What is a thesis

statement?

A thesis statement:

Makes an argumentative assertion about a topic; it

states the conclusions that you have reached

about your topic.

Look at your thesis statement. In what way does it

make an argumentative assertion? How does it state

the conclusions you have reached about your topic?

If you are not sure, ask yourself what conclusions

have you reached about your topic?

A thesis statement…

Makes a promise to the reader about the scope,

purpose and direction of your paper.

Tell your thesis to your partner. You may have to tell

them a couple times, or write it on a separate piece of

paper to show them.

Ask your partner what they think your paper is about.

Have them try and predict what your sections or

subsections were, and what your conclusion turned

out to be.

A thesis statement…

Is focused and specific enough to be “proven” within

the boundaries (page length) of your paper. Today we

will talk about how to move from a thesis statement for a 3-

5 page paper to a thesis statement for a 8-12 page paper.

Is generally located near the end of the introduction;

sometimes in a longer paper it can be expressed in a

couple of sentences.

A thesis statement identifies the relationships between

the pieces of evidence (sections/subsections) that you

are using to support your argument.

A thesis statement…

Is debatable! (A reasonable person

has to be able to disagree with you).

Must move past “Everybody knows

that…”