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2. *It is one complete sentence.
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*It is one complete sentence.
*It states the main idea or argument of your essay.
*It is typically placed at the end of the introduction paragraph.
*It lets your reader know what to expect.
*It is the most important part of your essay.
*It states your opinion about the topic.

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EXAMPLE:
CSUN is a great college because of their knowledgeable teachers, skilled tutoring offices, and welcoming academic environment.

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The THESIS STATEMENT doesn’t always come first in the writing process, but it is good to develop it early so you can use it as a guide for your paper.
I am writing about ____________ , and I am going to argue, show, or prove that _________, by stating that ___________ , _____________ , and _____________.

5. Your thesis should be very specific and narrow in focus.
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Your thesis should be very specific and narrow in focus.
Example: Animal abuse should not be allowed.
More specific: Greater penalties should be placed on individuals convicted of abuse or neglect of a companion animal.

6. Subject + Opinion = Thesis
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Just as E = mc²…
Subject + Opinion = Thesis

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8. Remind the reader of your thesis throughout the essay.
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9. A beginning THESIS STATEMENT: A is B. A better THESIS STATEMENT:
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A beginning THESIS STATEMENT:
A is B.
A better THESIS STATEMENT:
A is B because of x, y, and z
A more complex THESIS STATEMENT:
Although C is D, A is B because of x, y, and z.

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BASIC THESIS (just alright!): Community colleges are an important part of California’s educational system.
MORE COMPLEX THESIS (much better!): Community colleges are an important part of California’s educational system because they are a more cost-effective way to attain a degree, classes are smaller, and they prepare students for the demands of University life.

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VERY COMPLEX THESIS (perfect!!): Although many students want to go straight from high school to a four-year university, community colleges are an important part of California’s educational system because they are a more cost- effective way to attain a degree, classes are smaller than at most four-year universities, and they prepare students for the demands of University life.

12. Frame your thesis around a counterargument
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Frame your thesis around a counterargument
Certain words may be used to frame your thesis around a counterargument: “While, “Although,” “Because”:
“While/Although the rise of industrialization led to the expansion of global trade relations, the conditions of working class people deteriorated because __________, _________, and _____________. 12

13. What a thesis is not... *A thesis is not a question.
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What a thesis is not...
*A thesis is not a question.
*A thesis is not a statement of fact.