Definition A thesis statement is the main idea of an essay. It
is often the point you want to argue or support in an essay. SO The
thesis statement explains to a reader the main idea of the essay,
and the writers opinion.
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A thesis statement is usually one sentence. It is usually
placed after the introductory sentences as a part of the first
paragraph. The essay will contain evidence in the form of reasons,
examples, details and/or facts or figures to support your
thesis.
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The thesis statement should avoid the following: The first
person (I believe, In my opinion, I am going to tell you, etc.)
Unclear language (It seems, etc.) Attempting two topics at once
(even if they are related only choose one topic) Just stating a
fact ( a thesis is something you plan to prove)
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A Thesis Statement Should.. Contain a topic( main idea of what
you are writing about) Contain an opinion about the topic( your
attitude toward the topic)
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Examples Thesis Statement Effective / Ineffective Yes 1.The
life of Christopher Columbus had a lasting impact on the world.
2.The deserts of the world have many things in common, but their
differences are what makes them special. 3.The fat content of
todays lunches is excessive for children. No 1.Christopher Columbus
was an explorer 2. My repot is on the state of California. 3.
School lunches suck!
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A Thesis Statement Should Not Be. Too broad Example: The world
is a magnificent place to live. Better Example: Good teachers make
Mountain View High School a fantastic school.
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Which Sentence is too broad to be a good thesis? A.One reason
to live in Mountain view is access to many wonderful places to
fish. B.Mountain View City is a great place to live.
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A Thesis Statement Should Not Be Too Wordy! Wordy: Some
problems with Mountain City Elementary School is that it needs a
larger playground, an air conditioned gym, an auditorium, restrooms
connected to each classroom, running water in the classrooms and a
number of other physical changes to the building.
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Better Mountain City Elementary needs several changes to its
facilities to make it a better school. (use a word that
divides)
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Which Sentence is Better? A.Abe Lincoln was one of the Best
presidents the United States has ever known. B.Abe Lincoln was an
excellent speaker the 16 th President of the United States, a
liberator of slaves, and united the North and South at the end of
the American Civil War.
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A thesis statement should not be too general. Example: Mountain
City is a good school. Better: Daily writing practice has led to
improved writing skills for the students at Mountain City
Elementary.
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Which Sentence is too general? A.Music makes people happy.
B.Music therapy is useful in reliving stress and other
conditions.
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A Thesis Statement Should Not Be A Title! A Title A Cost of
Living Better The cost of living in Mountain City is lower than in
most other cities in the United States.
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Which sentence would not be a good thesis statement because it
is a title? A.Good teaching has ld to an increase in EQT scores at
Mountain View High School. B.Rising EQT scores at Mountain View
High School
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A thesis statement should not be a fact. A fact The average
temperature for Mountain City in winter is 34 and in summer is 75
degrees Better The climate in Mountain City is ideal for outdoor
sports.
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Which sentence would not be good because it is a fact. A.The
recycling of one aluminum can saves enough money to run a TV for
three hours. B.Recycling is one of the most important jobs a person
can do to protect the enviornment.
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Identify the sentences that would make good thesis statements.
A.Many people do not like to watch violent movies. B.Todays movies
do not have the emotional impact of the classic horror movies of
the 1940s.
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A. Rap music is the best music ever. B. Although many people
find rap music offensive, it has had a positive impact on todays
youth.
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A.I enjoy white water rafting. B. The first white water rafting
trip can challenge a person both in body and spirit.
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A.Sixth grade students are busy. B.The life of a typical sixth
grade student is challenging due to the need to succeed in
extracurricular activities.
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A.Community service projects include building shelter for the
homeless, servicing meals to the hungry, providing transportation
for the sick, distributing clothes, and large number of other
helpful activities. B.Students should help others who are less
fortunate.