The Thesis Statement
The Roadmap of Your Essay
What is a thesis statement?
Definition
Thesis Statement
The thesis statement
One sentence
States a claim
Tells readers what the essay will be about
DOES NOT contain “I”
Outlines the essay
Thesis Statement
Another Example
Studies show that teenagers would benefit from a
later school start. A later school start could mean more
time for students and teachers to rest. This could also
mean that teachers are more productive and could plan
better lessons to engage their students in learning.
Finally, a later start in school gives parents more time in
the morning with their children. Middle and high
schools should begin later in the morning to allow
greater success in the school system and increase
attendance.
Key Features
Thesis Statement
 Answers the prompt
 States the main idea in a complete sentence,
not a question
 Usually at the end of an introduction
 May state an opinion or attitude on a topic
Key Features
Answers the Prompt
Prompt
Does not
answer the
prompt
completely
Student Responses
 Writing Situation: There has been a
problem in local schools with discipline
and violence.Your school board has
decided to institute a school uniform
policy in order to cut down on these
problems, based on the positive
examples that they have seen at other
schools with uniforms.
Consider the issue of school uniforms
effect on violence. What is your
position on this issue?
Directions forWriting: Write a persuasive
essay giving reasons for your position
on the school uniform issue.
School uniforms are not connected
to violence.
The introduction of school
uniforms may decrease
violence; however, there may
be other detrimental effects as a
result of this new policy.
Answers
the
prompt
Key Features
The Main Idea is a Complete Sentence
The sport of basketball.
THIS IS NOT A SENTENCE.
The sport of basketball is an engaging and
healthy sport to play.
Why is writing the best subject?
THESIS
STATEMENT
THIS IS A QUESTION, NOT A
STATEMENT.
Writing is a very challenging subject yet
rewarding, because one can express
his/her emotions, thoughts, and
reflections.
THESIS
STATEMENT
A COMPLETE SENTENCE
Another Example
Marcus Garvey and the Harlem
Renaissance.
THIS IS NOT A SENTENCE.
Marcus Garvey is the most important figure of the Harlem
Renaissance because of his ability to rally people behind
a cause, to make speeches, and to defend civil rights.
How can pollution be solved in big cities?
THESIS
STATEMENT
THIS IS QUESTION, NOT A
STATEMENT.
The problem of pollution in major cities can be alleviated by
decreasing car usage through increase use of bikes, trains,
and buses.
THESIS
STATEMENT
Key Features- Location
Your reader likes to know what the
essay is going to be about early on in
the essay rather than the end of the
essay. Because of this, the thesis
statement is usually found at the
end of the introductory paragraph.
KEY FEATURES
LOCATION
In America, freedom of expression is a right that our
forefathers fought for. Lunch is a social time for students
where they can express themselves with their friends. It is
also a time when students don’t have to talk about school.
Finally, allowing students to express themselves in lunch
allows for less off-topic discussion during classes. Silent
lunch is a violation of students’ first amendment rights
and is not an acceptable solution the loud noise in the
cafeteria.
Key Features
States an Opinion or Attitude
A thesis statement
 States an opinion or attitude
 The writer must defend, prove, or explain
this opinion in the essay
An Opinion or Attitude
Another Example
Cancun is a popular vacation spot
in Mexico.
Cancun is one of the best vacation
spots in Mexico because of its
comfortable climate and proximity
to some well-known archeological
sites.
This would not be considered a thesis
statement because it is only expressing
a fact. It doesn’t reflect the writer’s
opinion or attitude on Cancun. This
thesis statement doesn’t give the writer
very much to explain or prove in his/her
essay.
This thesis statement is much better
because it expresses how the writer feels
about Cancun. This thesis statement
requires the writer to explain how and
why going to Cancun is a good choice
for visitors.
Key Features
Don’t State the Obvious
 Don’t say “I” or “Me” or “My” or “Mine”—we know
it’s YOUR opinion since you are the author…DUH!
 Don’t say “In this essay” or “In this paper”—we know
it is an essay/paper since that is the
assignment…DUH!
 Don’t use the word “discuss” or “talk” or “inform”—
we know that is what you are going to do because it’s
required in a literary analysis…DUH!
 Be specific, so readers know what you will be
discussing
Don’t State the Obvious
In this essay, I’m going to talk about why
students shouldn’t have to wear uniforms.
A dress code requiring students to wear
uniforms can inhibit student expression,
quench creativity, and deter students from
enjoying school.
Don’t State the Obvious
This essay will discuss why teachers should not
be permitted to assign homework to students.
Homework is a nuisance that causes headaches
for teachers, students, and parents and should
not be assigned.
Key Features
Review
Answers the prompt
States the main idea in a complete
sentence, not a question
Usually at the end of an introduction
States an opinion or attitude on a topic
Does not use first person POV
Practice Exercises
Individually (but you can work with
Someone next to you, if you choose)…
 Look at the thesis statements given on the half sheet…
 Decide if it is strong or weak
 Weak? Rewrite the statement
 Strong? Decide what the body paragraphs will be about
*******Example 1*****
WEAK: I think TV commercials have a negative influence on children
REWRITE: TV commercials have negative influence on children
because they create violence, obesity, and lack of communication.
*******Example 2*****
STRONG: TV commercials have negative influence on children because
they create violence, obesity, and lack of communication.
BODY PARAGRAPHS: Violence, obesity, and lack of communication
Practice Exercises
Now it’s your turn!
 The theme of To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, is
________.
 The theme of _________ in TKM by Harper Lee is shown
through....
 TKM by Harper Lee explores the themes of ___________,
which is still relevant in society today, because
______________.
 TKM by Harper Lee should/should not be banned, because the
theme of ___________ is ______________.
 Challenge yourself and don’t use one of these
templates, but create your own!