“If the United States is to remain a world power, the education of the younger generation needs to be a higher priority.”
And your point is?

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Controlling Thought
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What is my topic?
How do I feel about it? What is important about it?
Thesis Statement
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Combine the two components of a controlling thought into a concise sentence.

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It is a complete sentence that expresses your position on a given topic.
It narrows down your topic to a specific focus of investigation.
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It establishes a direction for the entire paper, especially if it consists of sub-parts.
It points forward to the conclusion.
It is always stated in your introduction.

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Consider:
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There are some negative and positive aspects to the Banana Herb Tea Supplement.
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Versus:
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Because Banana Herb Tea Supplement promotes rapid weight loss that results in the loss of muscle and lean body mass, it poses a potential danger to customers.

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Consider:
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My family is an extended family.
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Versus:
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While most American families would view consanguineal marriage as a threat to the nuclear family structure, many Iranian families believe that these marriages help reinforce kinship ties in an extended family.

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Consider:
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Companies need to exploit the marketing potential of the Internet, and web pages can provide both advertising and customer support.
Versus:
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Because the Internet is filled with tremendous marketing potential, companies should exploit this potential by using web pages that offer both advertising and customer support.

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Consider:
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World hunger has many causes and effects.
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Versus:
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Hunger persists in Appalachia because jobs are scarce and farming in the infertile soil is rarely profitable.

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A thesis is never a question; it could be the answer to a question.
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A thesis is not a statement of purpose.
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A thesis is not simply a topic.

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement
What are the causes of violence?
Poor
A thesis statement is not a question!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement
The purpose of my paper is to identify the causes of violence.
Poor
A thesis is not a statement of purpose!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement
The education system in the
U.S.
Poor
A thesis statement is not just a topic!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement
Teen pregnancy can be reduced with good education, parental support, and birth control.
Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement
I would like to discuss how teachers and students can develop better relationships.
Poor
A thesis is not a statement of purpose!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement
Why are there so many high school drop outs in the U.S.?
Poor
A thesis statement is not a question!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement
Grades should be eliminated because they cause anxiety and put unnecessary pressure on students.
Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement
Honesty and trust in the classroom.
Poor
A thesis statement is not just a topic!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement
Honesty and trust play an important role in successful teacher-student relationships.
Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement
The increase of cheating in our classrooms.
Poor
A thesis statement is not just a topic!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement
What can be done to reduce violence in schools? Who is to blame-- the parents, the schools, or society in general?
Poor
A thesis statement is not a question!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement
Essay writing is a process that can be learned, but it takes time, patience, and hard work.
Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

Just remember, the thesis must reflect a position that can be supported.