GE105 Writing I: Academic LiteraciesSpring Semester 2013Week 3Instructor: Sophia Katsochi

Example of a Thesis StatementSteps to follow in order to formulate a focused enough, sensible thesis statement that successfully prepares the reader on what will specifically follow in the main body:

1. What is the general topic? Sports2. What is my limited topic? The benefits of tennis3. What is my opinion about the limited topic? Playing tennis is a sport many would enjoy because of the benefits involved.

4. What is my purpose in writing about this topic?

To tell readers why tennis is so enjoyable so they will ultimately have a better understanding of

the benefits of playing this game.

5. How will I break down my topic into parts I can explain in two or more body paragraphs? I will inform the readers what the benefits of playing tennis are; namely social interaction, improved fitness, and challenge of the game.

6. What next?! Thesis statement!

7. Thesis statement (at the end of the introduction; after the general statement): Many people would enjoy playing tennis because it offers the benefits of social interaction, improved fitness, and a challenging game.

Material taken from:

Kanar, C. (n.d.). The confident writer (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin.