Thesis Statements

Don’t write a paper without one!

What is a thesis statement?

…I’m so glad you asked!

A thesis statement is the “backbone” of your paper.

It connects all of the elements of your paper, just like your spine controls your whole body.

Thesis statements

0are sentences that define the purpose of an essay0unify the writer’s thoughts under one idea.0are the heart of any good paper. 0prevent your reader from saying, “So what?” about

your topic.

0 contain0 A topic 0 A claim/position about that topic

More on thesis statements0 A good thesis may also:0 Make a comparison or contrast:

0 Example: Mercutio’s view of love in Romeo and Juliet differs from that of Romeo; Mercutio sees love as a game whereas Romeo views it as a serious matter of the heart.

0 Focus on the causes or effects of a particular event, condition or change:0 Example: A number of ill-fated events make Romeo and Juliet’s

deaths in the play inevitable.0 Propose a solution to a problem or recommend a policy.

0 Example: Romeo and Juliet could have avoided their tragic demise if they had not acted in such an impulsive fashion throughout the play.

More on thesis statements

0 A good thesis is NOT:0 A statement of fact:

0 William Shakespeare modeled his play The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet after an earlier story.

0 A personal opinion:0 I think Romeo and Juliet is a great story.

0 A vague generalization:0 Romeo and Juliet had a lot of problems throughout the play.

0 A question:0 Were Romeo and Juliet’s impulsive actions a contributing factor

to their demise?

Good or bad?

Example

0The book Twisted is about teenagers.

Example

0Through characterization and plot events, Laurie Halse Anderson accurately represents the American teenager in the novel Twisted.

Example

0Water is good for people to drink.

Example

0Elie Wiesel’s Night discusses the topic of survival.

Example

0 In his memoir, Wiesel argues that courage and faith are essential for survival when one is faced with great difficulties.

How do I write a thesis statement?

Necessary Materials

0Topic0Position0Reasons you’re right

Ways of Constructing Thesis Statements: The List (Essay Map)

0Contains essay’s topic, position, and three supporting reasons

0Example: “Elie Wiesel expresses the that faith is tested in difficult times in Night [topic and point] through characterization of Akiba Drumer and himself, allusions to Job, and the use of rhetorical questions [three reasons].”

Ways of Constructing Thesis Statements:The Umbrella

0 Contains essay’s topic, position, and alludes to reasons why the reader should believe you.

0 Do not directly state the supporting reasons, but instead allude to them.

0 Example: “Elie Wiesel proves that faith can overcome great difficulties[topic and point] with evidence that makes the reader believe a person with faith can survive anything[reasons].”

0 Do NOT use language like, “There are many reasons Elie proves faith is important.”