Developing a thesis

Developing a thesis statement

A thesis statement is the sentence or two that states what your essay is about.

Example: The current television rating system does little to help parents make wise programming choices for their children.

A thesis can be divided into TOPIC and CENTRAL POINT.

• Example: The current television rating system does little to help parents make wise programming choices for their children.

• Topic: The current television rating system

• Central point: does little to help parents make wise programming choices for their children.

Multiple Choice

Which is the topic of this thesis?

No experience is more exasperating than taking school children to the grocery story on a Saturday.

• taking school children to the grocery story on a Saturday

• No experience is more exasperating

Multiple Choice

Which is the topic of this thesis?

Television news does not adequately inform the US public.

• does not adequately inform the US public

• Television news

Multiple Choice

Which is the topic of this thesis?

Many people believe a little white lie can be better than the truth, but even those seemingly harmless fibs can cause trouble.

• harmless fibs can cause trouble

• little white lies

Along with the topic and central point, a thesis can give the main ideas you will cover.

Multiple Choice

True or False: Every thesis statement must include main ideas to be developed.

• True

• False

Identify the topic, the central point, and the main ideas to be developed.

• Different communication styles and different agendas sometimes make it difficult for men and women to communicate effectively.

Multiple Choice

What are the main ideas in this thesis?

Working mothers have changed the character of the American family by contributing a second paycheck, by popularizing day care, and by creating a new division of labor at home.

• Working mothers

• have changed the character of the American family

• by contributing a second paycheck, by popularizing day care, and by creating a new division of labor at home

Identify the topic, central point, and main ideas of the following thesis statements.

• Different communication styles and different agendas sometimes make it difficult for men and women to communicate effectively.

• The speed limits on our highways should be 55 mph to save lives and reduce the cost of automobile insurance.

Fill in the Blanks

1. State your topic and your ________ _______ about the topic. (2 words)

Fill in the Blanks

2. State your central point

.

Fill in the Blanks

3. Limit your thesis to one topic and

central point.

Fill in the Blanks

4. Avoid

statements.

Fill in the Blanks

5. Express your central point in

words.

Fill in the Blanks

6. Avoid

statements.

Fill in the Blanks

7. Avoid writing a formal

announcement.

Multiple Select

Evaluate the following thesis statements. Check those that are acceptable (the ones that follow the rules we just covered).

• There are many game shows on television.

• Schools should not be funded by property taxes.

• I would like to explain why I am an avid reader.

• Higher education is in need of reform.

Multiple Select

Evaluate the following thesis statements. Check those that are acceptable (the ones that follow the rules we just covered).

• The Nontraditional Student Center and the International Student Center are crucial resources for foreign exchange students.

• My parents own a beach house.

• This essay will explain the best way to choose a major.

• The wise woman learns how to manage her own finances and take care of her car.

Open Ended

Rewrite this thesis statement to include a topic and central point (main ideas optional).

There are many game shows on television.

Open Ended

Write a thesis of your choosing (based on the rules we've covered) using this key word: parental control. Include a topic and central point.

Open Ended

Rewrite this thesis statement to include a topic, central point, AND main ideas.

College students can learn how to handle stress if they follow my advice.