. 1.A 1997 Harvard study determined that boys who spend more than 4 hours a week do exhibit more violent behavior than boys who do not play violent video games 2.Another study shows that many boys don’t outgrow video games; in fact, they grow more obsessed and demand more violent games

Refute Opposing View 3. Everyone plays video games and they don’t suffer mental damage. True, not all boys will suffer ill-effects from playing violent video games, especially if parents carefully supervise their boys’ game time, choose age appropriate games, and discuss the concepts portrayed in the game.