The document discusses how to write an effective thesis statement. It explains that a thesis statement should: 1) Test your ideas by combining them into 1-2 sentences 2) Help organize and develop your paper 3) Provide a guide for the reader about your argument. When choosing a topic, your thesis statement needs to answer a question and include: taking a position people could disagree on; a topic that can be adequately discussed; one main idea; and your conclusions. The example generates a thesis on drug addiction that asserts government programs should help crack children cope and compete.