1. Thesis statements

2. WHAT IS A THESIS STATEMENT?
A thesis statement acts like a guide map of your paper.
It tells the reader:
Your subject matter (topic)
Your argument
And what to expect from the rest of the paper

3. Example
Thesis Statement: Schools should not require students to wear uniforms because they deny students’ creativity, they are expensive, and they don’t accommodate all body types.
What is my topic?
What side of the topic am I going to argue?
What is my first supporting reason going to be?
What is my second supporting reason going to be?
What is my third supporting reason going to be?

4. Writing a Good Thesis Statement
Scope:
Make sure your thesis fits the scope of your paper. This means that you are specific about what your points and research is going to cover.
For example, your two-page research paper will have a specific argument with three supporting reasons.
Your thesis statement should briefly hint at or list your three supporting reasons.

5. Writing a Good Thesis Statement
2. So what? Thesis Statements Don’t simply state a fact or make a statement that is obvious. For example: “An eating disorder is a serious disease” is a statement most people would find pretty obvious. This is called a “So What?” thesis. Make a more opinionated claim about your topic in your thesis statement.

6. Writing a Good Thesis Statement
3. “I believe…”
You don’t need to start your thesis statement with things like “I believe that…” “In my opinion…” or “I think…”
This is YOUR paper, so we know you are going to tell us your opinion. Plus, which of the following sounds stronger?
I believe that schools shouldn’t require uniforms.
Schools should not require uniforms.

7. Writing a Good Thesis Statement
Other tips:
Make sure it is clear
Make sure it is a complete sentence
Takes a strong stance on a topic
Where will my thesis statement go?
The last sentence of your introductory paragraph before you dive into your first supporting (body) paragraph!

8. Try the Thesis Formula!!
There is a basic formula you can try to come up with a rough draft of your thesis. It may not work for everyone or you may have to tweak the final sentence to make it sound better.
_______________________ (your argument/belief)
because ________________, (support reason #1)
_______________________, (support reason #2)
and ____________________. (support reason #3)

9. Writing a Working Thesis
Try writing a thesis statement for your paper based on your essay map and research.
Use the tips on this PowerPoint, your essay map, and the good/bad examples I have given you.
Remember this is a working thesis so it can change if it needs to when we start drafting our papers.
After you come up with a thesis, try to answer the questions underneath it. Make changes as necessary.
Check with a partner!