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THESIS STATEMENT
A thesis statement is a single statement that is
the focus of the entire writing piece.
It is the main claim that we must prove if it is a
persuasive statement.
It is the fact that we must explain if it is an
informative statement.

PURPOSE
Why do we need one?

If you are the reader, then you need to know

where the essay is going.

If you are the teacher, then you have to

determine if the student can prove their thesis.

If you are in the audience, you want to know the

point of the essay.

If you are reading an article, you want to know

the point to determine if you want to keep
reading.

THESIS: WHAT DOES IT DO?

How is a thesis statement like a conductor?

How is a thesis statement like a spine?

How is a thesis statement like a map?

How is a thesis statement like a shocking news

headline?

RULES
What? It is a single sentence, either a fact (informative)
or an opinion (persuasive)
Where? It is the last sentence in the introduction
paragraph
Formally written: it is based on the genre.
Informative: the fact is stated objectively with
carefully neutral, factual tone.
Persuasive: the opinion is confidently stated. Do not
use I think or I believe statements.

PROVE YOUR THESIS

A thesis statement is like a menu. It promises what is to come.
The thesis statement is a snapshot or promise of the overall
argument to come.
The introduction previews the topic, the thesis, the context, and
sometimes the reasons why.
The body paragraphs each prove a supporting point of the thesis
overall.
Transitions connect the sentences within paragraphs as well as
ACROSS the paragraphs themselves.
The conclusion paragraph paraphrases the thesis and the biggest
supporting points (probably the topic sentences) to review and
summarize.

IN OTHER WORDS
The thesis statement is stated early, but
it is reinforced throughout each body
paragraph AND also gets paraphrased
at the end (in the conclusion).

EXAMPLES OF A GOOD THESIS

Not Great

Better

Why

Tornadoes are
dangerous. They
cause more
monetary damage
to communities
than any other type
of weather.

Tornadoes are
dangerous because
they cause more
monetary damage
to communities
than any other type
of weather.

One sentence only

Country music is
awesome.

Country music is a
popular genre
because of its
instruments, its
relatable topics,
and its American
heritage.

More specific

I think we should be
allowed to use cell
phones in class
because they help
studying, safety,

Students should be
allowed to use cell
phones in class
because they help
with safety,

No personal
pronouns

FORMULA
Topic of your essay + your claim + reason
Topic: Sports in high school
Claim: They have a positive influence
Reason: Teach social skills
Teach time-management
Provide exercise and teach benefits of hard work
Thesis: High school sports have a positive influence on high school
students because they teach social skills, reinforce timemanagement skills, provide exercise, and show the benefits of
hard work.

PROMPT
The state of Illinois has been locked in a debate for several
years as to whether the driving age should be raised from
16 to 18. Some people feel that 16 year olds lack the
responsibility and maturity to handle the significant
privilege of driving. Others argue that 16-year-olds use
their licenses for much more than social events. In your
opinion, should the driving age be raised from 16 to 18?
Topic:
Claim:
Reason:
Thesis:

PROMPT
Should cell phones be banned in high schools?