Download Thesis Statements

Thesis Statements
Strong Thesis Statements . . .
 Make
an assertion

The 1920s were full of corruption and deceit,
as shown through the novel, The Great
Gatsby.

What assertion is being made?
Strong Thesis Statements . . .

Make an assertion
 Are
specific and narrow

In the novel, A Separate Peace, Gene
transforms from a naïve follower to a leader
with a deeper understanding about life.

How is this specific?
Strong Thesis Statements . . .
Make an assertion
 Are specific and narrow

 Use
excellent word choice
The 1920s were full of corruption and deceit, as
shown through the novel, The Great Gatsby.
What words stand out?
Strong Thesis Statements . . .

Make an assertion
Are specific and narrow
Use excellent word choice

Are one sentence


The 1920s were full of corruption and deceit, as shown
through the novel, The Great Gatsby.
What words stand out?
Strong Thesis Statements . . .

Make an assertion
Are specific and narrow
Use excellent word choice
Are one sentence

Let the reader know what your essay is about



The 1920s were full of corruption and deceit, as shown through the novel,
The Great Gatsby.
What should the main topics of each paragraph in this essay
be?
A Formula for Thesis Statements

Subject
–
Name your topic. This is usually given to you in
the prompt of the essay.
Ex:
Thomas Black Bull’s transformation
A Formula for Thesis Statements

Subject +

Your main point
–
Your main point could be a specific feeling or
stand on the subject
Ex:
Thomas Black Bull undergoes a dramatic
transformation in When the Legends
Die.
A Formula for Thesis Statements


Subject +
Your main point
– Also may include specific details to
support your main point.
Ex:
Thomas Black Bull’s transformation is dramatic as
shown through his spirit and journey through
the circle of life.
Strong Thesis Statements . . .
Acceptable
This book is about the
1920s.
Strong
Strong Thesis Statements . . .
Acceptable
This book is about the
1920s.
Strong
The 1920s were full of
corruption and deceit,
as shown through the
novel, The Great
Gatsby.
Strong Thesis Statements . . .
Acceptable
The effect of automobiles
is one theme of the
novel.
Strong
Strong Thesis Statements . . .
Acceptable
The effect of automobiles
is one theme of the
novel.
Strong
Automobiles were symbol
of wealth and greed in the
novel The Great
Gatsby.
Strong Thesis Statements . . .
Acceptable
Many characters change
in A Separate Peace.
Strong
Strong Thesis Statements . . .
Acceptable
Many characters change
in A Separate Peace.
Strong
In the novel, A Separate
Peace, Gene
transforms from a naïve
follower to a leader with
a deeper understanding
about life.
Evaluating & Applying what we know . .



Look at the student samples of thesis
statements
Identify strengths
Suggestions for improvement?