The Thesis Statement
A roadmap to your essay.
What is a
thesis statement?
• ONE STRONG SENTENCE that states the position you
will take in your essay
o A complete sentence
o Not a question
• Very specific – Doesn’t just state the topic, itself
• Acts as road map to your essay
A Road Map?
• Your thesis statement should
include a main point along
with sub-points.
• The sub-points tell the
reader how your essay will
be organized.
• In a 5 paragraph essay you
should have 3 sub-points.
Take a look at the introduction
paragraph on the following
slide. Can you identify the
thesis statement?
Identify the Thesis
Statement:
Over the majestic palm trees the Arizona sun sets. In the distance
mountains jut out against a pale blue sky. In the foreground sits
Grand Canyon University, Arizona's premiere Christian College.
Since 1949 Grand Canyon has been preparing students to be
leaders in the state and throughout the nation by providing
quality education from a Christian perspective. Grand Canyon
University is the best University because it cares about students,
has great classes, and has a Christian World View.
The VERY LAST sentence
is the thesis statement.
Over the majestic palm trees the Arizona sun sets. In the distance
mountains jut out against a pale blue sky. In the foreground sits
Grand Canyon University, Arizona's premiere Christian College.
Since 1949 Grand Canyon has been preparing students to be
leaders in the state and throughout the nation by providing
quality education from a Christian perspective. Grand Canyon
University is the best University because it cares about students,
has great classes, and has a Christian World View.
This is the main point of
the thesis statement. This
describes what the essay
will prove.
These are the sub-points.
These describe how the
writer will prove the main
point.
The Thesis Statement
Helps Create the Outline
THESIS STATEMENT
Grand Canyon University
is the best University
because it cares about
students, has great
classes, and has a
Christian World View.
OUTLINE
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Paragraph 2: GCU cares
about students
Paragraph 3: GCU has
great classes
Paragraph 4: GCU has a
Christian world view.
Paragraph 5: Conclusion
Quiz Time!
Take a look at the thesis statements on the following
slides. Decide if the thesis statement is a GOOD
example or a BAD example…
Is this a Good Thesis
Statement?
The sport of cross-country running.
Is this a Good Thesis
Statement?
The sport of cross-country running.
NO. This is not a thesis statement because it is not
a complete sentence.
This is a thesis statement:
The sport of cross-country running can allow one
to get in better shape, meet some interesting
people, and develop self-discipline.
Is this a Good Thesis
Statement?
Why do people want to be teachers?
Is this a Good Thesis
Statement?
Why do people want to be teachers?
NO. This is not a thesis statement because it is a
question, not a statement.
This is a thesis statement:
Being a teacher is a great profession, because it
allows for creativity, helping others, and opportunities
to continue learning.
Is this a Good Thesis
Statement?
The problem of pollution in major cities can be
alleviated by limiting the number of cars on the street,
creating more efficient public transportation systems,
and planting more trees.
Is this a Good Thesis
Statement?
The problem of pollution in major cities can be
alleviated by limiting the number of cars on the street,
creating more efficient public transportation systems,
and planting more trees.
YES! It states the main point of the paper and
three sub-topics.
Is this a Good Thesis
Statement?
Cancun is a popular vacation spot in Mexico.
Is this a Good Thesis
Statement?
Cancun is a popular vacation spot in Mexico.
NO! This is only expressing a fact. It does not give the
writer very much to explain or prove in the essay.
This is a better thesis statement:
Cancun is one of the most popular vacation spots in
Mexico because of its comfortable climate, proximity to
well-known archeological sites, and affordability.
Is this a Good Thesis
Statement?
In this essay, I am going to discuss the effects
of long-term drug abuse.
Is this a Good Thesis
Statement?
In this essay, I am going to discuss the effects
of long-term drug abuse.
NO! Don’t state the obvious (“In this essay, I am
going to discuss”) and don’t use the first person (I,
me, myself…)
This is a better thesis statement:
Long term drug use can have disastrous effects on
one’s marriage, career, and health.
To Sum it Up
A thesis statement…
• Is a complete sentence
• Is not a question
• Does more than just state a fact – gives the writer
something to EXPLAIN or PROVE
• Doesn’t state the obvious
• IS THE ROADMAP OF THE ESSAY – contains a main
idea and sub-topics.