Thesis Statements
In the Beginning…
» A thesis statement is the claim you are going to PROVE in your paper
» A claim an opinion/assertion open to challenge and debate
Characteristics of Thesis Statements…
» 1. It will appear as the last sentence of your introduction.
» 2. It will reflect the kind of paper you are writing (expository).
» 3. The author must take a side on the topic.
» 4. It must be debatable.
» 5. It is narrow and introduces one and only one idea.
» 6. It is stated in words that can be interpreted only one way.
» 7. It determines the content of the paper. It controls unity.
» 8. It gives clues to the structure and organization (list order).
» 9. it will be tailored accordingly to the audience
» 10. It must be supported and proven in the paper to be believed
» 11. It may change as you research - this is OK
» 12. It will be stated confidently - avoid informal language
Sample Thesis Statements
» Albert Einstein is the world’s most influential scientist.
» Einstein’s discoveries helped America become a powerful force in the world.
» Instead of taking them for granted, we should appreciate Einstein’s beliefs and discoveries, which are still relevant today.
» Einstein’s discoveries proved to be valuable to the development of modern science.
» Einstein’s inventions changed society is a negative way.
» Einstein’s discoveries, thought to be ingenious, are actually just the result of trial and error.
» Albert Einstein’s theories and achievements are some of the world’s greatest achievements.
Now let’s try it together!
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