Mrs. Winn
English II-P & III
WRITING THESIS
STATEMENTS
What is a thesis statement?
A thesis statement takes a stand or
expresses a specific feeling about,
or feature of, your topic. An
effective thesis statement gives
you the necessary direction to
develop your essay.
Thesis Format
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a specific topic (the Harlem Renaissance)
a particular feature or feeling about the
topic (helped the African American
intellectual community gain acceptance in
mainstream America)
an effective thesis sentence (The Harlem
Renaissance helped the African American
intellectual community gain acceptance in
mainstream America)
Sample Thesis Statements (1)
Writing Assignment:
Specific Topic:
Thesis Statement:
 Examine a political theme
in a novel
 All Quiet on the Western
Front
 In All Quiet on the Western
Front by Erich Maria
Remarque, (topic)
idealistic views of
nationalism are brought
into question. (particular
feeling)
Sample Thesis Statements (2)
Writing Assignment:
 Explore a current water
resource in the area
Specific Topic:
 Recreational fishing on
Lake Meredith
Thesis Statement:
 Recreational fishing on
Lake Meredith (topic)
needs more oversight.
(particular feeling)
Sample Thesis Statements (3)
Writing Assignment:
 Research on human
growth and development
Specific Topic:
 Personality traits
Thesis Statement:
 An individual’s peer group
(particular feature)
shapes certain personality
traits. (topic)
Sample Thesis Statements (4)
Writing Assignment:
 Essay on the Civil War
Specific Topic:
 General George McClellan
Thesis Statement:
 General George
McClellan’s overcautious
tactics (topic) prolonged
the war. (particular
feeling)
Try it!
Identify the topic and the feature,
feeling, or stand that will be developed.
 The new graduated licensing laws have had a
positive effect on young drivers.
 Students should be allowed to leave campus
during lunch.
 The pressures of being the best can overload
some students.
 Practicing conflict resolution reduces violence
in schools.
Thesis Checklist
Be sure that your thesis statement . . .
 Identifies a limited, specific topic,
 Focuses on a particular feature or feeling
about the topic,
 Can be supported with convincing facts and
details,
 Can be argued with, and
 Meets the requirements of the assignment.
Practice
Work with a partner to write thesis statements
for at least three (3) of the following topics:
 Cell phones at school
 Student jobs
 D-Force lunch requirements
 High school romance
 State testing (TAKS)