The Roadmap of Your Essay The Thesis Statement

Definition The thesis statement is one sentence that tells the main idea of an essay. It states a claim and sets up the paper.

Key Features Answers the prompt States the main idea in a complete sentence, not a question At the end of an introduction States an opinion or attitude on a topic Does not directly announce your topic or ideas

Thesis Formula Topic Controlling Idea Completed Thesis Statement

Key Features Answers the Prompt PromptStudent Responses Writing Situation: There has been a problem in local schools with discipline and violence. Your school board has decided to institute a school uniform policy in order to cut down on these problems, based on the positive examples that they have seen at other schools. Consider the issue of school uniforms. What is your position on this issue? Directions for Writing: Write a persuasive essay to giving reasons for our position on the school uniform issue. School uniforms are not connected to violence. The introduction of school uniforms may decrease violence, however, there may be other detrimental effects as a result of this new policy. Does not answer the prompt completely Answers the prompt

Since the thesis statement is the main statement for the entire essay, it should express a complete thought and be a complete sentence. The thesis statement is asserting an opinion or idea, so it should not be a question. Look at the examples below to see how they can be made into thesis statements. Key Features Main idea in a complete sentence

The sport of basketball. Why is writing the best subject? The sport of basketball is an engaging sport that everyone should learn to play. Writing is a very challenging subject, yet rewarding because one can express himself on paper to convince others. THIS IS NOT A SENTENCE. THESIS STATEMENT THIS IS A QUESTION, NOT A STATEMENT. THESIS STATEMENT Key Features Main idea in a complete sentence

Your reader likes to know what the essay is going to be about early on in the essay rather than the end of the essay. Because of this, the thesis statement is found at the end of the introductory paragraph. Key Features Location

In America, freedom of expression is a right that our forefathers fought foe. Lunch is a social time for students where they can express themselves with their friends. It is also a time when students don’t have to talk about school. Finally, allowing students to express themselves in lunch allows for less off-topic discussion during classes. Silent lunch is a violation of students’ first amendment rights and is not an acceptable solution the loud noise in the cafeteria. THESIS STATEMENT Key Features Location

A thesis statement states an opinion or attitude about a particular topic, making the thesis more specific. The writer must defend or explain this opinion in the essay. Look at the following slides to see examples. Key Features States an opinion or attitude

I learned to play many musical instruments when I was young. Learning to play many musical instruments when I was young helped me to become a more intelligent and well-rounded person. This would not be considered a good thesis statement because it is only expressing a fact. It doesn’t give the writer’s opinion or attitude on playing musical instruments. This thesis statement doesn’t give the writer very much to explain or prove in his/her essay. This thesis statement is much better because it expresses how the writer feels about the experience of learning to play musical instruments. This thesis statement requires the writer to explain how and why playing a musical instrument made him/her a better person. Key Features States an opinion or attitude

At all costs, you should avoid using “I’m going to write about…” or “This essay will discuss…” in your thesis statements. Try to write the thesis statement in a way that will capture your reader’s attention, but does not state the obvious. Key Features Don’t overstate the obvious

In this essay, I’m going to talk about why students shouldn’t have to wear uniforms. A dress code requiring students to wear uniforms can inhibit student expression, quench creativity, and deter students from enjoying school. Key Features Don’t state the obvious

Answers the prompt States the main idea in a complete sentence, not a question At the end of an introduction States an opinion or attitude on a topic Does not directly announce your topic or ideas Key Features Review