1. Thesis Statements

2. What is a thesis statement? A thesis statement is the main idea of an essay. It is often a point you want to argue or support in an essay. SO The thesis statement explains to a reader the main idea of the essay, and the writer’s opinion about that idea.

3. A thesis statement is usually one sentence. It is often placed in the introductory paragraph of an essay. A thesis statement is a claim that can be argued. The essay will contain evidence and opinions that support the argument.

4. Thesis statements avoid the following: the first person (I believe, In my opinion, etc.) unclear language (It seems, etc.) attempting two topics at once, even if they seem related. –Pick one and stick with it. just stating a fact. A thesis is something you plan to make an argument about.

5. A thesis statement should contain a topic (main idea of what you are writing about) contain an opinion about the topic (what your attitude is toward the topic)

6. A thesis statement should not be too broad. Too Broad Too Broad The world is a magnificent place to live.The world is a magnificent place to live. Better Better Good teachers make Highlands Middle School a fantastic school.Good teachers make Highlands Middle School a fantastic school.

7. Which sentence is too broad to be a good thesis statement? A. One reason to live in La Vergne is because it is very close to Nashville. B. La Vergne is a great place to live.

8. Too Board La Vergne is a great place to live. La Vergne is a great place to live.

9. A thesis statement should not be too wordy. Wordy Some problems with La Vergne Middle School are that it needs a larger playground, an air conditioned gym, restrooms connected to each classroom, running water in the classrooms, and a number of other physical changes to the building. Some problems with La Vergne Middle School are that it needs a larger playground, an air conditioned gym, restrooms connected to each classroom, running water in the classrooms, and a number of other physical changes to the building.Better La Vergne Middle School needs several changes to its facility to make it a better school. La Vergne Middle School needs several changes to its facility to make it a better school.

10. Which sentence is too wordy to be a good thesis statement? A. Abe Lincoln was one of the best presidents the United States has ever known. B. Abe Lincoln was an excellent speaker, the 16 th President of the United States, a liberator of slaves, and united the North and South at the end of the American Civil War.

11. Too Wordy Abe Lincoln was an excellent speaker, the 16 th President of the United States, a liberator of slaves, and united the North and South at the end of the American Civil War. Abe Lincoln was an excellent speaker, the 16 th President of the United States, a liberator of slaves, and united the North and South at the end of the American Civil War.

12. A thesis statement should not be too general. Too general Too general La Vergne Middle School is a good school.La Vergne Middle School is a good school. Better Better Daily writing practice has led to improved writing skills for the students at La Vergne Middle School.Daily writing practice has led to improved writing skills for the students at La Vergne Middle School.

13. Which sentence is too general to be a good thesis statement? A. Music makes people happy. B. Music therapy is useful in relieving stress and other conditions.

14. Too general Music makes people happy. Music makes people happy.

15. A thesis statement should not be a title. A title A title Cost of LivingCost of Living Better Better The cost of living in Franklin, Tennessee is higher than in many other cities in the United States.The cost of living in Franklin, Tennessee is higher than in many other cities in the United States.

16. Which sentence would not be a good thesis statement because it is a title? A. Good teaching has led to an increase in ELA scores at LaVergne Middle School. B. Rising ELA Scores at LaVergne Middle School.

17. A Title Rising ELA Scores at LaVergne Middle School Rising ELA Scores at LaVergne Middle School

18. A thesis statement should not be a a fact. A fact A fact The average temperature for White Plains in winter is in the 20’s and in summer is in the 80’s.The average temperature for White Plains in winter is in the 20’s and in summer is in the 80’s. Better Better The climate in White Plains is ideal for outdoor sports almost all year round.The climate in White Plains is ideal for outdoor sports almost all year round.

19. Which sentence would not be a good thesis statement because it is a fact? A. The recycling of one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours. B. Recycling is one of the most important jobs a person can do to protect our environment.

20. A Fact The recycling of one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours. The recycling of one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours.

21. More Practice

22. Whole group practice Evaluate the following thesis statements. Analyze each statement. Although most people believe otherwise, bats are harmless and highly beneficial. Although most people believe otherwise, bats are harmless and highly beneficial.

23. Whole group practice Evaluate the following thesis statements. Analyze each statement. In this essay I will discuss the crime rate in Mountain City. In this essay I will discuss the crime rate in Mountain City.

24. Whole group practice Evaluate the following thesis statements. Analyze each statement. Energetic exercise is a good way to help relieve stress. Energetic exercise is a good way to help relieve stress.

25. Whole group practice Evaluate the following thesis statements. Analyze each statement. LaVergne Middle School and Blackman Middle School differ in many ways. LaVergne Middle School and Blackman Middle School differ in many ways.

26. Small group practice Evaluate the following thesis statements. Analyze each statement. This paper will consider the advantages and disadvantages of students having nightly homework. This paper will consider the advantages and disadvantages of students having nightly homework.

27. Small group practice Evaluate the following thesis statements. Analyze each statement. Hate speeches should be eliminated for many reasons. Hate speeches should be eliminated for many reasons.

28. Take out a piece of notebook paper and number from 1 to 10. Articulate why or why not each thesis statement is effective or not effective.

29. Small group practice Effective or Non-effective? 1. Many people do not like to watch violent horror movies. 2. Today’s movies do not have the emotional impact of the classic horror movies of the 1940’s.

30. Small group practice Effective or Non-effective? 3. Rap music is the best music ever. 4. Although many people find rap music offensive, it has had a positive impact on today’s youth.

31. Small group practice Effective or Non-effective? 5. I enjoy white water rafting. 6. The first white water rafting trip can challenge a person both in body and spirit.

32. Small group practice Effective or Non-effective? 7. Sixth grade students are busy. 8. The life of a typical sixth grade student is challenging due to the need to succeed in extracurricular activities.

33. Small group practice Effective or Non-effective? 9. Community service projects include building shelter for the homeless, servicing meals to the hungry, providing transportation for the sick, distributing clothes, and a large number of other helpful activities. 10. Students should help others who are less fortunate.