The Thesis Statement A Road Map for Your Essay ESSAY Introduction Thesis Statement Body Paragraph #1 Body Paragraph #2 Body Paragraph #3

Thesis Statement A thesis statement declares what you believe and what you intend to prove. A good thesis statement makes the difference between a thoughtful research project and a simple retelling of facts. The thesis statement is typically located at the end of your opening paragraph. (The opening paragraph serves to set the context for the thesis.)

Simple equations for a thesis might look something like this: Specific topic + Attitude/Angle/Argument = Thesis What you plan to argue + How you plan to argue it = Thesis

Your thesis statement will have two parts. The first part states the topic. –Video Cameras –Public Transportation The second part states the point of the essay. –are used to prevent or detect crimes –can solve some of our city's most persistent and pressing problems Once you have formulated a thesis statement that fits this pattern and with which you are comfortable, you are ready to continue.

1. A thesis is the main idea, not the title. It must be a complete sentence that explains in some detail what you expect to write about. Example: Title: Pollution problem in our city. Thesis: The problem of pollution in major cities can be alleviated by limiting the number of cars allowed to drive on city streets and creating more efficient public transportation systems.

2. A thesis statement is an assertion, not a statement of fact or an observation Example: Fact or observation: Why should marijuana be legalized? Thesis: Marijuana should be legalized because it is not any more addictive than tobacco and it can provide numerous medicinal benefits for those suffering from terminal illnesses.

3. A thesis takes a stand rather than announcing a subject. Example: Announcement: The thesis of this paper is the difficulty of solving our environmental problems. Thesis: Solving our environmental problems is more difficult than many environmentalists believe.

4. Statements that are too broad. Example: Broad: The Public Transit has many problems. Thesis: The primary problem of the Public Transit is lack of funds to renovate outdated equipment.

Begin writing your thesis statement, look carefully at your ideas and try asking: Why do I believe this statement is true? What have I seen or done or read or heard that caused me to make this statement?

Key Features Don’t State the Obvious In this essay, I am going to discuss the effects of long-term drug abuse. Long-term drug use can have disastrous effects on one’s marriage, career, and health.

Don’t State the Obvious Another Example This essay will discuss some ways teachers can fight teenage drug abuse. Teachers can fight teenage drug abuse by educating young people on its dangers and by being good role models.

Key Features Review states the main idea of the essay in a complete sentence, not in a question. states an opinion or attitude on a topic. It doesn’t just state the topic, itself. is usually at the end of an introduction. often lists subtopics. does not directly announce your main topic.

Practice Exercises Now, you are ready to practice what you’ve learned. Click on the button below to go back to Unit B. Complete the Interactive Review and Exercise 1.