Writing a Thesis Statement

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Writing a Thesis Statement

• By
• Robyn Allaby

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Writing a Thesis

• Have you something to do tomorrow, do it
  today
• 
  Ben Franklin

Start with your thesis statement. It can be hard
to write, but once it is complete, the rest of
the essay is quite easy to write.
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Thesis Statement

• The thesis statement is like a road sign. It
  tells the reader what the essay is about and
  where you are going with your topic.
• It is a map of your essay.

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Thesis Facts

• It must be the last sentence in the first
  paragraph.
• It is the most important sentence in your entire
  essay.
• In one sentence, you must include your position
  and reasons.
• (but most importantly, it is the first thing that
  your reader will look for in your essay. If you
  have a good thesis, you will no doubt, make a
  favorable impression on your reader.

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(No Transcript)
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Lets look at a thesis statement

• I strongly believe that
• smoking should be
• banned in public places
• because smoke pollutes
• the environment,
• contaminates our lungs,
• and smells terrible.
• Note The thesis is one sentence composed of two
  parts.

position
reasons
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Lets look at a poor thesis statement

• I believe teenagers should get paid minimum wage
  because they do the same amount of work, equal
  labor rights, and they need the money.
• In this thesis statement the reasons are not
  parallel, which means they are not in the same
  grammatical form. Do your best to improve this
  sentence, then take a look at the next slide.

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Improved version

• I believe teenagers should get paid minimum wage
  because teenage workers do the same amount of
  work, enjoy equal labor rights, and need the
  money.
• There is parallel structure with the verbs do,
  enjoy and need.

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Another example

• Maya Angelou is an accomplished African-American
  author. While growing up, she suffered
  tremendous hardship. Some of her most difficult
  life experiences are portrayed in novels and
  poems such as I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and
  Still I Rise. Her written works often include
  strong themes such as perseverance through
  trials, love for family, and passionate optimism.
• The thesis statement comes at the end of the
  introductory paragraph. The sentence tells the
  reader that he/she can expect to read more about
  how Maya Angelou expresses these themes in her
  writing.

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Dont State the Obvious

• In this essay, I am going to discuss the
  effects of long term drug use.
• Long term drug use can have disastrous
  effects on ones marriage, career, and health.

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Dont State the Obvious Another example

• This essay will discuss some ways teachers can
  fight teenage drug abuse.
• Teachers can fight teenage drug abuse by
  educating young people on its dangers and by
  being good role models.

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Good example

• The problem of pollution in major cities can
  be alleviated by limiting the number of cars
  allowed to drive on city streets and creating
  more efficient public transportation systems.

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3 possible thesis statements for Gattaca

• I judge the world of Gattaca as __________
  because of ________, ________, and ________.
• The world of Gattaca is ____________ because of
  ________, ________ and ________.
• ________, ________, and ________ contribute to
  the __________ of Gattaca.