Writing Thesis Statements What is a thesis statement

Writing Thesis Statements

What is a thesis statement? A thesis statement is a complete sentence. It serves as the guide for the essay. It gives the reader direction. Where am I going? ESSAY

Characteristics Addresses the prompt clearly Makes a claim and presents a reason Presents an argument Is arguable (an opinion or attitude) In first paragraph of essay

Steps to creating a thesis STEP 1 – Name topic. EXAMPLE – “Disney Princesses ” STEP 2 – Create a question: EXAMPLE – “Are Disney What is important? What is Princesses damaging role interesting? Is something models? ” particularly good or bad? STEP 3 – THESIS: Make a EXAMPLE – Disney judgment / make it specific. princesses are bad role models because they place too much emphasis on the Prince”

Your Turn!! You will now apply what you learned by writing your own thesis statement 1. Topic: Cause and Effect 2. Question: What were the causes and effects of one of the major events in the 2 nd Quarter 3. Thesis: ? ? ? When reading back your thesis, ask yourself a few questions…

Thesis- generally you should not be using key terms in your thesis Ex. for ONE specific cause and effect – The Event was directly resulted from Cause. Event and would continue to impact Region by leading to the Effect-Event. Ex. For fields of change related to PERSIA – The Event culminated from changes in (P/E/R/S/I/A) name type of of change and would continue to impact the (P/E/R/S/I/A) qualities of the region as seen by Type of changes

Tips for Into Paragraph 3 step formula – Give historical background on topic – Present your question, either as a question or as a problem… • Ex. How did Europe change _____? Or While change in Europe was complex we can best explore it through _____ – Give your thesis

Change over time During the time period of 600 to 1550 CE Europe was emerging as a unique civilization. These next few centuries saw enormous change in Europe. While change in Europe is complex we can best explore it through economics. Europe changed economically in this time by expanding from and isolated, agricultural civilization, to expanding trade routes and the growth of banking, until Europe eventually becomes a large interconnected Empire.

Example The French Revolution was sparked by many problems economically, politically, and socially. However, many historians have debated which of these problems is the most significant. The economic problems faced by France are the most significant because these issues are the root of Frances other concerns.

The French Revolution stemmed from centuries of repression, fiscal irresponsibility, and a king with absolute power. However, understanding which of these factors is at the source of the this conflict is crucial to understanding the Revolution itself. The irresponsible economic policies used by France are the most significant source because these issues are the root of Frances other concerns.

Can I argue against this statement?

Can I write a whole essay based on this thesis?

Is it grammatically correct? Adapted from mr_rodriguez 23 on Apr 20, 2008 http: //www. slideshare. net/mr_rodriguez 23/thesis-identifying-activity