• Should be the last sentence of the first paragraph
• Is a contract with the reader
– Agreement for the content and direction of your essay
• Can be formulaic to aid the reader in understanding
– E.g. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are the best type of sandwich because it is sweet , nutritious , and easy to make .

• Thesis statement should clearly state the opinion and the main methods of support .
– Schools should continue to teach cursive writing because students are asked to write in cursive for the SAT and the ACT and when writing checks.
Because this skill is still required in life , it should still be taught in school.
• Thesis statement should state the opinion in the form of fact. (No “I think” or “I believe.”)

• Too much money is a bad thing.
• Kids should get paid for good grades.
• Magazine advertisements send unhealthy signals to young women.
• Penmanship is important.
• We should teach etiquette in schools.
• School days should start later.

• With your group, pick a stance on the topic.
• Then, with your group, write a thesis statement that shows your stance on the topic and how you would go about supporting that stance.