Thesis Statement

How to Craft a Thesis Statement

What is a thesis statement?

• it tells the reader how you will interpret the subject under investigation

• it provides a road map or anchor for the essay

• it directly answers the prompt

• it makes a claim that could be challenged

•  it is a single sentence that comes at the end of the introductory paragraph

Multiple Choice

All of the following describe a thesis except...

• provides road map for an essay

• can be challenged

• expresses an opinion

• takes a position on the subject under study

What are the parts of a thesis?

• subject/topic -taken directly from the prompt

• position/claim on the subject - taken from the inferences drawn from your research

• reasoning - taken from the evidence in your research

• It looks like this: Subject + Position + Reasoning = Thesis Statement

Multiple Choice

What are the 3 parts of a thesis?

• topic, evidence, position

• evidence, commentary, topic

• topic, position, reasoning

• topic, evidence, reasoning

Multiple Select

Which thesis is the most effective based on the 3 parts of a thesis?

• Americans are people who are kind to others, are optimistic about the future, and take action on the issue at hand, all to make their community a better place.

• There are three key aspects that contribute to being an American. The first, and probably most powerful, is the concept of patriotism, followed by the acceptance of others, and lastly, the quest for opportunity.

• America is the most powerful country in the world.

Let's look at some good examples!

Pick apart this good thesis statement and identify its 3 parts.

Multiple Choice

Americans should add exercise to their daily morning routine because it not only keeps their bodies at a healthy weight but also reduces the risk of high blood pressure.

Who or what is the topic of this essay?

• adding exercise to their daily routine

• Americans

• keeps bodies at healthy weight, reduces risk of high blood pressure

Multiple Choice

Americans should add exercise to their daily morning routine because it not only keeps their bodies at a healthy weight but also reduces the risk of high blood pressure.

What is the writer's position in this essay?

• adding exercise to their daily routine

• Americans

• keeps bodies at healthy weight, reduces risk of high blood pressure

Multiple Choice

Americans should add exercise to their daily morning routine because it not only keeps their bodies at a healthy weight but also reduces the risk of high blood pressure.

What is the writer's reasoning in this essay?

• adding exercise to their daily routine

• Americans

• keeps bodies at healthy weight, reduces risk of high blood pressure

Now let's look at poor examples that missed the mark!

Multiple Choice

"Drug use is harmful to society."

What is missing from this thesis statement:

• reasoning

• topic/subject

• position

Multiple Choice

"There are many opinions about what it means to be an American."

What is missing in this thesis statement?

• a subject

• a clear position

Here are some final helpful tips:

• 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. Know your audience!

• Include all the components: topic + position + reasoning = thesis

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