This document provides guidance on writing an effective thesis statement. It explains that a thesis statement should answer the main question of the paper and state the key argument to be proven. It also notes that a thesis statement contains sub-points that will be discussed in the body paragraphs. The document then provides examples of strong and weak thesis statements and strategies for developing different types of thesis statements, such as cause/effect, compare/contrast, and argumentative theses.

1. Say What You Mean; Mean What You SayCreating a SOUND Thesis Statement

2. What is a Thesis Statement?Answers the question, “What is this paper trying to prove to the audience?”

3. States the main point that you will prove in your paper in one sentence.

4. Uses specific language and specific ideas.

5. Generates an argument and alludes to the facts that will support the claim.

6. Is the last sentence in your paper’s introductory paragraph. A Few Important NotesSince the thesis statement is the main statement for the entire essay, it should express a complete thought and be a complete sentence.

7. The thesis statement is asserting an opinion or idea, so it should not be a question.

8. A thesis statement also contains sub points, or the facts that support the main argument. These sub points will be the topic sentences in each of the “body” paragraphs in the essay.

9. A thesis statement does NOT simply state a fact nor does it include all of the facts that will be used to prove the argument.Let’s Take a lookSound Thesis Statement Poor Thesis StatementExercise is beneficial to all because it helps to increase muscle mass, gives the body more energy, and releases endorphins which help us to stay positive. I like exercise because it is fun.Why should you exercise? Because it’s fun!In this essay I am going to explain why you should exercise.Exercise helps you to keep your weight down and to have more energy and to stay fit so everyone should exercise every day.

10. THE THESIS FORMULAYour Argument+Your main Points=Your Thesis!

11. Where to begin!Ask yourself the following questions.What is the purpose of my essay? What is the point I am trying to prove? What are the facts I will use to prove those points?Does my position answer the question/prompt?

12. The “so what” test A good thesis statement must be specific. In order to help make your thesis as specific as possible, you should give it the “so what” test.”Ask yourself “so what” at the end of each of your main ideas in your thesis.“I like to run.” So what? This is not making an argument or case!“I like to run because it is fun.” Again, so what? How does this relate to your reader?“Running is beneficial because it helps us to stay fit and have more energy.” So what? Again, though this is more specific, you have yet to complete the thought and make it applicable to the reader.“Running is beneficial because it helps us to stay fit and have more energy SO THAT we can live a long and healthy life.”

13. Three-Part Thesis statementsOne way to develop your thesis statement is by increasing its specificity in three parts then give an overall application at the end. Example: Geographers use maps as sources. Three-Part Thesis:Geographers use maps, documents, and artifacts as sources to learn more about a place and culture.

14. Thesis StrategiesThere are several ways to write a thesis. Let’s explore them together!Turn the question into your thesis statement.Let’s say the prompt is “What events and ideas cause the Civil War?”

15. How can you turn this question into the first part of your thesis statement?

16. “The Civil war was caused by fundamental disagreements between the North and the South, the most influential being the size of the federal government and slavery.”Cause and Effect ThesisIf your essay topic is asking you to discuss the effects of a topic, consider using a cause and effect thesis.