What is a thesis?

 A thesis is a complete sentence that comes at the end
of your introduction and tell the reader what the
main idea and focus of you essay is.
Answers to these questions will lead you to
the thesis or the main idea.

 Why will your readers care about your topic and
your writing?
 What do you want your readers to take away from
your writing?
 Why are you the best person to write about this topic
in this way at this time?
An effective thesis statement demands
proof or evidence.

 It is never a question, but it is often the answer to a
question.
A thesis statement . . .

 Uses specific, objective language
 Identifies the topic
 States your purpose, intention, or attitude toward the
topic
 May suggest the arrangement or organization of the
ideas to come
Writers commonly revise their
thesis statements.

 Don’t expect to think of a perfect thesis at the
beginning.
 Plan to create a “working thesis” that you can
change as you edit your draft.
 A working thesis just needs to get you started
Some examples of poor thesis
statements and revision:

 My instructor has an attendance policy.
 My instructor should change her attendance policy
because it is unreasonable, inflexible, and unfair.
 Some children show violent behavior.
 Conflict-resolution courses should be taught to help
prevent violence in Egyptian schools.
 Social networking sites such as Facebook can cause
problems.
 College students should be careful of what they put on
their Facebook pages because stalkers may harm them.