1. Thesis Statement What is a thesis statement? It’s the main point, or controlling idea. It is your Compass … it guides your essay.

2. Thesis Statement It answers these questions: ► What is the subject? ► What is the author’s opinion on the subject ? Subject: Fish Thesis Statement: Fish are friends, not food. http://drfinnegan.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/nemo.jpg A thesis statement does not just “tell what the essay is about.”

3. Topic + Opinion (Position) = Thesis Statement Example of a Student’s thesis: The person I am today is based on the mistakes I’ve made, and the life lessons I’ve learned. “Everything in your essay should support your thesis… Write your thesis statement at the top of your first draft, and refer to it often your chances of drifting away from your purpose should be reduced.” (p. 32)

4. Working Thesis Your thesis may change as you gather information … And you may need to rewrite your rough draft as you focus.

5. Working Thesis If your working thesis changes: “Don’t try to pass off an old head on the body of a new statue!” (p.33) of a new statue!” (p.33) Working Thesis: American values have declined. Final Thesis: Movies, TV and Advertising have contributed to the decline in American values.  Go back and rewrite, removing thoughts/information which isn’t related to your three main points. www.toonpool.com/.../files/statue_400215.jpg

6. Thesis Statement A good thesis: ► asserts one main idea ► states a clearly defined opinion ► has something worthwhile to say ► is limited, or focused ► is clearly stated, and is specific ► is recognizable, usually in the 1 st or 2 nd paragraph.

7. Essay Map “ a brief statement in the introductory paragraph introducing the major points to be discussed in the essay” (p. 40) Movies, TV and Advertising have contributed to the decline in American values. Because of its free services, well-trained tutors, and useful learning aids, the Writing Center is an excellent resource for students. http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/ __ data/assets/image/0012/660/parking_map_2005.jpg

8. Five “Don’ts” in Thesis Statements ► Don’t just announce your subject matter: The subject of this essay … ► Don’t use the first person point of view (POV): I believe that … ; My thesis states … ► Don’t have an “attitude”: Don’t label, be condescending, overly emotional, or oversimplify ► Don’t just state a fact, or obvious opinion: Child abuse is a terrible problem ► Don’t phrase your thesis as a question: Have you ever wondered why? Why should …

9. (p. 39)

10. Thesis Statement (p. 39)

11. 1. Who is the targeted audience? 2. What is the purpose of the ad? 3. Write a thesis statement which includes: a. the subject a. the subject b. the writers opinion on the subject b. the writers opinion on the subject c. the author’s purpose (may be implied) c. the author’s purpose (may be implied) 4. Using one of the prewriting methods, brainstorm ideas for an essay to support your thesis Exercise: Prewriting & Thesis (Wyrick, p. 220): Diamond Trading Co, 2005

12. Source: Wyrick, Jean. Steps to Writing Well. Boston: Wadsworth, 2008. Print.