This document outlines guidelines for writing an effective thesis statement. It discusses placing the thesis statement in the introductory paragraph at the end, after providing background information and tension. It provides examples of beginnings of thesis statements and effective thesis statements that include a new or surprising view with tension. The document stresses the importance of struggling with ideas and surprising readers with fresh, uncertain ideas in order to change readers' views through a strong thesis statement.

1. English 112 – Second Semester Composition Course
Instructor: Mr. Jeremy Miller
Wytheville Community College
Ramage, John D., John C. Bean, and
June Johnson. The Allyn & Bacon
Guide to Writing. 6th Ed. New York:
Pearson 1

2. Overview
 Thesis statement location
 Beginnings of a thesis statement
 Effective thesis statement
 Strong thesis statements turning weak
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3. Thesis Statement Location
 Introductory Paragraph Contains:
 1) Brief background information
 2) The problem
 3) Some tension
 4) New information for the audience
 5) Thesis statement
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4. Wallow in complexity
 Explore ideas
 Free-write
 Idea mapping
 Face-to-face conversations
 Believing and doubting game (33-34)
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5. Surprise Readers
 Fresh and new
 Uncertainty, risk, or challenge
 Give your thesis tension
 Implies a naysayer
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6. Changing Readers’ View
 Enlarge their view
 Add to their previous knowledge
 Help clarify their view
 Change readers’ entire view on a subject
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7. Beginnings of a Thesis Statement
 Question: What effect has the cell phone
had on our culture?
 Thesis without tension: The invention of the
cell phone has brought many advantages to
our culture.
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8. Thesis Statement Idea
 “Many people believe X
(common view), but I am
going to show Y (new,
surprising view).”
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9. Effective Thesis Statement
 “Although the cell phone
has brought many
advantages to our culture,
it may also have
contributed to an increase
in risky behavior among
boaters and hikers” (39-40).

10. However…
 Strong thesis statements lose strength if…
 Lacks supporting evidence
 Paper has an announcement
 “My paper is going to be about…”
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11. Conclusion
• Strong thesis
statements require a
struggle, a mental
exercise
• You can do it!
• Questions?
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