Mrs. GibsonWCCS Writing Center

introducing

THESIS STATEMENTS

Objectives

1Define thesis statement.

2Recognize components

of thesis statements.

3Write effective thesis

statements to guide writing.

Define thesis statement.

What does this mean?

1 1

But a road map Not a windy road…

Road map

….but a road map.

Definition

Specific claim supported by your essay

Central thought

Road map

Blueprint

An arguable statement (usually)

Direct your paperAn effective thesis = A limited subject (usually 2-4 parts) & a claim (point of view)

Clarity & Direction

X Writing a paper is very difficult work.

X Writing an effective paper requires three specific steps.

Effective papers are difficult to achieve, but with clear organization, vivid details, and strong development, they can effectively communicate important ideas.

2 Recognize components of thesis statements.

What do they include?

Three parts

Effective thesis statements include the following:

1) The subject

2) The claim (point of view, arguable statement)

3) A blueprint of reasons/examples

The Subject

Your topic

Part One

school basketball immigration laws

shopping careers specific people

places an author a literary work

The Claim Your point of view

Part Two

What is it that you want to say about your topic?

The Blueprint of Reasons

How you will argue your opinion

Part Three

Two to four strong pieces of evidence to support your opinion

OR

Two to four specific subtopics about your subject

Identify the three parts in the thesis below.

Example 1

Multicultural education is vital to society because it teaches respect, cultural appreciation, and the importance of inclusion.

subject claim

blueprint

Identify the three parts in the thesis below.

Example 1

Tupac’s urban background and Black Power connection inspired him to influence his generation as well as today’s generation to challenge the system.

subject claim

blueprint

Identify the three parts in the thesis below.

Example 1

The life of the typical college student is characterized by time spent studying, attending class, and socializing with peers.

subject claim

blueprint

Identify the three parts in the thesis below.

How does this example differ from the previous examples?

Example 1

The starvation rate in Africa is a problem so serious that this continent is going to need all the help it can get. Yet Africa can also help itself.

subject claim

blueprint

3 Write effective thesis statements to guide writing.

How do I write one?

Choose a subject.

Step One

Let’s pretend you have to write about poetry.

That’s too broad, so narrow it. You decide to write about the poem “I Too” by Langston Hughes.

State your claim.

Your point of view/argument

Step Two

What do you want to say about this poem? What do you want to argue? What is worth discussing? What will meet your instructor’s requirements?

Let’s say you want to argue that it sends a message that is still relevant today.

State your blueprint of reasons.

Your evidence/subtopics

Step Three

How will your prove your argument? Suppose your instructor told you to write about the literary elements in the poem. Can you choose three that are most important?

Let’s say you choose the following examples:• Imagery• Themes • Figurative language

Put it all together.

Creating the Thesis

Although written more than a half century ago, Langston Hugh’s poem “I, Too” continues to inspire and challenge people today through its use of imagery, powerful themes, and figurative language.

The subject

The claimBlueprint of reasons

YOUR IDEAS.It’s not just about the wording, but directing

Create Your Own

1) Subject:

2) Your claim (point of view):

3) Blueprint of reasons (subtopics):

What’s your message?THESIS STATEMENTS