How to Write a Thesis Statement!
- 1. How to write a Thesis Statement!
- 2. What is a thesis statement? Answer: Tells the reader what the paper will be about (a road map) Makes a claim or argument that will be supported in the paper Answers the research question and gives 3 defendable points
- 3. Psychologists have argued for decades about how a person ’ s character is formed. Numerous psychologists believe that one ’ s birth order (i.e. place in the family as the youngest, oldest, or middle child) has the greatest influence. Birth order can have a significant impact in the formation of a child ’ s character . Birth order can strongly affect one ’ s relationship with parents, relationships with others, and how one views responsibility as an adult. Thesis Statement Example The thesis statement makes a strong claim about birth order. Subpoints in the thesis or nearby help the reader know how the essay will be organized
- 4. Thesis Statement KEY POINTS : Takes a stand Justifies discussion (indicates that topic is important/has a point) Expresses one main idea Is specific (not vague)
- 5. Key Points Main Idea in a Complete Sentence The sport of cross-country running has allowed me to get in better shape and meet some interesting people. Being a teacher is a great profession because it allows me to work with students and be creative. Thesis Statement Thesis Statement The sport of cross-country running. Why do I want to be a teacher? This is not a complete sentence. This is a question, not a statement.
- 6. Key Points Another Example The problem of pollution in major cities can be alleviated by limiting the number of cars allowed to drive on city streets and creating more efficient public transportation systems. Marijuana should be legalized because it is not any more addictive than tobacco and it can provide numerous medicinal benefits for those suffering from terminal illnesses. Thesis Statement Thesis Statement The problem of pollution in big cities. Why should marijuana be legalized? This is not a complete sentence. This is a question, not a statement.
- 7. Where do I put the thesis statement? Answer: At the end of the introduction .
- 8. Location For most of Mr. Brown’s life, he lived with bad health, smelly clothes, and a chronic cough. His children and wife begged him to stop the habit that caused these conditions, but he could not. The habit of smoking had wrapped its addicting arms around him and was slowly strangling him until one day he realized it had to stop. Mr. Brown’s realization of his overwhelming addiction came after three terrifying events occurred in his family that changed his life forever. The thesis statement comes at the end of the introductory paragraph. This sentence tells the reader that he/she can expect to read about the events that caused the author to stop smoking in the rest of the essay.
- 9. Steps to Writing a Strong Thesis Statement Research topic and create a research question. Write a rough draft thesis statement that answers the research question. Re-write thesis statement to make sure that it addresses all of the key points for a strong thesis. Make sure thesis is a “road map” for the rest of your essay.
- 10. Let ’s Practice
- 11. Now, let’s look at your sources The first part of the question, “What are slums?” should be answered in your introduction paragraph What are 3 effects that slums have on human populations? These will be your defendable points Go through your sources and pick out 3 ways that slums either hurt or help humans
- 12. Zoom-out Re-write your thesis statement on a new thesis statement paper Be sure to include your 3 defendable points Turn in when finished, this will be what goes in the grade book