Thesis Statements

In the Beginning… »A thesis statement is the claim you are going to PROVE in your paper »A claim an opinion/assertion open to challenge and debate

Characteristics of Thesis Statements… »1. It will appear as the last sentence of your introduction. »2. It will reflect the kind of paper you are writing (expository). »3. The author must take a side on the topic. »4. It must be debatable.

»5. It is narrow and introduces one and only one idea. »6. It is stated in words that can be interpreted only one way. »7. It determines the content of the paper. It controls unity. »8. It gives clues to the structure and organization (list order).

»9. it will be tailored accordingly to the audience »10. It must be supported and proven in the paper to be believed »11. It may change as you research - this is OK »12. It will be stated confidently - avoid informal language

Sample Thesis Statements »Albert Einstein is the world’s most influential scientist. »Einstein’s discoveries helped America become a powerful force in the world. »Instead of taking them for granted, we should appreciate Einstein’s beliefs and discoveries, which are still relevant today.

»Einstein’s discoveries proved to be valuable to the development of modern science. »Einstein’s inventions changed society is a negative way. »Einstein’s discoveries, thought to be ingenious, are actually just the result of trial and error. »Albert Einstein’s theories and achievements are some of the world’s greatest achievements.

Now let’s try it together! »School dress code »Cell phones at school »Underage smoking