This document defines the thesis statement and discusses how to write an effective one. A thesis statement outlines the main argument and supporting ideas in one sentence. It has three parts: a claim, a link using "because," and at least three reasons. The document provides examples of different thesis templates for types of essays like definition, evaluation, and proposal. It also lists criteria for evaluating whether a thesis encourages reading further and takes a clear stand that can be supported. Additional resources for writing thesis statements are recommended.

1. Thesis Statements

2. Objective
• Define thesis statement.
• Discuss the three parts of a pointed thesis.
• Discuss the creation of a working thesis.
• Build a toolbox of thesis formulas.
• Learn to evaluate the effectiveness of a
thesis statement.
• List additional resources.

3. What is a thesis statement?
• One sentence which
outlines the arguments
and ideas to be presented
in your paper.
• Think of your thesis as a
guide.
• Your audience expects
the remainder of your
paper to support the claim
you make with the
reasons you list.
• Place your thesis at the
end of your introduction.

4. The Three Parts of a Pointed
Thesis
• Claim
• Link
• Reasons

5. Claim
• Select a subject on which there are a
variety of possible views.
• Express ONE main idea.
• Determine your conclusions about the
subject.

6. Link
• You need to connect
your claim to your
supporting reasons.
This creates the
structure of your
essay.
• Use the word
BECAUSE to link
your claim to your
reasons.

7. Reasons
• The claim needs to be supported by at least three
reasons.
• Each reason will become the topic of its own
supporting paragraph(s).
http://www.readwritethink.org/materials/essaymap/

8. Be sure to observe parallel
structure.

9. Two Choices
• Because the thesis However, it is always wise
encompasses the to create a working thesis.
entire essay, some • A working thesis names
the topic you will discuss,
authors choose to
helps you focus your
create the body of an research, and helps you
essay before drafting keep your thoughts
the thesis. organized.

10. How does one create a working
thesis?
• First, select your topic.
• Second, brainstorm.
• Third, make your claim.
• Fourth, list the reasons you plan to use
when supporting your claim.

11. What if my topic is assigned?
• Create a question about • Once you have
your topic. answered the question
• Answer the question. you have created a
• Question: Should SCC thesis statement.
provide all full-time
students with laptops?
• Now your job is to
• Answer: SCC should support it.
provide all full-time • This technique is
students with laptops particularly useful for
because… essay exams.

12. What if I must select my own
topic?
• Brainstorm, Brainstorm,
Brainstorm
• Do some research.
• Read
• Visit the SCC Library
homepage @
http://somerset.kctcs.edu/acade
• Use Opposing Viewpoints

13. Thesis Toolbox
• You will be asked to write a variety of
essay types.
• Each type of essay lends itself to a
particular thesis template.
• The follow slides will briefly introduce
possible formulas/templates paired with
their corresponding essay types.

14. Definition Essay
• Something is (or is not) something else
based on certain criteria.

15. Evaluation Essay
• Something is good (bad, the best, etc.)
because…

16. Proposal Essay
• Someone should (or should not) do
something because…

17. How do I know my thesis is a
good thesis?

18. Does your thesis take a stand?

19. Is your part in the on going
discussion justified?
Does your thesis encourage your
readers to read further?

20. Does the thesis express only one
main idea?

21. • Is your thesis specific?
• Can you support your claim within the
number of pages allotted?

22. For more information, check out
these resources.
• Owl, Purdue University’s Online Writing Lab
• http://owl.english.purdue.edu/
• The St. Martin’s Handbook
• Blackboard
• SCC’s Learning Commons

23. Review: We have now…
•Defined thesis statement.
•Discussed the three parts of a pointed
thesis.
•Discussed the creation of a working
thesis.
•Built a toolbox of thesis formulas.
•Evaluated the effectiveness of a thesis
statement.

24. Thank you for your time and
attention!
Any questions?