The document discusses what constitutes a good thesis statement. It provides examples of both good and poor thesis statements. The main points are: [1] A good thesis statement is an arguable statement that expresses a position on a topic in a complete sentence. [2] A thesis statement is not a question, announcement of purpose, simple topic, or fact. [3] Examples are provided of thesis statements that meet the criteria of stating a position, while other examples are identified as poor thesis statements for failing to do so.

1. The Thesis Statement
Writing and Reading Center
Moreno Valley Campus

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