Thesis StatementsThesis Statements The most important building block of the The most important building block of the

argumentative academic paper is the argumentative academic paper is the thesis statement, or the “main idea.”  thesis statement, or the “main idea.” 

This statement is usually placed toward This statement is usually placed toward the end of your introduction paragraph the end of your introduction paragraph and tells your reader the focus of your and tells your reader the focus of your paper.paper.

Here are some quick tips for a good thesis.Here are some quick tips for a good thesis.

Thesis Statements-Thesis Statements-Treat “vague” like the Treat “vague” like the

Plague. Plague.

Be specific, avoid generalities.  In this way, you Be specific, avoid generalities.  In this way, you will give a clear idea of what you will tell the will give a clear idea of what you will tell the reader about.reader about. Bad:  "Some people have gone to great lengths to Bad:  "Some people have gone to great lengths to

avoid difficult things"avoid difficult things" Good: "Male teenagers should not avoid the Good: "Male teenagers should not avoid the

difficulties inherent in military service, as it can difficulties inherent in military service, as it can create a strong sense of honor, loyalty, and create a strong sense of honor, loyalty, and comradeship.comradeship.

The difference between the good and the bad The difference between the good and the bad statement is specificity. The good statement answers statement is specificity. The good statement answers one or more of the questions: “Who, why, what, one or more of the questions: “Who, why, what, when, where?”when, where?”

Thesis Statements-Thesis Statements-Be a sniper rifle, not a Be a sniper rifle, not a

shotgun.shotgun. Be focused on your topic, avoid talking Be focused on your topic, avoid talking

about too many topics in the thesis.about too many topics in the thesis. Bad:  "Politicians are extremely apathetic about Bad:  "Politicians are extremely apathetic about

taxation laws, pro-life legislation, environmental taxation laws, pro-life legislation, environmental regulation, and corporate lobbying laws."regulation, and corporate lobbying laws."

Good:  "The apathy shown by American Good:  "The apathy shown by American politicians toward environmental regulation has politicians toward environmental regulation has caused them to lose credibility in the eyes of caused them to lose credibility in the eyes of international climate change activists."international climate change activists."  

The good thesis focuses on the environment, The good thesis focuses on the environment, whereas the bad one tries to cover too many whereas the bad one tries to cover too many topics. topics.

Thesis Statements –Thesis Statements –“Tell me something I don’t “Tell me something I don’t

know!”know!” Make a point with your thesis. Don't Make a point with your thesis. Don't

just give factsjust give facts..   Bad:  "Ford is a leading seller of domestic cars Bad:  "Ford is a leading seller of domestic cars

in the U.S."in the U.S." Good: "Ford's 'Going Green' campaign is the Good: "Ford's 'Going Green' campaign is the

main factor in increasing their domestic car main factor in increasing their domestic car sales.”sales.”

The “good” thesis gives some information that The “good” thesis gives some information that I probably don’t know. The bad one is pretty I probably don’t know. The bad one is pretty common knowledge. common knowledge.

Thesis Statements-Thesis Statements-Make me care about your Make me care about your

point!point! Show the significance of your Show the significance of your

argument.  Answer the question, argument.  Answer the question, "Why should anyone care?“"Why should anyone care?“

Bad: “The government should reduce taxes.”Bad: “The government should reduce taxes.” Good: "If the government does not intervene Good: "If the government does not intervene

immediately by reducing excessive taxation on immediately by reducing excessive taxation on small businesses,  they will continue to close small businesses,  they will continue to close down, and down, and the economy will suffer greatlythe economy will suffer greatly.“.“

The effect on the economy shows The effect on the economy shows whywhy my thesis my thesis is important. is important.

More tips at More tips at eslcommando.blogspot.comeslcommando.blogspot.com