Mrs. Gibson
WCCS Writing Center
introducing
THESIS STATEMENTS
Objectives
Define thesis
statement.
Recognize
components
of thesis
statements.
Write effective
thesis
statements to
guide writing.
Define thesis statement.
What does this mean?
Road map
But a road map
….but a road map.
Not a windy road…
Definition
 Specific claim supported by your essay
 Central thought
 Road map
 Blueprint
 An arguable statement (usually)
Clarity & Direction
Direct your paper
An effective thesis = A limited subject (usually 2-4 parts) & a
claim (point of view)
X Writing a paper is very difficult work.
X Writing an effective paper requires three
specific steps.
 Effective papers are difficult to achieve, but with clear
organization, vivid details, and strong development, they
can effectively communicate important ideas.
Recognize components of
thesis statements.
What do they include?
Three parts
Effective thesis statements include the following:
1) The subject
2) The claim (point of view, arguable statement)
3) A blueprint of reasons/examples
Part One
The Subject
Your topic
school
basketball
immigration laws
shopping
careers
specific people
places
an author
a literary work
Part Two
The Claim
Your point of view
What is it that you want to say about your topic?
Part Three
The Blueprint of Reasons
How you will argue your opinion
 Two to four strong pieces of evidence to
support your opinion
OR
 Two to four specific subtopics about your
subject
Example 1
Identify the three parts in the thesis below.
subject
claim
Multicultural education is vital to society because it
teaches respect, cultural appreciation, and the
importance of inclusion.
blueprint
Example 1
Identify the three parts in the thesis below.
subject
claim
Tupac’s urban background and Black Power
connection inspired him to influence his generation
as well as today’s generation to challenge the
system.
blueprint
Example 1
Identify the three parts in the thesis below.
subject
claim
The life of the typical college student is
characterized by time spent studying, attending
class, and socializing with peers.
blueprint
Example 1
Identify the three parts in the thesis below.
How does this example differ from the previous
examples?
subject
claim
The starvation rate in Africa is a problem so serious
that this continent is going to need all the help it
can get. Yet Africa can also help itself.
blueprint
Write effective thesis
statements to guide writing.
How do I write one?
Step One
Choose a subject.
Let’s pretend you have to write about poetry.
That’s too broad, so narrow it. You decide to write
about the poem “I Too” by Langston Hughes.
Step Two
State your claim.
Your point of view/argument
What do you want to say about this poem? What
do you want to argue? What is worth discussing?
What will meet your instructor’s requirements?
Let’s say you want to argue that it sends a message
that is still relevant today.
Step Three
State your blueprint of reasons.
Your evidence/subtopics
How will your prove your argument? Suppose your
instructor told you to write about the literary
elements in the poem. Can you choose three that
are most important?
Let’s say you choose the following examples:
• Imagery
• Themes
• Figurative language
Creating the Thesis
Put it all together.
The subject
Although written more than a half century ago,
Langston Hugh’s poem “I, Too” continues to inspire
and challenge people today through its use of
imagery, powerful themes, and figurative language.
Blueprint of reasons
The claim
Create Your Own
1) Subject:
2) Your claim (point of view):
3) Blueprint of reasons (subtopics):
What’s
message?
T
HESIS your
STATEMENTS