THESIS STATEMENTS
Presentation by Erin Tyson
Mt. SAC Writing Center
etyson@mtsac.edu
Thesis Statement:
a position or proposition that a
person advances in an effort to
maintain an argument
General Tips about Thesis Statements
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A statement that contains the essay’s topic and point
(argument/stance)
Gives the reader a sense of what the essay will be about
Usually comes at the end of the introduction, but sometimes
comes in the conclusion
Most thesis statements are only one sentence.
Must be a complete sentence (able to stand on its own if
removed from the paragraph)
Everything in the essay must support the thesis.
Introduction narrows to the thesis. Think of a funnel.
What Does a Thesis Do?
1. It is an assertion that constructs the argument.
2. It is specific in presenting the writer's position.
3. It limits both scope and topic of the paper.
4. It captures the reader's interest and focuses that
interest on the topic.
Creating a Thesis Statement
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Determine essay’s topic (what you’re talking about)
Example: Pixar’s film Up
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Determine essay’s point: persuasive, informative, or
argumentative (what are you trying to say about the topic)
Example: Persuasive=It’s not really a “kid” movie.
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Determine the type of thesis you are going to use: working,
list, umbrella, or implied
Put it all together!
Example: Pixar’s most recent film, Up, should not be considered a “kid”
movie because its character conflicts and main theme of loss are too
complex for children to understand.
Types of Thesis Statements: Working
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This is used to get you, the writer, going, but it will not appear
in the final essay.
Start off with something like, “In this essay, I will. . .” or “I am
going to argue that. . .” and then insert the topic and point of
the essay.
Example: “In this essay, I am going to talk about global
warming and try to persuade Mt. SAC students that there are
things they can do to reduce it.”
This isn’t a strong thesis, but it’s a direction to help you get
started.
To change a working thesis into one you can use in your essay,
chop off the “announcement” portion of the sentence.
Types of Thesis Statements: The List
(Essay Map)
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Contains essay’s topic, point,
and three supporting
reasons
Example: “To reduce the
number of highway fatalities
[topic and point], our country
needs [purpose=persuasive]
to enforce the national law
that designates twenty-one
as the legal minimum age to
drink, set up check points on
major holidays, and take
away licenses from convicted
drunk drivers [three
reasons].”
Types of Thesis Statements: The Umbrella
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Contains essay’s topic, point, and
alludes to reasons why the reader
should believe you.
Do not directly state the supporting
reasons, but instead allude to them.
Example: “Although thought to be
humane and necessary, animal testing
[topic] for medical and cosmetic
purposes does not live up to its
promises [point and reasons].”
Do NOT use language like, “There are
many reasons people don’t like
chocolate ice cream.”
Types of Thesis Statements: Implied
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Does not come in the normal thesis spot because it is
understood throughout the entire essay
Not directly stated in the essay
Difficult to do because all material must clearly
point to one purpose that is not stated
Often comes in narratives
Thesis Don’ts
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Announce your thesis: “In this essay, I
am going to tell you about Mt. SAC
college and why you should go there.”
(Side note: Some instructors may
encourage this type of statement, and
always do what your instructor suggests.)
Confuse Your Reader: Just make sure
that the topic and point are clear.
Cannot be a fact: Doesn’t allow you to
prove anything because it’s already
factual.
Cannot be a question: “Don’t you think
animal testing is inhumane?”
 It allows readers to determine the
point of your essay.
Activity: Create Thesis Statements
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Based on the topic below, create a working, umbrella,
and list thesis statement
Make sure to include the topic, point, and possibly
reason(s) in each of the statements.
Topic: Being a successful Mt. SAC student
Be prepared to share!
Possible Thesis Statements
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Working: “In my essay, I am going to persuade even the most
distraught student that they can become successful
[topic+point] as long as they study, receive tutoring, and meet
with their instructors [reasons].”
List: “Though Mt. SAC may offer rigorous courses, each student
can be successful [topic+point] as long as they study, receive
tutoring, and meet with their instructors [reasons].”
Umbrella: “Mt. SAC can be a challenging school, but all
students can be successful [topic+point].”
Activity: What’s Your Thesis?
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If you have brought an essay you’re working on, take
it out.
Find the thesis (if you have one).
Underline the major parts of the thesis we discussed
today.
If your thesis statements is lacking any of the major
parts, make sure to revise it so that it includes what
we have discussed.
Directed Learning Activity
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Now complete the exercises in the directed learning
activity.
When you are done, sign-up to see a tutor on the
“Walk-in” list. Next to your name write “DLA.”
Where can you get additional help?
Location:
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Building 26, Room 1561A (Behind the wall
clock)
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Contact Information:
Call 909.594.5611 x5325 for questions
and/or scheduling appointments