Post on 07-Nov-2014
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Thesis Statements
What is a Thesis Statement?
It is typically one sentence; however, sometimes you may need more than one sentence.
It states the main idea or argument of your essay.
It lets your reader know what to expect.
It is the basis for your entire essay.
It is the most important part of your essay.
It is awesome (kinda).
What does a thesis statement do?
A thesis statement…
provides the point you want to prove.Presents your argument in a concise form.
gives the structure your essay will follow.
can provide the opposite point of view.
Are there different types of thesis statements?
YESOpen vs. Closed
An Open Thesis does not contain the body points.i.e. Everyone should drive a hybrid car.
A Closed Thesis includes the body points.i.e. Everyone should drive a hybrid car because
they pollute less, they get better mileage, and they help reduce gasoline costs.
Your thesis is the foundation of your
essayThe entire essay attempts to prove that your thesis is correct.
Constantly refer back to your thesis to make sure that your essay is staying on track
If you used a Closed Thesis, your body paragraphs should cover one of the points mentioned in your thesis.
Your body paragraphs should go in the same order as the points they cover were mentioned in the thesis.
How do I write a thesis statement?
Formula
Just as E = mc²…
Subject + Opinion = Thesis
Simple or Complex?
A beginning THESIS STATEMENT:
A is B.
A better THESIS STATEMENT:
A is B because of x, y, and z
A more complex THESIS STATEMENT:
Although C is D, A is B because of x, y, and z.
Thesis Formula
Although ,
________ because
_,_____________ and
_______________________.
gasoline-powered cars are popularpeople should drive hybrid cars
they cut down on pollutionthey save you money on gas,
hybrid owners receive special tax breaks
The Formula
_________________________ + __________________________ Subject Opinion
because _____________________________, _____________________________, reason 1 reason 2
_________________________________________ reason 3
Although _________________________________________________, counter argument (opposite of your opinion)
the war on drugs is a travesty of justice
sentencing laws are discriminatory
more prisons than colleges are built
and addition is treated as a crime rather than a disease.
most politicians support ongoing funding for the DEA
Thesis Formula
Although ,
________ because
_____.
many people remain skeptical
the gov’t should fund research on bigfoot
compelling evidence suggests it exists
Simple or Complex?Examples:
BASIC THESIS (just alright!): Community colleges are an important part of California’s educational system.
MORE COMPLEX THESIS (much better!): Community colleges are an important part of California’s educational system because they are a more cost-effective way to attain a degree, classes are smaller, and they prepare students for the demands of University life.
Simple or Complex?Examples:
VERY COMPLEX THESIS (perfect!!): Although many students want to go straight from high school to a four-year university, community colleges are an important part of California’s educational system because they are a more cost-effective way to attain a degree, classes are smaller than at most four-year universities, and they prepare students for the demands of University life.
A Few Examples
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer was written by Mark Twain in 1876.
Some people think that The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is Mark Twain’s best novel.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is Mark Twain’s best novel.
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.
WEAK
WEAK
STRONG
STRONGER
Where Does the THESIS STATEMENT Go? Cont…
Once all necessary and relevant background knowledge is stated, it is typically then that a thesis statement can be declared in the last sentence of the introduction paragraph.
PromptsWhat do you believe are the benefits of daily exercise?
Are online courses better than traditional course? Why or why not?
Do you believe that television has more of a negative or positive impact on society? Why or why not?
What age do you think is more appropriate for someone to be able to get their driver’s license, and why?
What do you think should be the main priorities for California’s budget?
Should marijuana be legalized in CA?