What Is A Thesis Statement?

Definition
• A thesis statement is the main idea of an
essay.
• It is often the point you want to argue or
support in an essay.
SO
• The thesis statement explains to a reader
the main idea of the essay, and the writer’s
opinion.
• A thesis statement is usually one
sentence.
• It is usually placed after the introductory
sentences as a part of the first paragraph.
• The essay will contain evidence in the
form of reasons, examples, details and/or
facts or figures to support your thesis.
The thesis statement should avoid
the following:
• The first person (I believe, In my opinion, I
am going to tell you, etc.)
• Unclear language (It seems, etc.)
• Attempting two topics at once (even if they
are related only choose one topic)
• Just stating a fact ( a thesis is something
you plan to prove)
 A Thesis Statement Should..
• Contain a topic( main idea of what you are
writing about)
• Contain an opinion about the topic( your
attitude toward the topic)
 Examples Thesis Statement
Effective / Ineffective
Yes No
1. The life of Christopher 1. Christopher Columbus was
Columbus had a lasting an explorer
impact on the world.
2. The deserts of the world 2. My repot is on the state of
have many things in common California.
, but their differences are
what makes them special.

3. The fat content of today’s

lunches is excessive for 3. School lunches suck!
children.
 A Thesis Statement Should Not
Be….
Too broad
Example: The world is a magnificent place to
live.

Better
Example: Good teachers make Mountain
View High School a fantastic school.
Which Sentence is too broad to be
a good thesis?
A. One reason to live in Mountain view is
access to many wonderful places to fish.
B. Mountain View City is a great place to
live.
A Thesis Statement Should Not Be
Too Wordy!
Wordy:
Some problems with Mountain City
Elementary School is that it needs a larger
playground, an air conditioned gym, an
auditorium, restrooms connected to each
classroom, running water in the
classrooms and a number of other
physical changes to the building.
Better
Mountain City Elementary needs several
changes to its facilities to make it a better
school. (use a word that divides)
 Which Sentence is Better?
A. Abe Lincoln was one of the Best
presidents the United States has ever
known.
B. Abe Lincoln was an excellent speaker
the 16th President of the United States , a
liberator of slaves, and united the North
and South at the end of the American
Civil War.
A thesis statement should not be
too general.
Example: Mountain City is a good school.

Better: Daily writing practice has led to

improved writing skills for the students at
Mountain City Elementary.
Which Sentence is too general?
A. Music makes people happy.

B. Music therapy is useful in reliving stress

and other conditions.
A Thesis Statement Should Not Be
A Title!
A Title
A Cost of Living

Better
The cost of living in Mountain City is lower
than in most other cities in the United
States.
Which sentence would not be a
good thesis statement because it is
a title?
A. Good teaching has ld to an increase in
EQT scores at Mountain View High
School.

B. Rising EQT scores at Mountain View

High School
A thesis statement should not be a
fact.
A fact
The average temperature for Mountain City
in winter is 34 and in summer is 75
degrees

Better
The climate in Mountain City is ideal for
outdoor sports.
Which sentence would not be good
because it is a fact.
A. The recycling of one aluminum can
saves enough money to run a TV for
three hours.

B. Recycling is one of the most important

jobs a person can do to protect the
enviornment.
 Identify the sentences that would
make good thesis statements.
A. Many people do not like to watch violent
movies.
B. Today’s movies do not have the
emotional impact of the classic horror
movies of the 1940’s.
A. Rap music is the best music ever.
B. Although many people find rap music
offensive, it has had a positive impact on
today’s youth.
A. I enjoy white water rafting.

B. The first white water rafting trip can

challenge a person both in body and
spirit.
A. Sixth grade students are busy.
B. The life of a typical sixth grade student is
challenging due to the need to succeed
in extracurricular activities.
A. Community service projects include
building shelter for the homeless,
servicing meals to the hungry, providing
transportation for the sick, distributing
clothes, and large number of other
helpful activities.
B. Students should help others who are less
fortunate.