How to write a USEFUL thesis statement…

To hang an essay on…

Purpose of a Thesis.

• It forms the foundation for your entire essay– Everything you write in the entire essay should in

some way be connected back to your thesis– A thesis statement should keep you on track

• It is the main point that you are attempting to prove through the material that you write.

First Part: Proposition

• What is your take/opinion/perspective on the topic?– After you have collected your evidence what does

that evidence seem to point towards?• “To what extent…”– Agree or disagree =====how strongly

Example: Big Mac

• Question: to what extent should we embrace the suggestion that Big Macs ought to be a part of everyone’s diet?

• Thesis Statement: Proposition• “Big Macs should be incorporated into

Canadians’ daily diet…

Second Part: Response

• Once you have made the proposition stop and ask the question why

• So the second part of your thesis statement is going to start with “…for; …because,”

• The next part of your response is to select your key word/phrase that you will hang all your evidence on.

Example: Big Mac

• Question: to what extent should we embrace the suggestion that Big Macs ought to be a part of everyone’s diet?

• Thesis Statement: Proposition• “Big Macs should be incorporated into Canadians’

daily diet because of the nutrients it contributes to human health.”

• “Big Macs should be incorporated into Canadians’ daily diet because of the unique identity this food will convey.”

Thesis Formula

Proposition?

Because or For+

Key Word/Phrase+

Response

Strong key words

• reasons, cautions, problems, issues, results, consequences, obstacles, benefits, complications, difficulties, dilemmas, interests, advantages, strengths, improvements, assets, achievements, products, outcomes, reactions, impacts, burdens, legacies, tensions, forces, victories, failures, fallacies, truths, positions, lessons, warnings, messages,