1. The Thesis Statement in an Argument Essay is called a Claim Statement
F.A.T.  What was the highlight of your weekend?

2. This is the most important part of the introduction.
In an argumentative essay, the thesis statement is the clear statement of your position - your CLAIM. This is the argument or point you are making.

3. To turn the thesis into an EFFECTIVE claim statement for an argumentative essay, you add the reasons to your opinion statement.
School lunches need to be improved because the food does not taste good, students do not get enough choices, and the food is not very healthful.

4. It clearly sums up what point you are trying to make.
It clearly tells the reader what the essay will be about.
It should include writer’s OPINION on the topic as well as THREE REASONS for that opinion.