Thesis Statement
THESIS STATEMENTS
A thesis statement is the main idea (topic) of an essay.
It is often a point you want to argue or support in an essay. It contains your opinion/attitude towards a topic.
The thesis statement explains to a reader the main idea of the essay, and the writer’s opinion on that idea.
A thesis statement is one sentence in the introductory paragraph of the essay.
A thesis statement is a claim that could be argued.
The essay will contain evidence and opinions that support the argument.
Subject + Attitude = Thesis
Thesis Don'ts
Don’t start your thesis sentence with “In my opinion, I believe, I think.” Thesis statements are always your take on the topic.
Just stating a fact. A thesis is something you plan to make an argument about.
Attempting two topics at once.
GOOD
Needs To Be Limited
Good teachers make Metcalfe PS a fantastic school.
The world is a magnificent place to live.
One reason to live in Metcalfe is access to many wonderful places to fish.
Metcalfe is a great place to live.
A Thesis is Concise:
GOOD
Needs To Be Concise
Metcalfe PS needs several changes to its facility to make it a better school.
Some problems with Metcalfe PS is that it needs a big playground, an air conditioned gym, an auditorium, restrooms in each classroom, running water & a number of changes to the building.
A Thesis is Not a Subject
GOOD
Should Not be a Subject
The cost of living in Metcalfe is lower than in most other cities in Canada.
Cost of Living
A Thesis is Not a Title
GOOD
Should Not be a Title
Good teaching has led to an increase in test scores at Metcalfe PS.
Rising test scores at Metcalfe PS A Thesis is Not a Statement of Fact
GOOD
Should Not be an Absolute Fact
The climate in Ottawa is ideal for outdoor sports.
The average temperature in Ottawa in winter is 2˚ & in summer is 22˚.
PRACTICE 1
Below you will see pairs of sentences. Each pair contains one sentence that would make a
A thesis statement is the main idea (topic) of an essay.
It is often a point you want to argue or support in an essay. It contains your opinion/attitude towards a topic.
The thesis statement explains to a reader the main idea of the essay, and the writer’s opinion on that idea.
A thesis statement is one sentence in the introductory paragraph of the essay.
A thesis statement is a claim that could be argued.
The essay will contain evidence and opinions that support the argument.
Subject + Attitude = Thesis
Thesis Don'ts
Don’t start your thesis sentence with “In my opinion, I believe, I think.” Thesis statements are always your take on the topic.
Just stating a fact. A thesis is something you plan to make an argument about.
Attempting two topics at once.
GOOD
Needs To Be Limited
Good teachers make Metcalfe PS a fantastic school.
The world is a magnificent place to live.
One reason to live in Metcalfe is access to many wonderful places to fish.
Metcalfe is a great place to live.
A Thesis is Concise:
GOOD
Needs To Be Concise
Metcalfe PS needs several changes to its facility to make it a better school.
Some problems with Metcalfe PS is that it needs a big playground, an air conditioned gym, an auditorium, restrooms in each classroom, running water & a number of changes to the building.
A Thesis is Not a Subject
GOOD
Should Not be a Subject
The cost of living in Metcalfe is lower than in most other cities in Canada.
Cost of Living
A Thesis is Not a Title
GOOD
Should Not be a Title
Good teaching has led to an increase in test scores at Metcalfe PS.
Rising test scores at Metcalfe PS A Thesis is Not a Statement of Fact
GOOD
Should Not be an Absolute Fact
The climate in Ottawa is ideal for outdoor sports.
The average temperature in Ottawa in winter is 2˚ & in summer is 22˚.
PRACTICE 1
Below you will see pairs of sentences. Each pair contains one sentence that would make a