2. Topic Thesis Statement How to get from a Topic to a Thesis Statement

3. What is a thesis statement? STATES what you are going to be researching or attempting to prove. Is 2 or 3 sentences at the most. IS NOT a question. DOES NOT include your research or support for your arguments.

4. Topic: Popular music and society 1. Popular music is an expression of the different aspects of the society in which it is created. 2. Popular music is the only way young people can express themselves while growing up in an oppressive society. 3. In American society, popular music has caused the degeneration of moral values and should be censored by the government.

5. Topic: Potatoes 1. Potatoes are a delicious vegetable that can be prepared in many delicious ways. Life without them would be very sad. 2. Potatoes have caused many people to become overweight, and should be outlawed as a health threat to America. Mmmm. Potatoes.

6. Why does a thesis statement have to take a point of view?

7. Because writing a paper is a way to join in scholarly debate!