The Thesis Statement The Roadmap of Your Essay

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The Thesis Statement The Roadmap of Your Essay

The Thesis Statement The Roadmap of Your Essay

Introduction By the end of our lesson today, you will: ü Have a better

Introduction By the end of our lesson today, you will: ü Have a better understanding of a thesis statement üKnow how to identify a good thesis statement

What is a thesis statement? I’m glad you asked.

What is a thesis statement? I’m glad you asked.

Definition Thesis Statement The thesis statement is one sentence that tells the main idea

Definition Thesis Statement The thesis statement is one sentence that tells the main idea of an essay. It tells the argument that you are going to defend. It states a claim and takes a position. In the essay you will defend your position using examples and/or facts to support your argument. Can you find thesis statement in the following examples?

Definition Thesis Statement Since I was a little girl, I’ve always been a teacher.

Definition Thesis Statement Since I was a little girl, I’ve always been a teacher. Being the oldest made me the teacher and the student of many lessons that I would later have to teach my younger siblings. Teaching requires a person’s full attention. It also demands an extreme amount of patience. Being a teacher warrants a full commitment Thesis from the teacher. Teaching is a demanding, yet St This la atement: st sent e states rewarding job. the ma nce of the e in idea ssay.

Thesis Statement Another Example Studies show that teenagers would benefit from a later school

Thesis Statement Another Example Studies show that teenagers would benefit from a later school start. A later school start could mean more time for students and teachers to rest. This could also mean that teachers are more productive and could plan better lessons to engage their students in learning. Finally, a later start in school gives parents more time in the morning with their children. Middle and high schools should The s begin later in the morning to allow greater mai is Ssuccess n id tateme is s cho ea of t nt: Th in the school system. he ol e sho essa u l late d be y gin r.

Key Features Thesis Statement Answers the prompt States the main idea in a complete

Key Features Thesis Statement Answers the prompt States the main idea in a complete sentence, not a question Usually at the end of an introduction States an opinion or attitude on a topic Does not directly announce your main topic

Key Features Answers the Prompt Does not answer the prompt completely Student Responses Writing

Key Features Answers the Prompt Does not answer the prompt completely Student Responses Writing Situation: There has been a problem in local schools with discipline and violence. Your school board has decided to institute a school uniform policy in order to cut down on these problems, based on the positive examples that they have seen at other schools. Consider the issue of school uniforms. What is your position on this issue? Directions for Writing: Write a persuasive essay to giving reasons for our position on the school uniform issue. School uniforms are not connected to violence. The introduction of school uniforms may decrease violence, however, there may be other detrimental effects as a result of this new policy. Answer s the prompt

Key Features Main Idea in a Complete Sentence Since thesis statement is the main

Key Features Main Idea in a Complete Sentence Since 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. Look at the examples below to see how they can be made into thesis statements.

Key Features The Main Idea is a Complete Sentence The sport of basketball. THIS

Key Features The Main Idea is a Complete Sentence The sport of basketball. THIS IS NOT A SENTENCE. The sport of basketball is an engaging sport that everyone should learn to play. Why is writing the best subject? THESIS STATEMENT THIS IS A QUESTION, NOT A STATEMENT. Writing is a very challenging subject, yet rewarding because one can express THESIS himself on paper to convince others. STATEMENT

A COMPLETE SENTENCE Another Example Marcus Garvey and the Harlem Renaissance. THIS IS NOT

A COMPLETE SENTENCE Another Example Marcus Garvey and the Harlem Renaissance. THIS IS NOT A SENTENCE. Marcus Garvey’s ability to rally people behind a cause, to make speeches, and to defend civil rights makes him arguably the most important figure of the Harlem Renaissance. What is the problem with big cities? THESIS STATEMENT THIS IS QUESTION, NOT A STATEMENT. 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. THESIS STATEMENT

Key Features- Location Your reader likes to know what the essay is going to

Key Features- Location Your reader likes to know what the essay is going to be about early on in the essay rather than the end of the essay. Because of this, thesis statement is usually found at the end of the introductory paragraph.

KEY FEATURES LOCATION ST TH AT ES EM IS EN T In America, freedom

KEY FEATURES LOCATION ST TH AT ES EM IS EN T In America, freedom of expression is a right that our forefathers fought foe. Lunch is a social time for students where they can express themselves with their friends. It is also a time when students don’t have to talk about school. Finally, allowing students to express themselves in lunch allows for less offtopic discussion during classes. Silent lunch is a violation of students’ first amendment rights and is not an acceptable solution the loud noise in the cafeteria.

Key Features Location THESIS STATEMENT Maya Angelou is an accomplished African. American author in

Key Features Location THESIS STATEMENT 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.

Key Features States an Opinion or Attitude A thesis statement states an opinion or

Key Features States an Opinion or Attitude A thesis statement states an opinion or attitude about a particular topic, making thesis more specific. The writer must defend or explain this opinion in the essay. Look at the following slides to see examples.

Key Features States an Opinion or Attitude I learned to play many musical instruments

Key Features States an Opinion or Attitude I learned to play many musical instruments when I was young. This would not be considered a good thesis statement because it is only expressing a fact. It doesn’t give the writer’s opinion or attitude on playing musical instruments. This thesis statement doesn’t give the writer very much to explain or prove in his/her essay. Learning to play many musical instruments when I was young helped me to become a more intelligent and wellrounded person. This thesis statement is much better because it expresses how the writer feels about the experience of learning to play musical instruments. This thesis statement requires the writer to explain how and why playing a musical instrument made him/her a better person.

An Opinion or Attitude Another Example Cancun is a popular vacation spot in Mexico.

An Opinion or Attitude Another Example Cancun is a popular vacation spot in Mexico. Cancun is one of the best vacation spots in Mexico because of its comfortable climate and proximity to some well-known archeological sites. This would not be considered a good thesis statement, because it is only expressing a fact. It doesn’t reflect the writer’s opinion or attitude on Cancun. This thesis statement doesn’t give the writer very much to explain or prove in his/her essay. This thesis statement is much better because it expresses how the writer feels about Cancun. This thesis statement requires the writer to explain how and why going to Cancun is a good choice for visitors.

Key Features Don’t State the Obvious At all costs, you should avoid using “I’m

Key Features Don’t State the Obvious At all costs, you should avoid using “I’m going to write about…” or “This essay will discuss…” in your thesis statements. Try to write thesis statement in a way that will capture your reader’s attention, but does not state the obvious.

Don’t State the Obvious In this essay, I’m going to talk about why students

Don’t State the Obvious In this essay, I’m going to talk about why students shouldn’t have to wear uniforms. A dress code requiring students to wear uniforms can inhibit student expression, quench creativity, and deter students from enjoying school.

Don’t State the Obvious This essay will discuss why teachers should not be permitted

Don’t State the Obvious This essay will discuss why teachers should not be permitted to assign homework to students. Homework is a nuisance that causes headaches for teachers, students, and parents and should not be assigned.

Key Features Review üAnswers the prompt üStates the main idea in a complete sentence,

Key Features Review üAnswers the prompt üStates the main idea in a complete sentence, not a question üUsually at the end of an introduction üStates an opinion or attitude on a topic üDoes not directly announce your main topic

Practice Exercises Now it’s your turn. With your partner, complete the practice exercises on

Practice Exercises Now it’s your turn. With your partner, complete the practice exercises on thesis statement. Use the following subjects and write a solid thesis statement for each. Favorite holiday celebration Fearful situation Giving thanks

References

References