{ Writing a Thesis Statement A Roadmap to a Great Essay!!!

 Tells the reader what you will discuss, and how you will discuss it  It must always be present in last part of introduction paragraph  It must always be OBVIOUS and SPECIFIC  It should almost always be ONE sentence – use semicolons and commas.  It must directly answer the prompt!!!  Consider: ALL essays are arguments. So no matter what mode, the thesis should contain more than just facts What is a thesis statement?

 It must also pass the "So What?” test  There must be a reason for your essay – why is it important; what will we gain from it? And don’t forget:

 Thesis = a contract between you and your reader.  It is a blueprint to your essay  Determines what you will and will NOT talk about, since every paragraph in your essay supports it. Why is it important?

 “Many college students work while attending classes.” Instead, write something like this:  “Working while attending college classes remains necessary for many students, but unfortunately many problems result from the difficulties of balancing work and school.” Avoid Simple Statements of Fact

Question: Why did the North and South fight the Civil War? Thesis 1: The North and South fought the Civil War for many reasons, some of which were the same and some different. Thesis 2: While both sides fought the Civil War over the issue of slavery, the North fought for moral reasons while the South fought to preserve its own institutions. Thesis 3: While both Northerners and Southerners believed they fought against tyranny and oppression, Northerners focused on the oppression of slaves while Southerners defended their own right to self-government. Strategy #2 How is each thesis better?

QuizQuiz on which is the best thesis statement Quiz Let’s Practice!

QUESTIONS YOU MUST ASK YOURSELF BEFORE TURNING IN YOUR ESSAY ALWAYS REVIEW YOUR THESIS:  Does my thesis directly answer the prompt?  Is my thesis focused, and does it include all aspects of my body paragraphs?  Is my thesis 1 sentence long (and still grammatically correct)?  Does my thesis appear at the end of my introduction?  Does my thesis make it clear what my opinion is, and how will I discuss it?  Does it pass the “So what?” test?