1. THESIS STATEMENT
What it is? What it isn’t?

2. Thesis statement
Definition: Your thesis is the basic stand you take, the opinion you express, the point you make about your topic.
Functions and Purposes of a Thesis Statement:
To announce the topic to the reader
To reflect a judgment about the topic
To provide the reader with a blueprint for what is to come in the paper

3. Crafting your Thesis statement
UNDERSTAND the prompt
Identify KEYWORDS
BRAINSTORM possible responses
CHOOSE one

4. Steps 1&2 understand & Keywords
HONORS
COLLEGE PREP
You have been on a journey to learn more about yourself. You have learned it is a process, but have discovered many things. How do these discoveries connect to other characters and individuals?
You have been on a journey to learn more about yourself. You have learned it is a process, but have discovered many things. How do these discoveries connect to other characters?

5. Step 3: brainstorm
While on this journey I have learned about hierarchy of needs. I have learned that I have not found self-actualization like Nel does at the end of Sula.
Though many are unaware of the connections between themselves and those in other cultures, I have discovered that just like Ayusik, I am uncomfortable living in an environment outside of my own.
If given the chance to explain, I would compare my determination to love to that of Eva within Sula.

6. Step 4: choose
While on this journey I have learned about hierarchy of needs. I have learned that I have not found self-actualization like characters in Sula.
Though many are unaware of the connections between themselves and those in other cultures, I have discovered that just like Ayusik, I am uncomfortable living in an environment outside of my own.
If given the chance to explain, I would compare my determination to love, to that of Eva within Sula.

7. Too broad or too narrow? Broad Narrow
Broad Thesis Statements are claims that are vague, ambiguous or overreaching. These are claims that do not meet at least two of the three functions and purposes and/or attempt to address a topic with too many issues to deal with in the given writing assignment
Narrow Thesis Statements are claims that do not meet at least two of the three functions and purposes and/or are too specific and single-minded to be developed into a thorough essay

8. Identify which sentence is broad, narrow, or STONG
1. Media violence is harmful to society.
2. The death penalty is wrong.
3. School uniforms provide many benefits to students, parents and educators.
4. Technology has changed our lives.
5. Violent crime is up.
6. The recall election will do more harm than good.
7. I like my apartment.
8. Taking care of older pets can be challenging.
9. Participating in volunteer work is essential to the development of strong character.
10. The neighbor’s cat is unfriendly.
Identify which sentence is broad, narrow, or STONG
Rewrite to Fix the sentences that are broad or too narrow.

9. Topics are underlined once; comments are not underlined.
1. Media violence is harmful to society. Broad
2. The death penalty is wrong. Broad
3. School uniforms provide many benefits to students, parents and educators. Strong
4. Technology has changed our lives. Broad
5. Violent crime is up. Broad
6. The recall election will do more harm than good. Broad
7. I like my apartment Narrow
8. Taking care of older pets can be challenging. Broad
9. Participating in volunteer work is essential to the development of strong character. Strong
10. The neighbor’s cat is unfriendly. Broad
ANSWER KEY
Topics are underlined once; comments are not underlined.

10. THESIS STATEMENT What a thesis statement isn’t? Not a title
Not an announcement of the subject
Not an absolute fact
Not the whole essay

11. Let’s have a try!! Your Belief:
Intro To Thesis (Includes Title and Author’s Name):
Discovery 1:
Character:
Discovery 2:
Discovery 3:
Write YOUR COMPLETE THESIS HERE: