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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