Strong Thesis Statements

1
Strong Thesis Statements

• If the United States is to remain a world power,
  the education of the younger generation needs to
  be a higher priority.
• And your point is?

2
Thesis Statement Elements

• Controlling Thought
• What is my topic?
• How do I feel about it? What is important about
  it?
• Thesis Statement
• Combine the two components of a controlling
  thought into a concise sentence.

3
What is a thesis statement?

• It is a complete sentence that expresses your
  position on a given topic.
• It narrows down your topic to a specific focus of
  investigation.
• It establishes a direction for the entire paper,
  especially if it consists of sub-parts.
• It points forward to the conclusion.
• It is always stated in your introduction.

4
Strong Thesis Statements

• Take a Stand
• Justify a Discussion
• Express One Main Idea
• Are Specific

5
Take A Stand

• Consider
• There are some negative and positive aspects to
  the Banana Herb Tea Supplement.
• Versus
• Because Banana Herb Tea Supplement promotes rapid
  weight loss that results in the loss of muscle
  and lean body mass, it poses a potential danger
  to customers.

6
Justify a Discussion

• Consider
• My family is an extended family.
• Versus
• While most American families would view
  consanguineal marriage as a threat to the nuclear
  family structure, many Iranian families believe
  that these marriages help reinforce kinship ties
  in an extended family.

7
Express One Main Idea

• Consider
• Companies need to exploit the marketing potential
  of the Internet, and web pages can provide both
  advertising and customer support.
• Versus
• Because the Internet is filled with tremendous
  marketing potential, companies should exploit
  this potential by using web pages that offer both
  advertising and customer support.

8
Are Specific

• Consider
• World hunger has many causes and effects.
• Versus
• Hunger persists in Appalachia because jobs are
  scarce and farming in the infertile soil is
  rarely profitable.

9
What is not a thesis statement?

• A thesis is never a question it could be the
  answer to a question.
• A thesis is not a statement of purpose.
• A thesis is not simply a topic.

10
Determine whether the following is a good or poor
thesis statement
What are the causes of violence?
Poor
A thesis statement is not a question!
11
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 a statement of purpose!
12
Determine whether the following is a good or poor
thesis statement
The education system in the U.S.
Poor
A thesis statement is not just a topic!
13
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!
14
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 a statement of purpose!
15
Determine whether the following is a good or poor
thesis statement
Why are there so many high school drop outs in
the U.S.?
Poor
A thesis statement is not a question!
16
Determine whether the following is a good or poor
thesis statement
Grades should be eliminated because they cause
anxiety and put unnecessary pressure on students.
Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!
17
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!
18
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!
19
Determine whether the following is a good or poor
thesis statement
The increase of cheating in our classrooms.
Poor
A thesis statement is not just a topic!
20
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!
21
Determine whether the following is a good or poor
thesis statement
Essay writing is a process that can be learned,
but it takes time, patience, and hard work.
Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!
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• Just remember, the thesis must reflect a position
  that can be supported.