Strong Thesis Statements “ In this paper, I am going to tell you my opinion of the things that are going on in the world of television in the modern day world.” And your point is?

Thesis Statement Elements Controlling Thought What is my topic? How do I feel about it? What is important about it? Thesis Statement Combine the two components of a controlling thought into a concise sentence.

Controlling Thought

What is my topic?

How do I feel about it? What is important about it?

Thesis Statement

Combine the two components of a controlling thought into a concise sentence.

What is a thesis statement? It is a complete sentence that expresses your position on a given topic. It narrows down your topic to a specific focus of investigation. It establishes a direction for the entire paper, especially if it consists of sub-parts. It points forward to the conclusion. It is always stated in your introduction.

It is a complete sentence that expresses your position on a given topic.

It narrows down your topic to a specific focus of investigation.

It establishes a direction for the entire paper, especially if it consists of sub-parts.

It points forward to the conclusion.

It is always stated in your introduction.

Strong Thesis Statements Take a Stand Justify a Discussion Express One Main Idea Are Specific

Take a Stand

Justify a Discussion

Express One Main Idea

Are Specific

Take A Stand Consider: There are some negative and positive aspects to the Banana Herb Tea Supplement. Verses: Because Banana Herb Tea Supplement promotes rapid weight loss that results in the loss of muscle and lean body mass, it poses a potential danger to customers.

Consider:

There are some negative and positive aspects to the Banana Herb Tea Supplement.

Verses:

Because Banana Herb Tea Supplement promotes rapid weight loss that results in the loss of muscle and lean body mass, it poses a potential danger to customers.

Justify a Discussion Consider: My family is an extended family. Verses: While most American families would view consanguineal marriage as a threat to the nuclear family structure, many Iranian families believe that these marriages help reinforce kinship ties in an extended family.

Consider:

My family is an extended family.

Verses:

While most American families would view consanguineal marriage as a threat to the nuclear family structure, many Iranian families believe that these marriages help reinforce kinship ties in an extended family.

Express One Main Idea Consider: Companies need to exploit the marketing potential of the Internet, and web pages can provide both advertising and customer support. Verses: Because the Internet is filled with tremendous marketing potential, companies should exploit this potential by using web pages that offer both advertising and customer support.

Consider:

Companies need to exploit the marketing potential of the Internet, and web pages can provide both advertising and customer support.

Verses:

Because the Internet is filled with tremendous marketing potential, companies should exploit this potential by using web pages that offer both advertising and customer support.

Are Specific Consider: World hunger has many causes and effects. Verses: Hunger persists in Appalachia because jobs are scarce and farming in the infertile soil is rarely profitable.

Consider:

World hunger has many causes and effects.

Verses:

Hunger persists in Appalachia because jobs are scarce and farming in the infertile soil is rarely profitable.

What is not a thesis statement? A thesis is never a question; it could be the answer to a question. A thesis is not a statement of purpose. A thesis is not simply a topic.

A thesis is never a question; it could be the answer to a question.

A thesis is not a statement of purpose.

A thesis is not simply a topic.

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement What are the causes of violence? Poor A thesis statement is not a question!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement The purpose of my paper is to identify the causes of violence. Poor A thesis is not a statement of purpose!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement The education system in the U.S. Poor A thesis statement is not just a topic!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Teen pregnancy can be reduced with good education, parental support, and birth control. Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement I would like to discuss how teachers and students can develop better relationships. Poor A thesis is not a statement of purpose!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Why are there so many high school drop outs in the U.S.? Poor A thesis statement is not a question!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Grades should be eliminated because they cause anxiety and put unnecessary pressure on students. Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Honesty and trust in the classroom. Poor A thesis statement is not just a topic!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Honesty and trust play an important role in successful teacher-student relationships. Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement The increase of cheating in our classrooms. Poor A thesis statement is not just a topic!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement What can be done to reduce violence in schools? Who is to blame-- the parents, the schools, or society in general? Poor A thesis statement is not a question!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement Essay writing is a process that can be learned, but it takes time, patience, and hard work. Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

Slides 9-22 created by Vivian Sinou of Purdue University . Just remember, the thesis must reflect a position that can be supported.