2. What is a Thesis Statement?
• Typically one sentence.
• States the main idea or argument.
• Sets the expectation for the reader.
• Foundation of your essay.
3. Importance of a Thesis Statement
• Guides the structure and argument of your
essay.
• Most crucial part of your essay.
4. Writing a Thesis Statement
• Your thesis is the basis for your essay.
• The essay attempts to prove your thesis.
• Refer back to your thesis to stay on track.
5. Types of Thesis Statements
• Simple: "A is B."
• Better: "A is B because of x, y, and z."
• Complex: "Although C is D, A is B because of x,
y, and z."
Aim for writing complex thesis statements for
your essays. This will help you to compose a
more sophisticated, interesting essay.
6. Complex Thesis Statements
• A complex thesis statement is a multipart,
complex sentence that includes a
counterargument (the opposite of your
opinion) as well as your actual argument and
the reasons that support it.
• Start with the counterargument (the although
statement), add your subject + your opinion,
include the word “because,” and then provide
your reasons.
7. Magic Formula for Thesis Statements
Although______________________________,
_________________ +___________________
because_______________,_______________,
_____________________________________
Counterargument: Opposite of your argument
Subject Matter Your Opinion
Reason #1 Reason #2
Reason #3
8. Magic Formula for Thesis Statements
Although______________________________,
_________________ +___________________
because_________________,_____________,
_____________________________________
Counterargument: Opposite of your argument
(Subject Matter) (Your Opinion)
(Reason #1) (Reason #2)
(Reason #3)
some people believe that social media improves communication
this technology negatively impacts real-life relationships
it reduces face-to-face interaction creates feelings of jealousy
and contributes to loneliness and depression.
9. Thesis Formula
• "Although [counter argument], [subject] is
[opinion] because [reason 1], [reason 2], and
[reason 3]."
• Example: "Although some scholars argue that
Huckleberry Finn is Twain’s crowning
achievement, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
is Mark Twain’s best novel because of its use
of satire, imagery, and symbolism."
10. Placement and Structure
• Thesis statement typically goes at the end of the introduction.
• Each body paragraph should start with a topic sentence that
ties back to the thesis.
11. Examples and Practice
• Examples of weak and strong thesis
statements.
• Practice prompts for writing thesis statements.
12. Moving from thesis points to
Topic Sentences
The sample essay on the next slide has the following thesis statement:
• Although some believe martial arts are dangerous, they are
beneficial because they teach discipline, patience, and character.
• When looking at the sample essay on the next slide, notice how the
author uses each of the thesis statement points, “discipline,
patience, and character,” to form the topic sentence (first sentence
and main idea) of a body paragraph.
• This structure will help to tie the ideas together and keep the
paragraph organized.
13. Sample of Simple Essay
Have you ever had an interest in self-defense? Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art and a way of fighting and self-defense based
on an understanding of both body and mind. As a college student, I discovered Brazilian jiu-jitsu (bjj). Even though I was
physically fit and planned to become a police officer, I thought that I needed special skills to protect myself. Brazilian jiu-
jitsu teaches these skills and more. Although some people feel martial arts are dangerous, the person who practices
Brazilian jiu-jitsu gains discipline, maturity, and a changed self-concept.
First, the discipline of Brazilian jiu-jitsu helps the student to outfight and outsmart her opponent. For a while, I didn’t
appreciate the discipline. We had to practice every night in class and also commit to a rigid exercise plan outside of class.
We also had to be disciplined in our study of the course materials.
Second, with practice, Brazilian jiu-jitsu increases maturity. Although maturity sometimes comes with age, it can also come
with experience. Maturity is something that I thought I had developed until I started my Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes, and I
realized that I have a hot temper and often jump to conclusions.
Finally, after a year or so, Brazilian jiu-jitsu can change the student’s self-concept. This happened to me. On one hand, I
became confident that I had the skills to take care of business if necessary. On the other hand, the better I got, the more I
started to act like a pussycat instead of a lion. Inside, I knew that I had nothing to prove to anybody.
As I discovered firsthand, the practice of Brazilian jiu-jitsu can bring personal benefits that go far beyond self-defense. I
know that my own maturity, discipline and sense of self have been enhanced through my involvement in this martial art.
Imagine the benefits that practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu could possibly bring to your own life. Chances are that there are
classes being offered in your local community right now. What are you waiting for? Sign up today!
Adapted from the following book:
Fawcett, Susan and Alvin Sandberg. Grassroots with Readings. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1998. Print.
![Thesis Formula
• "Although [counter argument], [subject] is
[opinion] because [reason 1], [reason 2], and
[reason 3]."
• Example: "Although some scholars argue that
Huckleberry Finn is Twain’s crowning
achievement, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
is Mark Twain’s best novel because of its use
of satire, imagery, and symbolism."](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/thesisstatementspptada2025-250418205206-0f793d60/85/Thesis-Statements-PPT-ADA-for-writing-classes-9-320.jpg)
