A thesis statement is a proposition stated or put forward for consideration, especially one to be discussed and proved or to be maintained against objections.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/thesis Web. 26 February 2011.

What is a thesis statement? What is a thesis statement?

Characteristics of a profound thesis statement.

Characteristics of a profound thesis statement.

• Thought provoking• Communicates a clear position• Can be argued for or against• Is concise and can be

researched• Is strong, powerful, and

meaningful.

Purpose of the thesis statement

The thesis statement is the roadmap of the paper. It expresses the writer’s

purpose, belief, and position and guides the writer through the creating of the paper.

The thesis statement is the roadmap of the paper. It expresses the writer’s

purpose, belief, and position and guides the writer through the creating of the paper.

Placement of the thesis statement

Typically, the higher the classroom level, the more flexibility students have

when deciding the location of the thesis statement.

Two Choices

Before the introductory paragraph for developmental studentsor

Embedded in the introductory paragraph for English Composition students

IT IS NOT YOUR INTRODUCTION

Suggestions for creating an effective thesis statement.

A strategy for every writer!

Each writer is different and will approach writing in a unique and individual way. There is no one set method for a writer to implement when creating a thesis statement, or a paper for that matter. There are in fact several methods for writers to reference when creating a thesis statement. The Youtube videos attached to the links on your left are great videos for those seeking to understand the concept of a thesis statement, or for those seeking methods to utilize when writing thesis statements.

Examples of a thesis statement

After reading the following statements, take a moment to determine whether or not the

statements presented are in fact thesis statements.

After reading the following statements, take a moment to determine whether or not the

statements presented are in fact thesis statements.

When deciding which college to attend, should one consider tuition cost?

When deciding which college to attend, should one consider tuition cost?

No, this is not a thesis. This statement is in fact a question, and we’ve learned that it is our

job as the writer to answer questions for the reader, not

ask them.

No, this is not a thesis. This statement is in fact a question, and we’ve learned that it is our

job as the writer to answer questions for the reader, not

ask them.

When determining which college to attend, it is

important to consider the cost of tuition.

When determining which college to attend, it is

important to consider the cost of tuition.

Yes, this is a statement that contains a topic, states an opinion, presents a clear

position, and is researchable.

Yes, this is a statement that contains a topic, states an opinion, presents a clear

position, and is researchable.

Outside Resources• Creating the thesis statement

• Purdue• Formula for a thesis

Created by…

Ms. Camisha Williams MFA, M.Ed.

2011