2. What is a
Thesis
Statement
?
• A thesis statement is an argument or
claim.
• A thesis statement is not a summary
sentence of your essay
• It is found at the beginning of an
essay, usually at the end of the
introduction paragraph
3. A thesis
statemen
t includes
• your distinct standpoint on the
subject;
• a summary of the main arguments;
• a roadmap for the paper.
4. A strong thesis
statement is
DISPUTABLE
• Not Obvious
• Some readers can disagree
FOCUSED
• Not too broad
• Your position is clear
RELEVANT
• Not boring
• Readers won’t say ‘so what’?
5. A thesis statement should:
• answer the questions ‘how’ and/or ‘why’;
• provide the logic of the paper;
• cover the entire paper.
The rest of the paper should:
• echo a thesis statement in every sentence;
• prove that the thesis statement is correct;
• repeat a rephrased thesis statement in the conclusion.
6. Thesis Statement
Checklist
1. Is my thesis concise? Your thesis statement should be one
sentence or two max
2. Is my thesis clear? A reader should be able to understand
your argument early in your essay
3. Is my thesis specific? Thesis statements should not include
vague generalities. If it is not specific enough, your argument
argument will not be strong.
4. Is my thesis debatable? Thesis statements should present an
argument that can be countered- do not be afraid of being
wrong!
5. Is my thesis interesting? Your thesis should be unexpected,
insightful, and push the boundaries. It should not repeat an
argument that has been established time and time again.
7. PARTS OF A
THESIS
STATEMENT
1. Topic (Subject of the text)
2. Position (Your stand on the topic)
3. Reason/s (Explanation and justification
of your position)
4. Concession (An opposing viewpoint on
the topic)
8. MODELS OF
THESIS
STATEMENT
WRITING
1. BASIC THESIS STATEMENT
TOPIC + POSITION
2. THESIS STATEMENT WITH CONCESSION
BASIC THESIS STATEMENT + CONCESSION
3. THESIS STATEMENT WITH REASON
BASIC THESIS STATEMENT / REASON/S
9. Writing a Thesis Statement by Identifying
the Details by Parts
Topic: Regulating Children’s Mobile Gaming
Position: Parents should recognize the amount of time their
children spend on mobile gaming.
Reason/s:
1.It inhibits social interaction
2.It shortens the children’s attention span
3.It’s not always intellectually stimulating.
Concession: Mobile gaming can be educational.
10. 5 GROUPS OF NEVER-
USE WORDS
1. Personal pronouns – I, you, we
2. Uncertainty qualifiers – might, maybe, perhaps
3. Extremism symptoms – everything, all, none,
always, never
4. Vague formulations – some, kind of, somewhat
5. Obvious exaggerations – life-saving, best of the best
11. 6 Groups of Must-Use
Words:
1. Sources of information: studies reveal, research shows
2. Realistic views: many, significant, most
3. Characteristics: Primarily, frequently, often
4. Clear explanations: because, thus, for, due to, since
5. Relationships: impact, influence, tendency, contribute to
6. Active verbs: demonstrate, illustrate, identify, elucidate,
present, inform, reveal, show, express, justify, convey
12. Best and Worst Examples 1
• Declaration of topic:
Nursing is a demanding profession.
Nursing requires not only substantial education but also perfect self-discipline and enhanced
professional ethics.
• Questions:
Recent studies have revealed that people can learn during sleep and subconsciously modify
their behavior after they wake up.
Is study during sleep possible?
WEAK
STRONG
STRONG
WEAK
13. Best and Worst Examples 2
• Captain Obvious:
Weak: The Internet can be addictive.
Strong: Recent research shows that the unpredictable way in which useful e-mails arrive can
make checking for them addictive.
• Falling between 2 stools:
Weak: Sometimes students enjoy their studies, but sometimes they don’t.
Strong: There is a direct relationship between students’ attitudes towards study and their
learning outcomes.
14. Best and Worst Examples 3
Too many letters
Weak: I am going to discuss the importance of reducing sugar consumption in American
elementary school children who consume nine times the recommended daily amount of sugar
because of the prevalence of soda machines and unhealthy snacks in the school canteens. (41
words)
Strong: Sugar consumption by American elementary school children should be reduced by
controlling the menus of school canteens and raising children’s awareness of healthy diets.
(26 words)
15. Let’s try to
spot a
thesis!
On each of the following slides, read the writing prompt and the two sample statements. Click on the one
that is the best choice for a thesis.
16. 1. Early on in life, people develop an admiration for heroes. In a well-
developed essay, discuss a person you admire and why you chose this
person.
Option A
One person I admire is Babe Ruth, who played
baseball from 1914 until 1935.
Option B
One person I admire is Babe Ruth, the greatest
baseball player of all time.
17. Incorrect
Option
A
One person I admire is Babe Ruth, who played
baseball from 1914 until 1935.
Although this does address the writing prompt, this
is a factual statement. A thesis statement should be
something you can argue for or against.
18. Correct! Great Job!
One person I admire is Babe Ruth, the greatest
baseball player of all time.
Option
B
This statement addresses the prompt and presents
and opinion that can be argued.
19. 2. …Discuss the social, political, and economic effects of World War II on
the United States.
Option A
World War II was a costly war that had a major
impact on the economy of the United States
Option B
World War II not only affected the economy of the United
States, but also altered the role of the American
government and the American people forever.
20. Incorrect
World War II was a costly war that had a major
impact on the economy of the United States
Option
A
Although this meets all the criteria for a thesis
statement, it only addresses part of the writing prompt.
Remember, the statement tells the reader what to
expect. With this as a thesis, one would only expect to
read about the economic effects.
21. Correct Again!!!!
Option
B
World War II not only affected the economy of the United
States, but also altered the role of the American
government and the American people forever.
This is correct because it addresses the social, economic, and
political effects as stated in the prompt. Notice that the words
people (social) and government (political) were used in this
statement. This makes the sentence more original and shows the
reader that you know what “social” and “political” refer to.
22. 3. … Describe three physical features of Latin America and their
importance to the region.
Option A
The Andes Mountains, the Amazon River, and
Yucatan Peninsula are the three most significant
physical features in Latin America.
Option B
World War II not only affected the economy of the United
States but also altered the role of the American
government and the American people forever.
23. Correct! You are getting this!
The Andes Mountains, the Amazon River and
Yucatan Peninsula are the three most significant
physical features in Latin America.
Option
A
This statement gives an argument, it presents the
three physical features asked for in the prompt, and
makes reference to the importance (significance)
24. Almost! But not quite.
Option
B
Three physical features found in Latin America are
the Andes Mountains, the Amazon River, and the
Yucatan Peninsula, which are all vital to the region.
This is a topic sentence. The reason it is not a good
thesis is because it does not present an argument or
address the whole prompt. It is a factual statement.
To make it a strong thesis, you must add to it.
