2. What is a thesis statement?
It is an arguable statement.
It is a complete sentence that expresses your
position/opinion on a given topic.
It narrows down your topic to a specific,
single focus of investigation.
It establishes a direction for the entire paper.
It is usually stated in your introduction.
3. What is not a thesis statement?
A thesis is never a question; it could be the answer to
a question.
A thesis is not an announcement of purpose.
A thesis is not simply a topic.
A thesis is not a fact.
4. Writing a Thesis
A thesis has two parts
Topic: the main subject to be discussed in the essay
Opinion: what the writer thinks about the main subject to
be discussed (the topic)
Topic: Community College Students
Opinion: Work diligently to pass class, to transfer to
universities, and to earn four-year degrees.
Thesis: Community college students work diligently to pass
class, to transfer to universities, and to earn four-year
degrees.
5. Determine whether the following is a good or
poor thesis statement
What causes violence in children?
Poor
A thesis statement is not a question!
6. 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 an announcement of purpose!
7. Determine whether the following is a good or
poor thesis statement
The education system in the United
States.
Poor
A thesis statement is not just a topic!
8. 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!
9. 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 an announcement of purpose!
10. Determine whether the following is a good or
poor thesis statement
I had squash, tomatoes, and corn in
my garden last year.
Poor
A thesis statement is not too narrow!
11. Determine whether the following is a good or
poor thesis statement
Vegetable gardening can be a frustrating hobby.
Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!
12. 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!
13. 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!
14. Determine whether the following is a good or
poor thesis statement
Advertising has bad effects on all of society.
Poor
A thesis statement is not too broad!
15. 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!
16. Determine whether the following is a good or
poor thesis statement
Toy ads on television teach children to be
greedy, competitive, and snobbish.
Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!
17. Where can you go for additional help
with writing assignments?
Writing Reading Center: HUM 232
Meet with an Instructor on Duty
Meet with a tutor
Talk with your instructor
Organize a study group
