Thesis Statements
What is a thesis?
A thesis is a more developed form of a claim that states the main argument of your essay.
What are the three main parts of an essay?
Introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
Name one tip for effective writing.
Use clear, concise language.
Vary your sentence structure
Use active voice whenever possible
Stay focused on your thesis and avoid unnecessary tangents
What is a restated thesis statement?
A reworded version of the original thesis that appears in the conclusion.
What is a claim?
A claim is a statement that presents an idea or opinion that you believe to be true and want to argue.
Where does the thesis usually appear in an essay?
At the end of the introduction.
What is the purpose of the introduction?
To hook the reader, provide background information, and present the thesis statement.
Why is it important to proofread your work?
To check for spelling and grammar errors, and ensure clarity.
To make sure your ideas flow smoothly and are logically organized
To catch any inconsistencies in your argument or evidence
What is a "so what" statement?
A statement that explains why your essay matters or why the reader should care.
What are the four characteristics of a good claim?
Debatable, specific, supportable, and clear.
Expand this claim into a thesis: “Social media has a negative impact on teenagers.”
Social media negatively impacts teenagers because it can lead to anxiety, cyberbullying, and a distorted view of reality.
Social media negatively affects teenagers by reducing face-to-face communication skills, increasing distractions, and encouraging unhealthy comparisons.
Social media can harm teenagers by fostering unrealistic body standards, enabling online harassment, and decreasing attention spans.
What should each body paragraph focus on?
One main idea that supports the thesis with evidence and examples.
What is a transition word?
A word that helps connect ideas between sentences or paragraphs.
What is the format for in-text citations?
(Author's Last Name, Page Number).
Write a claim supporting school uniforms.
School uniforms promote equality among students.
School uniforms create a sense of unity and school spirit
School uniforms reduce peer pressure based on clothing choices
What is the formula for writing a thesis statement?
Topic + Claim + because + reason(s) why.
What is the function of the conclusion?
To restate the thesis, summarize main points, and leave the reader with a final thought.
To wrap up the essay by reinforcing the main argument
To provide a sense of closure and encourage the reader to think more deeply about the topic
Give an example of a hook.
"The average American produces 4.4 pounds of trash daily."
Why should you select good text evidence?
To ensure that your evidence directly supports your argument.
Write a claim against school uniforms.
School uniforms limit students' freedom of expression.
School uniforms can be uncomfortable and hinder student focus
School uniforms impose unnecessary financial burdens on families
How does a thesis differ from a claim?
A thesis expands on a claim by providing reasons that support the main argument.
A thesis is more specific and detailed than a claim, often listing the reasons that will be elaborated upon in the essay
What should you avoid in the conclusion?
Introducing new information.
What is one revision strategy you can use?
Read your essay out loud and take your time.
What is one common mistake when writing a thesis statement?
Making it too vague or broad, rather than specific and debatable.
Why is a claim considered the foundation of arguments in writing?
Because it presents a central idea that can be debated and supported with evidence.