Writing a Thesis Statement

English 2

Purpose of a thesis statement

The thesis of a paper is considered to be the most important part of the pre-writing process for the following reasons: It provides the focus for the paper It restricts or narrows the topic Functions for the paper as a topic sentence

does for a paragraph Determines the paper's purpose and audience Makes writing the paper easier

How do I know if my thesis statement is good?

Requirements of a good thesis: Must be authoritative (have a provable

point, argumentative edge, or persuasive viewpoint)

Promotes the writer's attitude toward the subject

Uses specific, concrete language (this avoids 'wimpyness')

Must restrict, unify, and be precise about the paper's subject

Examples

Example of a poor thesis:  Cheating in high school is widespread, but doesn't

work very well. 

Example of a better thesis: Students who cheat show no real gain in grade

averages; therefore, this result should be voiced right along with the moral argument not to cheat.

  Super hint: If unsure how to give a thesis

an edge, try using since, although, or despite to start the thesis sentence.

More Examples

Examples:   Although a popular idea is that poor women have babies to

receive public aid, the real issue is that single, undereducated mothers have no other option than to seek welfare for their children.

  Since our society offers few economic opportunities for poor,

undereducated, single mothers, it is imperative that government find more job training and childcare programs for this population so they can independently support their children in the future.

  Despite programs already in place for public aid and job

training, very few poor, single mothers have the ability to access these programs due to a lack of transportation or childcare providers.

Brainstorming a thesis

TopicEx: drug testing, food in schools, physical education

What viewpoints are there on your topic? List as many as you can.

What side of the argument are you going to take? What are some reasons why your viewpoint is correct? Assertions?!?

Construct a 1 sentence thesis.It should include an argumentative word, the opposition, your argument, and justification (because statement)

IntroductionsEnglish 2

What should be in my Intro paragraph?

It should… Start with a general discussion of your

subject and lead into a very specific statement of your main point, or thesis

Begin with an attention getter▪ Challenging claim▪ Surprising story

Thesis should be the LAST sentence in your introductory paragraph!

Ideas for attention getters Startling information

Must be true and verifiable Pertinent fact that illustrates the point of your

paper Follow this with a sentence or two of

elaboration If the info is from a research source, it must

be cited! Anecdote

A story that illustrates your point Should be short and to the point

Ideas for attention getters

Summary information A few sentences that explain your topic▪ Think proposal from prompt

Should be general to specific and lead to your thesis

The attention grabber you use is up to you; these are just some

ideas!

Example

Throughout history, it seems as though cheating has grown more common. With more emphasis on social and economic aspects of life, as well as increasingly difficult schoolwork, families have lost sight of how important it is to teach values. This has unfortunately led to a decline in honesty in both teenagers and adults. Studies have shown that teaching character education in schools has created small improvement in today’s society, but only few schools have actually attempted the program. Although parents should teach their children how to be responsible human beings, schools and teachers should strongly enforce moral values to emphasize the need for h0nesty in the real world.

Example

Throughout history, it seems as though cheating has grown more common. With more emphasis on social and economic aspects of life, as well as increasingly difficult schoolwork, families have lost sight of how important it is to teach values. This has unfortunately led to a decline in honesty in both teenagers and adults. Studies have shown that teaching character education in schools has created small improvement in today’s society, but only few schools have actually attempted the program. Although parents should teach their children how to be responsible human beings, schools and teachers should strongly enforce moral values to emphasize the need for h0nesty in the real world.

WHAT DO YOU THINK WAS THE PROMPT FOR THIS ESSAY?