WRITING A THESIS STATEMENT

Research paper

What is a thesis statement?

• A one-sentence statement identifying the main idea, topic and purpose of your research paper.

• Tells the readers what they will encounter in your paper.

• It is the last sentence in your introductory paragraph.

• It is what you will argue to prove through your entire paper.

What does the thesis statement do?

• Builds reader interest• Helps the reader know what to expect• Helps the writer focus the composition• Helps the writer check that necessary

information is included• Helps the writer decide what research and

arguments to include• Helps the writer make edits – cuts and

additions – to the composition

Example Thesis Statements

In the following thesis statements, what do you expect the content of each writer’s composition to be?

Year-round school schedules help reduce overcrowding in classrooms and improve overall academic performance.o Benefits of year-round schooling

As computers make information gathering easier, individuals must work harder to safeguard their privacy.o Ways computer users can safeguard their privacy

A Thesis Statement…SHOULD

Tell the topic of your paper

State the view and purpose for writing

Suggest what the paper will be about and how it will be organized

Be based on facts and informationEngage the reader’s interest

SHOULD NOT

Be an incomplete thought

Be a simple statement of factExpress a sweeping opinion

Be stated as an announcement: “In this paper I will show that…”

Be too general or overemotional

Drafting a Thesis Statement: An

Example Consider the jail system. The jail system is bad.

o How is it bad? The jail system doesn’t work.

o Why? The jail system is ineffective.

o How is it ineffective? The jail system is ineffective because….

Overpopulation, inadequate resources, doesn’t fix the problem What do all of these issues have in common?

The jail system is ineffective because it lacks rehabilitation and educational services. Now, what are some ideas/opinions I could discuss in my

paper?

Example Thesis Statements: Should or Should Not?

Last week, the school board agreed on a plan to station police officers in the hallways of Parker High School.o A thesis statement SHOULD NOT be a simple statement of fact.

Using police officers in the hallways of Parker High School is a first step down the terrifying road of a dictatorship. o A thesis statement SHOULD NOT express a sweeping opinion.

Stationing police officers in our high school hallways is a misuse of city resources and sends the unfair message that students are not trusted.o A thesis statement SHOULD make a point that can be

supported by facts.

How To Write a Thesis Statement

Look over your research. Think about all of the facts and ideas you have collected about your topic.

Ask yourself: What is the main idea about the topic that these facts and details suggest? What is the opinion that I want my readers to accept?

Write a sentence or two expressing this idea or opinion. Reread it and revise it as necessary. Ask yourself:o Did I use specific language?o Is my main idea clear?o Can I support this position in my composition?

Refer back to this thesis statement as you draft your composition. Make sure that all of the information you include supports this statement.