Thesis Statements

Thesis Statements

Multiple Choice

There is no essay without a thesis statement.

• True

• False

What is a thesis?

The central point of the essay that appears at the end of the introductory paragraph

(and again somewhere in your conclusion paragraph)

Components of a Thesis

In a sentence or two, combine the following:

Topic + Opinion + Main Ideas (reasons why) = Thesis


ie
Dogs are man's best friend because they are protective, loyal, and loving.

Tips

• Always give an opinion (it is your analysis after all)

• Use specific language 

• Provide structure (through use of reasons why / main ideas)

• Keep it formal! Third person only (no 'I think' or 'I feel' etc)

• No announcements ( ie Do not say, "In this paper I will..." Do not ever write that!)

Let's Practice!

Pick apart this good thesis statement and identify its components.

Multiple Choice

Karate is an excellent sport for school-aged children because it develops patience, discipline, and self-esteem.

What is the topic of this essay?

• karate

• excellent sport

• school-aged children

• patience, discipline, and self-esteem

Multiple Choice

Karate is an excellent sport for school-aged children because it develops patience, discipline, and self-esteem.

What is the opinion that this essay will prove?

• karate

• excellent sport

• school aged children

• patience, discipline, self esteem

Multiple Choice

Karate is an excellent sport for school-aged children because it develops patience, discipline, and self-esteem.

What are the main ideas or reasons why that will be used in this essay to prove the opinion?

• karate

• excellent sport

• school-aged children

• patience, discipline, self esteem

Fun Fact

The order of your main ideas in the thesis is the order they will appear as body paragraphs.

This takes all the guess work out. You, as the author, know exactly what you will write about and when. In this way, thesis statements are not only guiding the reader through your essay but guiding you, the author, as you write.

Multiple Choice

Karate is an excellent sport for school-aged children because it develops patience, discipline, and self-esteem.

What is the main idea of Body Paragraph 1?

• patience

• discipline

• self-esteem

Multiple Choice

Karate is an excellent sport for school-aged children because it develops patience, discipline, and self-esteem.

What is the main idea of Body Paragraph 2?

• patience

• discipline

• self-esteem

Multiple Choice

Karate is an excellent sport for school-aged children because it develops patience, discipline, and self-esteem.

What is the main idea of Body Paragraph 3?

• patience

• discipline

• self-esteem

Karate is an excellent sport for school-aged children because it develops patience, discipline, and self-esteem.

TOPIC - karate

OPINION - excellent sport

MAIN IDEAS - patience (body paragraph 1), discipline (body paragraph 2), self-esteem (body paragraph 3).

Let's look at some bad thesis statements!

Multiple Select

It was not very good.

What is wrong with this thesis statement?

• language not specific

• topic missing

• what does 'not very good' mean?

• main ideas missing

Multiple Select

In the following paragraphs, I will explain why the television rating system is ineffective.

What is wrong with this thesis statement?

• the announcement of "In the following parargraph"

• use of first person "I will..."

• language not specific enough

• the main ideas are missing

Poll

When components are missing from the thesis, the thesis sounds confusing.

If the thesis is confusing, do you think the essay itself will end up being confusing?

• Yes, if the beginning is confusing the odds of the rest being confusing are high.

• No, it should be fine.

Let's Recap!

• There is no essay without a thesis. It provides structure to not only the reader but the writer.

• A thesis should only be a sentence (two at most).
  

• Be specific with your language and keep it formal.

• Include all the components: topic + opinion + main ideas 

• Place this at the end of your intro paragraph and anywhere in your conclusion paragraph.