CHOOSING A TOPICAND DRAFTING A THESIS

Elements of Writing

Thesis Statements

A well-structured and well-organized thesis statement will enable your reader to know what to expect as well as provide you with an outline for your essay.

Therefore, the more time and effort you put into writing the thesis, the easier it will be to construct that essay.

Think of your essay as something you are arguing and your thesis statement as how you will prove your argument

Thesis Statements

Your thesis statement: should be the last sentence of first paragraph should convey your opinion should give the reasons you will use to support your

position should not be a question. should have a focus or main point with 3 supporting

reasons should be specific in word choice and not vague or broad should not have a lot, many, several, most, etc. in statement For Example:

Melinda Sordino lost her identity, lost her voice, and lost her childhood; however, due to never truly giving up, she learned to speak up, fight back, and to live again.

Thesis Statements

Before you even begin to think about your thesis, there are several questions that you should ask yourself. Consider the following:

1. What is the essay question asking? Look for key words: compare/contrast,

discuss, and explain, argue, etc.For Example, choose ONE symbol from the

novel and explain its significance to Melinda throughout the entire novel.

Thesis Statements

2. What aspect of this question will you be writing about?

3. What is your evidence? In a five-paragraph essay, you should cite

three pieces of evidence to support your claim. These examples will later be transformed into topic sentences for your body paragraphs.

a) first piece of evidence (your first reason) b) second piece of evidence (your second

reason) c) third piece of evidence (your third reason)

Sample Thesis Statements

LeBron James’ leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2010 negatively impacted Cleveland local businesses, the community, and the overall definition of being a role model to today’s youth.

What is the main point?What are the 3 supporting reasons?Is this a persuasive or expository thesis?

Sample Thesis Statements

The Middle is a TV show that all people should take the time to watch because it is funny, viewers can relate to the characters, and it offers a realistic depiction of a middle class family’s struggles.

What is the main point?What are the 3 supporting reasons?Is this a persuasive thesis or expository

thesis?

The quote by Mitch Albom, “Money is not a substitue for tenderness, and power is not a substitute for tenderness,” is contradicted by Michael Bloomberg, Bill Gates, and Warren Buffet, who use their wealth and power to make a difference in the world.

What is the main focus?What are the 3 areas of support?Is this expository or persuasive?

Thesis Statements

Thesis statements can be written in a variety of formats. You can choose one are of focus without any supporting

points in your thesis. You can choose 1 area of focus with one supporting point

in your thesis—using this would limit you to discussing only one area of support to prove or explain your thesis.

You can choose 1 area of focus with 2 supporting details in your thesis—using this would limit you to only proving or explaining your main focus with 2 details.

You can even break your thesis into 2 sentences. You can choose 2 area of focus with 3 supporting details—

This is the thesis you will learn and perfect in 9th grade.

Your Turn

Using your guidelines for the Speak essay, choose from one of the 6 essay topics. Come up with your main point you want to say

My main point is ______________________________________ Then, choose three different reasons (evidence)

Reason 1— Reason 2— Reason 3--

Then, tie them together in one well-developed sentence. ______________________________________ ______________________________________

A DRAFT OF YOUR THESIS STATEMENT IS DUE TOMORROW 11/13 AT THE BEGINNIN OF CLASS.

Thesis Statements

Practice-Write a thesis statement for one of the following questions

1) Should students be required to take a Physical Education elective? Why or why not.

2) Subject: Should the school employ a dress code? Why or Why not?

3) What is the best restaurant in Strongsville?