1. Thesis Statements

2. What is a thesis statement?
It is the MAIN IDEA of an essay
It is often a point you want to argue or support in an essay SO
The thesis statement explains to a reader the main idea of the essay, and the writer’s opinion about that idea

3. Thesis Statements A thesis statement is one sentence
It is placed in the 1st paragraph of an essay
A thesis statement is a claim that can be argued
The essay will contain evidence and opinions that support the thesis

4. A thesis statement should
Contain a TOPIC (main idea of what you are writing about)
Contain an OPINION about the topic (attitude toward the topic)

5. Thesis Statements avoid the following
First person
Unclear language (it seems)
Attempting two topics at once, even if they seem related
Pick one topic and stick with it!
Avoid stating a fact. A thesis is something you plan to make an argument about.

6. DO NOT USE
When writing a thesis sentence- do not start the sentence off with the following-
-This essay is going to be about
In the following paragraphs, certain topics will be discussed
I am going to talk about…
THESE ARE JUST A FEW EXAMPLES

7. THESIS STATEMENTS
THEY SHOULD NOT BE TOO BROAD. NARROW IT TO SOMETHING SPECIFIC
TOO BROAD
THE WORLD IS A FANTASTIC PLACE TO LEARN
BETTER
GOOD TEACHERS MAKE HIGHLANDS MIDDLE SCHOOL A FANTASTIC SCHOOL

8. THESIS Which sentence is too broad to be a good thesis sentence?
A. One reason to live in White Plains is because it is very close to New York City.
B. White Plains is a great place to live.

9. A thesis statement should not be too general
Highlands Middle School is a good school.
Better
Daily writing practice has led to improved writing skills for the students at HighlandS Middle School.

10. Thesis Which sentence is too general to be a good thesis sentence?
A. Music makes people happy.
B. Music therapy is useful in relieving stress and other conditions.

11. A thesis statement should not be too wordy
Some problems with HMS are that it needs a larger playground, an air conditioned gym, restrooms connected to each classroom, running water in the classrooms, and a number of other physical changes to the building.
Better
HMS needs several changes to its facility to make it a better school.

12. Which sentence is too wordy to be a good thesis sentence?
A. Abe Lincoln was one of the best presidents the United States has ever known.
B. Abe Lincoln was an excellent speaker, the 16th president of the United States, a liberator of slaves, and united the North and South at the end of the American Civil War.

13. A thesis statement should not be a title
Cost of Living
Better
The cost of living in White Plains is higher than in many other cities in the United States.

14. Which sentence would not be a good thesis because it is a title?
A. Good teaching has led to an increase in ELA scores at Highlands Middle school.
B. Rising ELA scores at Highlands Middle School.

15. A thesis statement should not be a fact
The average temperature for White Plains in winter is in the 20’s and in summer is in the 80’s.
Better
The climate in White Plains is ideal for outdoor sports almost all year round.

16. Which sentence would not be a good thesis statement because it is a fact?
A. The recycling of one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours.
B. Recycling is one of the most important jobs a person can do to protect the environment.

17. PRACTICE
1) Find the opinion words in the statement . If there are not opinion words, it is not a good thesis statement. 2) Tell if the statement is a good thesis statement.
Although most people believe otherwise, bats are harmless and highly beneficial.

18. PRACTICE
1) Find the opinion words in the statement . If there are not opinion words, it is not a good thesis statement. 2) Tell if the statement is a good thesis statement. In this essay I will discuss the crime rate in Mountain City.

19. PRACTICE Energetic exercise is a good way to help relieve stress.
1) Find the opinion words in the statement . If there are not opinion words, it is not a good thesis statement. 2) Tell if the statement is a good thesis statement.
Energetic exercise is a good way to help relieve stress.

20. PRACTICE
1) Find the opinion words in the statement . If there are not opinion words, it is not a good thesis statement. 2) Tell if the statement is a good thesis statement.
Highlands Middle School and Eastview Middle School differ in many ways.

21. PRACTICE
1) Find the opinion words in the statement . If there are not opinion words, it is not a good thesis statement. 2) Tell if the statement is a good thesis statement.
This paper will consider the advantages and disadvantages of students having nightly homework.

22. PRACTICE Hate speech should be eliminated for many reasons.
1) Find the opinion words in the statement . If there are not opinion words, it is not a good thesis statement. 2) Tell if the statement is a good thesis statement.
Hate speech should be eliminated for many reasons.

23. PRACTICE
Take out a piece of paper and number 1-8
In each of the following slides tell whether the sentence is a good or bad thesis statement. If you choose bad, explain!

24. GOOD OR BAD 1. Many people do not like to watch violent horror movies.
2. Today’s movies do not have the emotional impact of the classic horror movies of the 1940’s.
3. Rap music is the best music ever.
4. Although many people find rap music offensive, it has a positive impact on today’s youth.

25. GOOD OR BAD 5. Sixth grade students are busy.
6. The life of a typical sixth grade student is challenging due to the need to succeed in extracurricular activities.
7. I enjoy white water rafting.
8. The first white water rafting trip can challenge a person both in body and spirit.