1. THESIS

2. A thesis statement basically sums up in one sentence what your entire paper is going to be about. To break it down a thesis should:
explain to the reader your position on the topic at hand
guide the reader as to the direction your paper will be taking
answer the prompt/question in detail

3. When should a thesis be present?
* Analytical Papers– presents an examination of an issue/problem or presents an opinion based on fact
* Argumentative Papers – makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence
* Expository Papers – (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience

4. BEFORE WRITING YOUR THESIS
If you are doing this as a homework assignment, then you will want to research the topic as much as you can to formulate an opinion.
You will want to come up with one to three solid points to cover in your paper. These points may help make up your thesis.

5. HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A STRONG THESIS?
First and foremost, does your thesis address the prompt/question? If not, start over!
After writing the paper, ask yourself: “Do the main points in my paper support my thesis?” You want your paper to be clear in the direction you’re taking – like a road map.
Does the thesis give enough depth to sum up your entire paper?

6. EXAMPLE Good or bad thesis? Why?
Suppose you’re asked to write a paper on whether or not you believe Lee Harvey Oswald killed John F. Kennedy. Your response is:
”Based on the abundance of evidence on this subject, I don’t think Lee Harvey Oswald killed JFK.”
Good or bad thesis? Why?

7. Bad
Basically all this thesis did was restate the question with no real supporting information as to what that evidence is that leads you to your beliefs about Oswald. It is very important the reader know exactly where you are headed. You have to be clear on why you think Oswald did not kill Kennedy.

8. Now, as you are researching this topic, let’s break down how you might approach this paper and come up with a strong thesis:
Belief About Topic: No, I do not believe Lee Harvey Oswald killed JFK

9. Info to support my belief:
After you’ve found all of your research, you will want to break your findings down into three categories. Ex: I do not believe Lee Harvey Oswald killed JFK because:
The single bullet theory does not make sense – the belief that one bullet caused seven wounds in two men despite its timing, flight path, point of entry and exit, and resulting condition
Kennedy was pushing for desegregation in schools and life, which came during the turbulent Civil Rights era…this made many people uncomfortable and they wanted him out
Kennedy was dealing with pending problems with Fidel Castro and the Bay of Pigs issue

10. Now, in looking at my points, I see that I have more than I can cover in a shorter essay, so I need to down size my points to something more manageable

11. Now I will go back and do more research just on that area
How would I do that?
Break down your information and see what you have to really work with in a manageable way 
My first point on the magic bullet theory is enough to write a paper on
 Now I will go back and do more research just on that area

12. Now I must create my thesis
Now I must create my thesis. For this paper I want you using a list thesis. This is where you will list the major points you will be covering in your paper within your thesis

13. EXAMPLE
The belief that one bullet caused seven wounds in two men despite its timing, flight path, points of entry and exit, and resulting condition is not only absurd, but impossible, which is proof that Lee Harvey Oswald could not have killed JFK that fateful November 22,

14. SAME EXAMMPLE REWORDED
Lee Harvey Oswald was falsely accused of killing JFK based on the faulty single bullet theory which claims one bullet caused seven wounds in two men despite its timing, flight path, points of entry and exit, and resulting condition.

15. Once the thesis has been established, then the rest of the paper falls into place. Be sure that if you use a thesis like the one above (which is called a “list” thesis), then you must have your paragraphs follow the information in the same order as you listed them in your thesis.
2nd paragraph – this paragraph would be dealing with the timing of the bullet
3rd paragraph – this paragraph would be dealing with the points of entry and exit
4th paragraph – this paragraph would be dealing with the resulting condition
5th paragraph – conclusion

16. What Not To Do In A Thesis!!:
Don’t’ state “I think”, “In my opinion”, “I will prove that…”, etc.
Don’t’ go more than one sentence
Don’t use vague/dull words
Don’t state it as a question
Don’t quote someone else in your thesis

17. What To Do In A Thesis!!: Do answer the prompt/question at hand
Do write it in one sentence
Do take this time to use your colons and semicolons
Do put your thesis at the end of your first paragraph
Do give enough information to guide your audience
Do take a stance

18. ABORTION IS NOT AN OPTION TO WRITE ABOUT
HERE’S WHY:
Write down your best reason why abortion should/should not be legal

19. NOW LET’S PRACTICE PLAYING 2 CORNERS
Homeroom is a necessary class and should be kept. Agree or disagree? Write your thesis

20. The chicken came before the egg.

21. Girls should be allowed to play on men’s sports teams
Girls should be allowed to play on men’s sports teams. Agree or disagree? Write your thesis

22. All restrooms should be gender neutral

23. In a school setting, students and teachers should have the right to know who has the aids virus. Agree or disagree? Write your thesis

24. College should be free with certain stipulations.

25. Homework is necessary and should be required at the high school level.

26. All athletes should be required to stand for the National Anthem

27. HOMEWORK
Read pages and take notes