Essay Writing:Essay Writing:

Thesis StatementsThesis Statements

What is a thesis statement?What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement is a general sentence A thesis statement is a general sentence with a with a subjectsubject and an and an opinionopinion (also called (also called commentary [CM]).commentary [CM]).

A thesis statement organizes and states A thesis statement organizes and states the focus of your paper.the focus of your paper.

A thesis statement can be found in your A thesis statement can be found in your introductory paragraph (usually at the introductory paragraph (usually at the end).end).

How does one craft a thesis?How does one craft a thesis?

Subject:Subject:– Summer vacationSummer vacation– School dancesSchool dances– Horror filmsHorror films

Opinion:Opinion:– Too shortToo short– RisquéRisqué– PredictablePredictable

Some Examples (personal)Some Examples (personal)

Summer vacationSummer vacation is relaxing, but it is too is relaxing, but it is too short.short.

School dancesSchool dances can be fun, but are often can be fun, but are often risqué. risqué.

Horror filmsHorror films are predictable and are are predictable and are therefore not as scary as they could be.therefore not as scary as they could be.

AustraliaAustralia is the best country of all for a is the best country of all for a vacation.vacation.

ReviewReview

A thesis is a general sentence with a A thesis is a general sentence with a ____________ and an _________ (also ____________ and an _________ (also called __________).called __________).

PracticePractice

For each of the following thesis statements, For each of the following thesis statements, underline the subject once and the opinion underline the subject once and the opinion (commentary) twice.(commentary) twice.

Example: Example: West HillsWest Hills is a wonderful place to go is a wonderful place to go to school.to school.

1.1. Fishing is fun to do when I’m with my dad.Fishing is fun to do when I’m with my dad.

2.2. English is my favorite class.English is my favorite class.

3.3. It’s exciting going to a new school.It’s exciting going to a new school.

4.4. Tacos are my favorite food.Tacos are my favorite food.

5.5. I like radio station Q106 the most.I like radio station Q106 the most.

ReviewReview

What are the two parts of a thesis?What are the two parts of a thesis?– _______ and _______ (also called ________)_______ and _______ (also called ________)

Descriptive WordsDescriptive Words

Do NOT use vague words in your thesis Do NOT use vague words in your thesis that do not explain how you feel.that do not explain how you feel.

E.g., lame, stupid, awesome, cool, etc.E.g., lame, stupid, awesome, cool, etc.

Use more descriptive words to convey Use more descriptive words to convey your feelings:your feelings:– Disgusting, uninteresting, expensive, Disgusting, uninteresting, expensive,

mysterious, cruel, embarrassing, brave, mysterious, cruel, embarrassing, brave, proud, selfish, satisfying, thankful, proud, selfish, satisfying, thankful, unsuccessful, victorious, etc. unsuccessful, victorious, etc.

PracticePractice

Now you will practice writing thesis Now you will practice writing thesis sentences of your own. First you need to sentences of your own. First you need to think of some subjects you know think of some subjects you know something about.something about.Here are some ideas:Here are some ideas:– Getting bracesGetting braces– BicyclingBicycling– HomeworkHomework

Write your subject in your notesWrite your subject in your notes

Practice (cont’d)Practice (cont’d)

Next , write a thesis for your subject.Next , write a thesis for your subject.Here is an example:Here is an example:– Getting bracesGetting braces was one of the best things that could was one of the best things that could

have happened to mehave happened to me..

Notice the subject and opinion (commentary) in Notice the subject and opinion (commentary) in this thesis.this thesis.Now think of a thesis for the subject you chose Now think of a thesis for the subject you chose and write it in your notes.and write it in your notes.Underline your subject once and your opinion Underline your subject once and your opinion twice.twice.

Your TurnYour Turn

Create a thesis statement for each of the Create a thesis statement for each of the following subjects:following subjects:– Dress codesDress codes– Rap musicRap music– The InternetThe Internet

Be ready to share with the class. Be ready to share with the class. Now, create 2 thesis statements with Now, create 2 thesis statements with subjects of your own choosing.subjects of your own choosing.– Underline each subject once and each Underline each subject once and each

opinion (commentary) twice.opinion (commentary) twice.

Final Review Final Review

A thesis is a general sentence with a A thesis is a general sentence with a _______________ and an __________ _______________ and an __________ (______________). (______________).

Homework Homework

Write a thesis for our prompt “The 3 Most Write a thesis for our prompt “The 3 Most ___ Things About the First Day of School”___ Things About the First Day of School”

Look at what you wrote in your journal Look at what you wrote in your journal entry. What kinds of things did you write entry. What kinds of things did you write about?about?– Were they: scary, exciting, new, boring, Were they: scary, exciting, new, boring,

overwhelming…etc?overwhelming…etc?

ReviewReview

Identify the sentences Mrs. Drake will Identify the sentences Mrs. Drake will show you as thesis statements or not.show you as thesis statements or not.

Number 1 to 10 in your notes. Number 1 to 10 in your notes.

For each sentence you see, write “Yes” if it For each sentence you see, write “Yes” if it is a thesis statement and “No” if it is not.is a thesis statement and “No” if it is not.

Remember that a thesis is a general Remember that a thesis is a general sentence with a ________ and an sentence with a ________ and an _______ (_______)_______ (_______)