Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is your opinion stated as a fact. This means you cannot use the words "I think" or "My opinion is" - just leave them out of the sentence.
Your thesis may or may not be true; the writing that follows the thesis statement should explain or prove how the thesis is true by providing examples, details, and explanations that support the main reasons why your thesis is true.
u The word “thesis” means “a proposition maintained by arguing”
u In college, the word “essay” is synonymous with the word “thesis.”
u The THESIS STATEMENT tells your reader exactly what topic you will be writing about in your essay.
In a persuasive piece of writing, a THESIS STATEMENT is an arguable opinion about a specific topic.
“School is much too difficult for most students.”
u It can be argued for or against by providing proof, examples, and explanations.
u It can be supported with evidence and arguments.
“School is much too difficult for most students.”
*Only 20% of students get A’s
*Many students stay up very late trying to finish all their homework
*With the Internet, there is less need for students to know stuff
A Thesis Statement is NOT:
u An “I” statement
– “I like jam.”
This cannot be rationally argued against.
u A personal opinion
– “I think that movie stinks!”
No one can tell you what your preferences are; this can’t be argued.
u A fact
– “The sun is a flaming ball of gas.”
Facts are “facts” because they are true; they can’t be argued.
u A vague or general statement
– “Electronic stuff is expensive.”
The word “stuff” is vague; it could mean anything, which means your thesis may be true in some cases but not in others. Similarly, “expensive” has different meanings for different people.
Once you have your thesis, start the writing process:
You should brainstorm information that will help you prove your thesis. You need to come up with no less than three main ideas you can discuss in your essay that will help prove your thesis is correct.
Organize your brainstorming. This is a good time to find examples and details that support your main ideas about why your thesis is correct.
You can start your drafting either by figuring out your hook and beginning your introductory paragraph OR by diving into the body of your writing and figuring out your hook later.