How To Write A Thesis Statement
The Thesis Statement
LIB-100
Raynelda Calderon, MLS
Learning Objectives
Understand the definition and components of a thesis statement.
Along with a sample writing prompt with prewritten thesis statements, students will be able to distinguish the better of three thesis statements by correctly identifying it.
What is a thesis statement?
It’s your opinion or feelings about an issue. A thesis is NOT a fact.
Presents an argument (debate). If everybody agrees with you, is not a thesis.
It is the sentence at the end of your introduction that tells the reader what you are going to write about (your opinion and reasons for saying so).
What should a strong thesis statement include?
Your position (opinion).
At least 3 main points
(reasons/arguments) on what you base your opinion.
Answer to a specific question.
What a thesis is NOT:
A statement of fact:
After 9/11, the U. S Government has
implemented new policies in airports.
What a thesis is NOT:
A list of solutions:
- We can prevent diabetes by exercising, eating healthy, going to the doctor, avoiding soda, giving up chocolate, and consuming less alcohol.
What a thesis is NOT:
A question:
- Why do women stay in an abusive relationship? - What causes violence in men?
Let’s Review
A thesis statement is a single, complete sentence used to formulate the topic and give the point of view of the author. The author is you.
What should Thesis Statements do?
A thesis statement should answer a question. You formulate a question about your research and answer it in the thesis.
EXAMPLE
You are given the topic: Computers in Society.
You want to make a question related to the topic. You decide on
the question: How do computers affect people’s lives in society?
The thesis answers the question: “The computer plays an important role in society by affecting our work and our leisure time.” The rest of the paper should elaborate on the answer.
Problems with Some Thesis
LIB-100
Raynelda Calderon, MLS
Learning Objectives
Understand the definition and components of a thesis statement.
Along with a sample writing prompt with prewritten thesis statements, students will be able to distinguish the better of three thesis statements by correctly identifying it.
What is a thesis statement?
It’s your opinion or feelings about an issue. A thesis is NOT a fact.
Presents an argument (debate). If everybody agrees with you, is not a thesis.
It is the sentence at the end of your introduction that tells the reader what you are going to write about (your opinion and reasons for saying so).
What should a strong thesis statement include?
Your position (opinion).
At least 3 main points
(reasons/arguments) on what you base your opinion.
Answer to a specific question.
What a thesis is NOT:
A statement of fact:
After 9/11, the U. S Government has
implemented new policies in airports.
What a thesis is NOT:
A list of solutions:
- We can prevent diabetes by exercising, eating healthy, going to the doctor, avoiding soda, giving up chocolate, and consuming less alcohol.
What a thesis is NOT:
A question:
- Why do women stay in an abusive relationship? - What causes violence in men?
Let’s Review
A thesis statement is a single, complete sentence used to formulate the topic and give the point of view of the author. The author is you.
What should Thesis Statements do?
A thesis statement should answer a question. You formulate a question about your research and answer it in the thesis.
EXAMPLE
You are given the topic: Computers in Society.
You want to make a question related to the topic. You decide on
the question: How do computers affect people’s lives in society?
The thesis answers the question: “The computer plays an important role in society by affecting our work and our leisure time.” The rest of the paper should elaborate on the answer.
Problems with Some Thesis