1. Say what you mean, mean what you say!
Thesis
Say what you mean, mean what you say!

2. What is it? The main idea of an essay, expressed in one sentence.
Statement made by the writer that the rest of the paper focuses on
Focused interest in your subject
A statement of the purpose, intent, or main idea of an essay.

3. A specific subject + a specific condition, feeling, or stand
Thesis Formula
A specific subject + a specific condition, feeling, or stand
= an effective thesis statement

4. Thesis Example
Young children exposed to low levels of lead (specific subject) may face health problems later in life. (specific condition)

5. Thesis Statement
Young children exposed to low levels of lead may face health problems later in life.

6. Example 1 Assignment: Essay about opportunities in education
Specific Subject: High school internships
Thesis Statement: High school internship programs benefit students in three ways.

7. Example 2 Writing Assignment: Essay on the Civil War
Specific Subject: General George McClellan
General George McClellan’s overcautious tactics prolonged the war.

8. Example 3 Writing Assignment: Essay about an outdoor activity
Specific Subject: Use of barbed hooks for fishing
Barbed hooks should be banned from fishing.

9. 1. Just a statement of fact 2. Simply a statement of opinion
What it Cannot be…
1. Just a statement of fact
2. Simply a statement of opinion
3. A generalization
4. Written in the form of a question

10. Thesis A statement that expresses the essay’s topic Not a question
A single sentence, never more than two
Persuasive in some way (capable of being developed into an essay)classify, compare, contrast, prove, identify, and establish
Sometimes the final sentence of the introduction

11. 1. Video games are played on computers and gaming systems.
Thesis or No
1. Video games are played on computers and gaming systems.

12. It was a statement of fact!No
It was a statement of fact!
Video games are played on computers and gaming systems.

13. Thesis or No!
Video games are cool.

14. Simply a statement of opinion
No!
Simply a statement of opinion
Video games are cool.

15. Video games have a lot of good benefits.
Thesis or No?
Video games have a lot of good benefits.

16. Video games have a lot of good benefits.
No!
A Generalization
Video games have a lot of good benefits.

17. Are video games beneficial to young people?
Thesis or No
Are video games beneficial to young people?

18. Written in the form of a questionNo
Written in the form of a question
Are video games beneficial to young people?

19. A specific subject + a specific condition, feeling, or stand
Thesis Formula
A specific subject + a specific condition, feeling, or stand
= an effective thesis statement

20. Video games are an important developmental tool for young people because they enhance eye-hand coordination, develop complex problem-solving skills, and promote self- confidence.

21. = an effective thesis statement with detail
Thesis Formula
A specific subject + a specific condition, feeling, or stand +three supporting points
= an effective thesis statement with detail

22. I think Kanye West is the best rapper of all time.
Strong or Weak Thesis
I think Kanye West is the best rapper of all time.
Why? Why Not?

23. Why was Eli Whitney’s invention of the cotton gin significant?
Strong or Weak Thesis
Why was Eli Whitney’s invention of the cotton gin significant?
Why? Why not?

24. Strong or Weak Thesis
John F. Kennedy served as our nation’s 35th President and was assassinated on November 22, 1963.
Why? Why Not?

25. Alcohol is a big problem for families in this country.
Strong or Weak
Alcohol is a big problem for families in this country.
Why? Why Not?

26. How young is too young to drink alcohol?
Strong or Weak
How young is too young to drink alcohol?

27. 2. States what you have to say about your topic
What does it do?
1. States your topic
2. States what you have to say about your topic

28. Function and Purpose of the Thesis
1. To announce the topic to the reader
2. To reflect a judgment about the topic
3. To provide the reader with a blueprint for what is to come in the paper

29. Every Thesis
Every thesis statement is an argument to be proved and supported by the body of the essay.

30. Two Choices-If your essay doesn’t support your thesis:
1. Change your essay
2. Change your thesis statement

31. Question to Ask
Have I said something specific and meaningful? Have I used specific names, examples, dates, facts, etc., and something about them?

32. Question to Ask 1. Have I said something arguable?
2. Can I support my thesis?
3. Is my thesis relevant to the assignment?

33. Practice Practice writing thesis statements.
Create thesis statements using the thesis formula.