2. Warm-up 9/6 Because of my ______________ to the gym, I was able to keep a steady workout regiment. After the lesson was done, several students ______________ their ideas about religion into the essay causing their work to be inaccurate. The ___________ cost of the victory of king Pyrrhus over the Romans is known today as “Pyrric Victory.” Bryan couldn’t help but to ____________ his suggestions after hearing two girls in the hallway talking about how they were going to cheat on a test. When reading Shakespeare, one may have to use the “No Fear Shakespeare” series because all his plays are ___________. I can’t believe my mother’s ___________ nature, she always seems to overtake the conversations. I must ___________ to your demands or I will fail. obtrusive acquiesce propinquity internecine abstruse interpose interpolated 1.obtruse 2. internecine 3. propinquity 4. acquiesce 5. interpose 6. interpolate 7. abstruse

3. The Thesis Statement © 2001 by Ruth Luman A Road Map for Your Essay References ESSAY Introduction Thesis Statement Body Paragraph #1 Body Paragraph #2 Body Paragraph #3

4. Definition Thesis Statement A thesis statement is a complete sentence that contains one main idea. This idea controls the content of the entire essay. A thesis statement that contains subpoints also helps a reader know how the essay will be organized.

5. Thesis Statement The thesis statement contains the main idea that controls the content of the essay. Subpoints in the thesis or nearby help the reader know how the essay will be organized Psychologists have argued for decades about how a person’s character is formed. Numerous psychologists believe that one’s birth order (i.e. place in the family as the youngest, oldest, or middle child) has the greatest influence. Birth order can have a significant impact in the formation of a child’s character which strongly affect one’s relationship with parents, relationships with others, and how one views responsibility as an adult.

6. Key Features Thesis Statement states the main idea of the essay in a complete sentence, not in a question. states an opinion or attitude on a topic. It doesn’t just state the topic, itself. is usually at the end of an introduction. often lists subtopics.

7. Key Features Main Idea in a Complete Sentence Since the thesis statement is the main statement for the entire essay, it should express a complete thought and be a complete sentence. The thesis statement is asserting an opinion or idea, so it should not be a question. It should be an arguable point.

8. Creating and Argument (Statement v. Thesis) The problem of pollution in big cities. Why should marijuana be legalized? This is not a complete sentence. The problem of pollution in major cities can be alleviated by limiting the number of cars allowed to drive on city streets and creating more efficient public transportation systems. Marijuana should be legalized because it is not any more addictive than tobacco and it can provide numerous medicinal benefits for those suffering from terminal illnesses. This is a question, not a statement. Thesis Statement

9. Thesis statement for Literary Analysis “Meg Meeker seems in her novel Rainbow Party to be obsessed with lipstick." “Meg Meeker uses lipstick to point to her novel's larger theme: the masking and unmasking of the self."

10. Location At the end of the introduction Maya Angelou is an accomplished African-American author in the United States. While growing up, she suffered tremendous hardship. Some of her most difficult life events are portrayed in novels and poems such as, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and, Still I Rise. Her written works often include strong themes such as perseverance through trials, love for family, and passionate optimism. The thesis statement comes at the end of the introductory paragraph. This sentence tells the reader that he/she can expect to read more about how Maya Angelou expresses these themes in her writing. Thesis statement in a literary analysis.

11. You can make your thesis statement more specific by including subtopics or supporting ideas. By doing this, you give your reader a clear idea of what will follow in the body paragraphs of your essay. Key Features Subtopics

12. Key Features Subtopics The large influx of people to California has had major effects on the state. No subtopics are named in this thesis statement. The large influx of people to California has had major effects on the ability of the state to provide housing, electricity, and jobs for all residents. This statement names three subtopics. Can you find all of the subtopics? subtopic #1 subtopic #2 subtopic #3

13. Subtopics Another Example Inner-city public schools grapple with some serious problems. No subtopics are named in this thesis statement. The government needs to provide additional funds towards inner-city public schools rather than decrease public education funding because of the issues with overcrowded classrooms, the low percentage of trained teachers, and the lack of resources such as textbooks for students. This statement names three subtopics. Can you find all of the subtopics? subtopic #1subtopic #2 subtopic #3

14. In thesis statements, you should avoid using statements like, “This essay will discuss…” or “I’m going to write about…”. Try to write a thesis statement that captures your reader’s attention without announcing your main topic and stating the obvious. Don’t use…. I or You in your thesis or paper A question A statement of fact Key Features Don’t State the Obvious

15. Key Features Don’t State the Obvious In this essay, I am going to discuss the effects of long-term drug abuse. Long-term drug use can have disastrous effects on one’s marriage, career, and health.

16. Review (Narrowing topic and thesis) Sugar consumption Reducing sugar consumption by elementary school children. More attention should be paid to the food and beverage choices available to elementary school children. Experts estimate that half of elementary school children consume nine times the recommended daily allowance of sugar. Because half of all American elementary school children consume nine times the recommended daily allowance of sugar, schools should be required to replace the beverages in soda machines with healthy alternatives

17. a good thesis statement should justify discussion - don't leave your readers saying to themselves "So what" or "duh?" or "like what's your point?“ a good thesis statement should express one main idea or a clear relationship between two specific ideas linked by words like "because," "since," "so," "although," "unless," or "however.“ A good thesis statement should be restricted to a specific and manageable topic - readers are more likely to reward a paper that does a small task well than a paper that takes on an unrealistic task and fails REMEMBER…

18. Let’s Test Out Our Knowledge Quiz

19. Key Features Review states the main idea of the essay in a complete sentence, not in a question. states an opinion or attitude on a topic. It doesn’t just state the topic, itself. is usually at the end of an introduction. often lists subtopics. does not directly announce your main topic.

20. Practice Exercises Now, you are ready to practice what you’ve learned. Click on the button below to go back to Unit B. Complete the Interactive Review and Exercise 1.

21. References PowerPoint Presentation by Ruth Luman: Modesto Junior College. This project incorporates portions of copyrighted works. These items are included under the fair use exemption of the U.S. Copyright Law and have been prepared according to the educational fair use guidelines. They are restricted from further use.