2. What is a Thesis Statement?
S Topic sentence or main idea sentence
S Located in the Introduction or Opening Paragraph
3. How to make a Thesis
Statement
S What is your topic?
S What is the main idea you want to write about?
S Take a side and make an argument
S Use 2 or 3 key pieces of information about your topic that
you want to talk about in your paper
4. What to Avoid
DON’T…
• Write in the first person (I believe, In my opinion,
etc.)
• Use unclear language (It seems, I think.)
• Attempt two topics at once (even if they seem
related). Pick one and stick with it.
• Just state a fact - A thesis is something you plan to
make an argument about.
5. Step 1
S Decide what your topic or main idea is…
S Example: President Abraham Lincoln
6. Step 2
S What is your argument or claim about this topic?
S Usually contains opinion words (best, worst, fastest,
greatest, most important, etc.)
S Example: Abraham Lincoln was one of the greatest
Presidents of the United States in history.
7. Step 3
S Include at least 2 or 3 pieces of evidence to support your
claim or argument
S These should be facts or ideas that you plan to explain
more in your paper.
S Might use the word “because”
S Example: Abraham Lincoln was one of the best Presidents
of the United States because he kept the country from
breaking apart during the Civil War and he abolished
slavery.
