Thesis SAY WHAT YOU MEAN MEAN WHAT YOU

Thesis SAY WHAT YOU MEAN, MEAN WHAT YOU SAY!

What is it? The main idea of an essay, expressed in one sentence. Statement made by the writer that the rest of the paper focuses on Focused interest in your subject A statement of the purpose, intent, or main idea of an essay.

Thesis Formula A specific subject + a specific condition, feeling, or stand = an effective thesis statement

Thesis Example Young children exposed to low levels of lead (specific subject) may face health problems later in life. (specific condition)

Thesis Statement Young children exposed to low levels of lead may face health problems later in life.

Example 1 Assignment: Essay about opportunities in education Specific Thesis Subject: High school internships Statement: High school internship programs benefit students in three ways.

Example 2 Writing Assignment: Essay on the Civil War Specific General Subject: General George Mc. Clellan’s overcautious tactics prolonged the war.

Example 3 Writing Assignment: Essay about an outdoor activity Specific Subject: Use of barbed hooks for fishing Barbed fishing. hooks should be banned from

What it Cannot be… 1. Just a statement of fact 2. Simply a statement of opinion 3. A generalization 4. Written in the form of a question

Thesis A statement that expresses the essay’s topic Not a question A single sentence, never more than two Persuasive in some way (capable of being developed into an essay)classify, compare, contrast, prove, identify, and establish Sometimes the final sentence of the introduction

Thesis or No 1. Video games are played on computers and gaming systems.

No It was a statement of fact! Video games are played on computers and gaming systems.

Thesis or No! Video games are cool.

No! Simply a statement of opinion Video games are cool.

Thesis or No? Video games have a lot of good benefits.

No! A Video Generalization games have a lot of good benefits.

Thesis or No Are video games beneficial to young people?

No Written in the form of a question Are video games beneficial to young people?

Thesis Formula A specific subject + a specific condition, feeling, or stand = an effective thesis statement

Video games are an important developmental tool for young people because they enhance eye-hand coordination, develop complex problem-solving skills, and promote self-confidence.

Thesis Formula A specific subject + a specific condition, feeling, or stand +three supporting points = an effective thesis statement with detail

Strong or Weak Thesis I think Kanye West is the best rapper of all time. Why? Why Not?

Strong or Weak Thesis Why was Eli Whitney’s invention of the cotton gin significant? Why? Why not?

Strong or Weak Thesis John F. Kennedy served as our nation’s 35 th President and was assassinated on November 22, 1963. Why? Why Not?

Strong or Weak Alcohol is a big problem for families in this country. Why? Why Not?

Strong or Weak How young is too young to drink alcohol?

What does it do? 1. States your topic 2. States what you have to say about your topic

Function and Purpose of the Thesis 1. To announce the topic to the reader 2. To reflect a judgment about the topic 3. To provide the reader with a blueprint for what is to come in the paper

Every Thesis Every thesis statement is an argument to be proved and supported by the body of the essay.

Two Choices-If your essay doesn’t support your thesis: 1. Change your essay 2. Change your thesis statement

Question to Ask Have I said something specific and meaningful? Have I used specific names, examples, dates, facts, etc. , and something about them?

Question to Ask 1. Have I said something arguable? 2. 3. Can I support my thesis? Is my thesis relevant to the assignment?

Practice Create writing thesis statements using thesis formula.