WORKING THESIS STATEMENT ASSIGNMENT
Freshman English
A THESIS STATEMENT is a one-sentence statement that expresses the central claim or argument that you
seek to prove in an essay. It typically falls at the end of the introductory paragraph. A good thesis statement
makes the difference between a thoughtful research project and a simple retelling of facts.
 The thesis should contain two parts –
o (1) identification of the topic
o (2) an explanation of what your essay will prove/demonstrate about that topic.
 A thesis should be an arguable statement. There is no point in proving something that is obviously
true. A strong thesis takes a stand and justifies the discussion you will present.
 A strong thesis is specific and focused. A strong thesis proves a point without discussing “everything
about…” Instead of thinking “the 1920’s,” think “the flapper culture and its effects on American society,”
and then your argument about that more specific, focused topic.
 A thesis should never contain “be” verbs (am, are, is, was, were, be, been, being), and it should be
written in the active voice.
 NEVER use “I think,” “I believe,” “I will prove,” or any “I” (first-person) statement within your thesis.
 A thesis should never contain summary.
 A strong thesis passes the So what? and Who cares? Tests.
o To check these tests, ask yourself, “Would my most honest friend ask why s/he should care
about this? Would they respond to my thesis statement with, “Yeah… but everybody knows
that.”
o EXAMPLE: “People should avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.” – Is anyone REALLY
going to oppose this statement? (Now don’t get all G/T on me here, folks! You know that no
sound, thinking person really would!!)
A WORKING THESIS is the preliminary thesis that you will enter into research with. A solid working thesis will
help you to focus your search for information. But don’t rush to a final thesis! You will likely to continue
refining and retooling your thesis until the very end of the project.
SAMPLE EFFECTIVE THESIS STATEMENTS:
Universities should require high school graduates to take a year off to pursue community service
projects before entering college in order to increase their maturity and global awareness.
 This essay should:
o Present the argument that students should pursue community projects before
entering college
o Present evidence to support the claim that community projects increases maturity
and global awareness.
o Present evidence that increased maturity and global awareness benefit students
before entering college.
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s tireless efforts to promote equality for all and his instrumental role in the Civil
Rights Movement make him an integral and noteworthy part of America’s history.
 This essay should:
o Present evidence that MLK, Jr. promoted equality for all and was instrumental in the
Civil Rights movement
o Present an argument and evidence that these contributions allow us to say that he
led a “life worth knowing.”
YOU PRACTICE!: Are the following thesis statements strong or ineffective? What rules above do they break/follow?
You choose!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
E-coli contamination should not happen.
The causes of the Cold War were economic, social, and political.
The Simpsons represents the greatest animated show in the history of television.
The Simpsons treats the issues of ethnicity, family dynamics, and social issues effectively.
Often dismissed because it is animated, The Simpsons treats the issue of ethnicity more powerfully than did
the critically praised All in the Family.
6. Although many parents of teens struggling with body image may blame television models and other such
stars, these body issues and their disorders stem back to their daughters’ younger days of pigtails and
Barbies.
7. Despite their high-tech special effects, today’s graphically violent horror movies do not convey the creative
use of cinematography or the emotional impact that we saw in the classic horror films of the 1940s and 50s.
YOUR TURN!: It is now time to write YOUR working thesis for your research project! Remember to follow ALL rules
stated above. Since this is one sentence, failure to follow the directions for writing a strong thesis statement will
result in HEAVY point deductions!
1. What is your topic?
2. What stand are you taking on your topic?
3. List at least three (3) reasons to support your stand.
NOW… Put it all together!!
MY WORKING THESIS STATEMENT:
TEST IT OUT!: Ask yourself the following questions about this thesis statement to ensure that you have written a
strong one!



Would a reasonable reader NOT respond with “Duh!” or “So what?” or “Gee, no kidding!” or “Who cares?”
Does the thesis avoid general phrasing and/or sweeping words such as “all” or “none” or “every”?
Does the thesis lead the reader toward the topic sentences (topic sentences all work to prove the thesis!)?