Download Strong Thesis Statements - Cabarrus County Schools

Strong Thesis
Statements
“In this paper, I am going to tell you
my opinion of the things that are going
on in the world of television in the
modern day world.”
And your point is?
Thesis Statement Elements

Controlling Thought



What is my topic?
How do I feel about it? What is important
about it?
Thesis Statement

Combine the two components of a controlling
thought into a concise sentence.
What is a thesis statement?
It is a complete sentence that expresses
your position on a given topic.
 It narrows down your topic to a specific
focus of investigation.
 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 early in your paper.

Strong Thesis Statements
 Take
a Stand
 Justify
a Discussion
 Express
 Are
One Main Idea
Specific
Take A Stand

Consider:


There are some negative and positive aspects
to the Banana Herb Tea Supplement.
Versus:

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.
Justify a Discussion

Consider:


My family is an extended family.
Versus:

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.
Express One Main Idea

Consider:


Companies need to exploit the marketing
potential of the Internet, and web pages can
provide both advertising and customer
support.
Versus:

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.
Are Specific

Consider:


World hunger has many causes and effects.
Versus:

Hunger persists in Appalachia because jobs
are scarce and farming in the infertile soil is
rarely profitable.
What is not a thesis statement?

A thesis is never a question; it could be
the answer to a question.

A thesis is not a statement of purpose.

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.
Slides 9-22 created by Vivian Sinou
of Purdue University.