What is a Thesis Statement? Remember this and Social Studies essay writing becomes easy to do. #no problem

What is a Thesis Statement? A statement (a sentence, NOT a question!) that tells the reader exactly what the essay is about. It is a statement that is the answer to the question. This statement will also list the main reasons including the order in which they will appear in the essay.

Questions to ask yourself….. Does every essay need a thesis statement? – YES! No exceptions. Where is the thesis statement located in an essay? – The last sentence in the introduction paragraph. Can the thesis statement be longer than one sentence? – No. Keep it short and to the point! Can my thesis statement be changed? – Yes, you may change it as you are working on the essay. Don’t wait too long to change.

3 things about a Thesis Statement: It should be “disputable.” – Readers may disagree with position. It should be “focused.” – Position is clear. – Specific It should be “relevant.” – Readers will want to hear the arguments. – Readers will not say, “so what?”

3 things about a Thesis Statement: Could the reader argue for or against it? Does the writer argue for it? Will the readers want to read more? If you answered YES to all 3 questions, you have a great thesis statement! #you rock!

Thesis Statement (The “claim”) Argument 1 (Support #1)Argument 2 (Support #2)Argument 3 (Support #3)

Let’s Practice Write a thesis statement for each of these questions: – 1. Should Fridays be added to the weekend? – 2. Should public transportation be free? – 3. Should the voting age be 12? – 4. Should Hawaii have the death penalty?