1. Thesis Statements
Pamela Fox

2. Getting Started: Brainstorm
Think about the topic.
Consider the different positions you might take.
Make a list of the reasons for and against the different positions.
Determine which position seems to have the strongest supporting arguments.
Make a decision about your position based on the best argument and the strongest support.

3. Sources
Write a statement (one sentence) that expresses what you believe about the topic.
Be prepared to revise or to change your position if necessary.
Conduct research in an Academic Database to make certain you can locate enough credible sources to support your position.
Find credible sources for the opposition, too.

4. Your Thesis Sentence… SHOULD – focus and direct the essay
 – include the topic and your attitude or opinion about it based on credible evidence
 – Should NOT be a question
 – appear at the end of the introduction (in most cases but may be anywhere within the introduction)

5. Choosing a Position
Keep in mind that you must choose a position; you MUST argue one side or the other, not both.
You have three basic options:
1. Support for an issue because…
2. Opposition to an issue because….
3. Support or opposition within limits.
Clearly define the limits.

6. Example Abortion should remain legal. Abortion should be illegal.
Abortion should be legal only when the mother’s health is threatened or in cases of incest or rape. (Limited or qualified statement)

7. What is a thesis statement?
It is one clearly articulated sentence in which the topic and your position are stated.
It is arguable; that is, at least two positions are possible.
It is supportable. Current scholarly evidence is available.
The topic is current and relevant.

8. A thesis statement never…
  announces itself--  "I'm going to talk about …“ “In this essay, I will prove…”
 personalizes with statements like "I think …"  or
" I believe…“
In Summary
A thesis statement is never an announcement.
It is never in first or second person.

9. Test Your Statement Is it one clear sentence? Is the topic included?
Do I take a position?
Does the best evidence support my position?
Is it current and relevant?
Does it get to the point quickly?
Do I use any vague words or phrases that can be interpreted in more than one way?

10. Activity
Class challenge Can you earn a passing grade on this quiz as a class?
sis_statements.html
Good luck :-D
Additional practice