The document provides guidance on constructing a good thesis statement, noting it should be arguable, have three parts, and use parallel structure. It recommends choosing a topic that requires proving, then identifying three key points to argue. As an example thesis, it suggests arguing social networks are good for society by showing they connect people, educate people, and entertain people. Parallel structure is achieved by using the same verb form to start each key point.

2. A good thesis
statement should
•Be arguable
•Have three parts
•Be parallel in structure

3. So how do you do that?

4. Make it arguable
• Don’t pick a topic or question
that can be answered with a
simple yes or no. You want
something open-ended that
you have to prove with your
research!!

5. Use this graphic for three points
• Sample: I want to argue that social
network sites are good for kids and
society.
• Now I need to think of three points
Social networks…
(this is your broad
idea or issue)
Connect people (key point #1)
Educate people (key point #2)
Entertain people (key point #3)

6. How to make it parallel
• Notice that each part of the prong starts
with a verb in the same form. This is
parallel structure
Social networks…
(this is your broad
idea or issue)
Connect people (key point #1)
Educate people (key point #2)
Entertain people (key point #3)

7. How to make it parallel
• Notice that each part of the prong starts
with a verb in the same form. This is
parallel structure
Social networks…
(this is your broad
idea or issue)
Connect people (key point #1)
Educate people (key point #2)
Entertain people (key point #3)