Introduction By the end of our lesson today, you will: Have a
better understanding of a thesis statement Know how to identify a
thesis statement Know how to identify a good thesis statement Write
a thesis statement.
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What is a thesis statement? Hasnt Ms. Evans taught us this
before?
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Definition Thesis Statement The thesis statement is one
sentence that tells the main idea of an essay. It tells the
argument that you are going to defend. It states a claim and takes
a position. In the essay you will defend your position using
examples and/or facts to support your argument. Can you find the
thesis statement in the following examples?
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Definition Thesis Statement Since I was a little girl, Ive
always been a teacher. Being the oldest made me the teacher and the
student of many lessons that I would later have to teach my younger
siblings. Teaching requires a persons full attention. It also
demands an extreme amount of patience. Being a teacher warrants a
full commitment from the teacher. Teaching is a demanding, yet
rewarding job. Thesis Statement: This last sentence states the main
idea of the essay.
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Thesis Statement Another Example Studies show that teenagers
would benefit from a later school start. A later school start could
mean more time for students and teachers to rest. This could also
mean that teachers are more productive and could plan better
lessons to engage their students in learning. Finally, a later
start in school gives parents more time in the morning with their
children. Middle and high schools should begin later in the morning
to allow greater success in the school system. Thesis Statement:
The main idea of the essay is school should begin later.
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Key Features Thesis Statement Answers the prompt States the
main idea in a complete sentence, not a question Usually at the end
of an introduction States an opinion or attitude on a topic Does
not directly announce your main topic
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Key Features Answers the Prompt PromptStudent Responses Writing
Situation: There has been a problem in local schools with
discipline and violence. Your school board has decided to institute
a school uniform policy in order to cut down on these problems,
based on the positive examples that they have seen at other
schools. Consider the issue of school uniforms. What is your
position on this issue? Directions for Writing: Write a persuasive
essay giving reasons for your position on the school uniform issue.
School uniforms are not connected to violence. The introduction of
school uniforms may decrease violence, however, there may be other
detrimental effects as a result of this new policy. Does not answer
the prompt completely Answers the prompt
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Key Features Main Idea in a Complete Sentence Since the thesis
statement is the main statement for the entire essay, it should
express a complete thought and be a complete sentence. The thesis
statement is asserting an opinion or idea, so it should not be a
question. Look at the examples below to see how they can be made
into thesis statements.
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Key Features The Main Idea is a Complete Sentence The sport of
basketball. Why is writing the best subject? The sport of
basketball is an engaging sport that everyone should learn to play.
Writing is a very challenging subject, yet rewarding because one
can express himself on paper to convince others. THIS IS NOT A
SENTENCE. THESIS STATEMENT THIS IS A QUESTION, NOT A STATEMENT.
THESIS STATEMENT
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A COMPLETE SENTENCE Another Example Marcus Garvey and the
Harlem Renaissance. What is the problem with big cities? Marcus
Garveys ability to rally people behind a cause, to make speeches,
and to defend civil rights makes him arguably the most important
figure of the Harlem Renaissance. 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. THIS IS NOT A SENTENCE. THESIS STATEMENT
THIS IS QUESTION, NOT A STATEMENT. THESIS STATEMENT
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Key Features- Location Your reader likes to know what the essay
is going to be about early on in the essay rather than the end of
the essay. Because of this, the thesis statement is usually found
at the end of the introductory paragraph.
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KEY FEATURES LOCATION In America, freedom of expression is a
right that our forefathers fought foe. Lunch is a social time for
students where they can express themselves with their friends. It
is also a time when students dont have to talk about school.
Finally, allowing students to express themselves in lunch allows
for less off-topic discussion during classes. Silent lunch is a
violation of students first amendment rights and is not an
acceptable solution the loud noise in the cafeteria. THESIS
STATEMENT
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Key Features Location Maya Angelou is an accomplished African-
American author in the United States. While growing up, she
suffered tremendous hardship. Some of her most difficult life
events are portrayed in novels and poems such as, I Know Why the
Caged Bird Sings, and, Still I Rise. Her written works often
include strong themes such as perseverance through trials, love for
family, and passionate optimism. THESIS STATEMENT
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Key Features States an Opinion or Attitude A thesis statement
states an opinion or attitude about a particular topic, making the
thesis more specific. The writer must defend or explain this
opinion in the essay. Look at the following slides to see
examples.
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Key Features States an Opinion or Attitude I learned to play
many musical instruments when I was young. Learning to play many
musical instruments when I was young helped me to become a more
intelligent and well-rounded person. This would not be considered a
good thesis statement because it is only expressing a fact. It
doesnt give the writers opinion or attitude on playing musical
instruments. This thesis statement doesnt give the writer very much
to explain or prove in his/her essay. This thesis statement is much
better because it expresses how the writer feels about the
experience of learning to play musical instruments. This thesis
statement requires the writer to explain how and why playing a
musical instrument made him/her a better person.
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An Opinion or Attitude Another Example Cancun is a popular
vacation spot in Mexico. This would not be considered a good thesis
statement, because it is only expressing a fact. It doesnt reflect
the writers opinion or attitude on Cancun. This thesis statement
doesnt give the writer very much to explain or prove in his/her
essay. Cancun is one of the best vacation spots in Mexico because
of its comfortable climate and proximity to some well-known
archeological sites. This thesis statement is much better because
it expresses how the writer feels about Cancun. This thesis
statement requires the writer to explain how and why going to
Cancun is a good choice for visitors.
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Key Features Dont State the Obvious At all costs, you should
avoid using Im going to write about or This essay will discuss in
your thesis statements. Try to write the thesis statement in a way
that will capture your readers attention, but does not state the
obvious.
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Dont State the Obvious In this essay, Im going to talk about
why students shouldnt have to wear uniforms. A dress code requiring
students to wear uniforms can inhibit student expression, quench
creativity, and deter students from enjoying school.
Slide 21
Dont State the Obvious This essay will discuss why teachers
should not be permitted to assign homework to students. Homework is
a nuisance that causes headaches for teachers, students, and
parents and should not be assigned.
Slide 22
Key Features Review Answers the prompt States the main idea in
a complete sentence, not a question Usually at the end of an
introduction States an opinion or attitude on a topic Does not
directly announce your main topic
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Practice Exercises Now its your turn. With your partner,
complete the practice exercises on the thesis statement. Be sure to
glue your notes into your handbook!
