Name __________________________________________________________Date___________Per________
Thesis Statements
Every paper must argue an idea and every paper must clearly state that idea in a thesis statement.
A thesis statement is different from a topic statement. A topic statement merely states what the paper is about. A thesis statement states the argument of that paper.
Be sure that you can easily identify your thesis and that the key points of your argument relate directly back to your thesis.
EXAMPLES:
Topic statements:
1.
This paper will discuss Harry Truman’s decision to drop the bomb on Hiroshima.
2.
The purpose of this paper is to delve into the mindset behind Truman’s decision to drop the bomb on Hiroshima.
Thesis statements:
1.
Harry Truman’s decision to drop the bomb on Hiroshima was motivated by racism.
2.
The US confrontation with the Soviets was the key factor in Truman’s decision to drop the bomb on Hiroshima.
The ideologies of Hitler and Nazism appealed to German society due to the mass despair from World War I. The
Nazi political party gained support in the 1930’s through its use of nationalism in propaganda. After the Armistice of
1918, Germany was forced to take blame of the war and pay reparations to other countries, all the while giving up its territories and colonies abroad. Through the results of World War I and the flaws of the Treaty of Versailles, Germany faced financial, political, and emotional devastation, which paved the way for the rise of Adolf Hitler and Nazism in
Germany.
1) Underline the thesis statement
2) What is the author going to prove in this essay?
3) What are the three points of proof?
Regional fiction has distinct literary characteristics. These characteristics can range from colorful characters to distinctive dialect. Regional fiction writers use these literary tools to meet a certain regional fiction criteria. Maurice
Thompson’s “Big Medicine” meets the criteria of regional fiction form, especially in its local setting that is remote but tied to a distant city, regional dialect, and an outside character that creates a disturbance.
1) Underline the thesis statement
2) What is the author going to prove in this essay?
3) What are the three points of proof?

INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH

1st Sentence - Your thesis statement.

2-3 Sentences – Background information o (Do not explain your three points! Provide the historical background of the topic)

Last Sentence – Three points of proof (evidence that supports your thesis).
THESIS STATEMENT

Answers the question – Do not re-write the question.
 Proves the author’s position (without using “I”)

Does not include the three points of proof
BODY PARAGRAPHS

Opening sentence: tells what paragraph will talk about and links back to thesis.

Evidence to support your opening sentence using primary and secondary sources (remember to explain and source your quotes and/or other evidence). Don’t forget to cite!

Conclusion sentence: how this evidence links to your thesis statement.
CONCLUSION

Restatement of your thesis statement – do not rewrite word for word.

A brief recap of three points of proof already found in your paper, which support your thesis (1 sentence per point).

A final statement tying your conclusion back to your thesis.

Example: Analyze the factors what fueled the growth of American Imperialism at the turn of the
20 th century.
Always ask yourself, what is the topic asking….
Example: What factors contributed to the growth of American Imperialism?
What is the given information of the question?
Example: There was a growth of imperialistic ideas at the turn of the 20 th century.
What is your argument?
Example: That it was the interest in new markets that caused the US to want to expand.
What are your points to prove your argument?
Example: Industrialization, overproduction of goods, need for raw materials
Given:
th
Argument:
Thesis:
th

What is the topic asking?
What is the given information of the question?
What is your argument?
What are your points to prove your argument?
Given:
Argument:
Thesis: