1. Everything You Wanted To Know About Thesis Statements*
*But Were Afraid To Ask

2. What is a Thesis Statement?
A one- or two-sentence condensation of the argument or analysis that is to follow

3. Why Do I Need One?
to test your ideas by distilling them into a sentence or two
to better organize and develop your argument
to provide your reader with a "guide" to your argument
you will accomplish these goals if you think of the thesis as the answer to the question your paper explores.

4. Good Thesis Statements
express one main idea
take on a subject upon which reasonable people could disagree
deal with a subject that can be adequately treated given the nature of the assignment
assert your conclusions about a subject [optional]

5. Purpose (cont.)
should not be written until after the research for the paper has been done.
can be more than one sentence.
can, and should be, revised frequently during the writing process.
based on evidence, not personal bias

6. Generation Brainstorm the topic Narrow the topic
Take a position on the topic
Use specific language
Make an assertion based on clearly stated support

7. Bad thesis! No biscuit!

8. By Type The Discussion Thesis The Vague Comparison & Contrast Thesis
The Grandiose Generalization Thesis
The Desperately Hoping to Get on The Professor’s Good Side Thesis