All About Thesis Statements

What IS the thesis statement?

• The central message of the essay• A statement of the main idea• An indication of the focus of the essay• Preparation for the reader• A road map of the essay• A one sentence summary of your essay

A three-prong thesis statement

• You will use a three-prong thesis statement• 3-prongs means that it has 3 important parts.• Each prong is a sub-topic • Each prong will be elaborated into a paragraph

(the 3 “body” paragraphs).

Example of a three-prong thesis

• Thomas Edison’s genius was the perfect combination of innovative thinking, hard work, and a positive attitude.

• Thomas Edison was influential because he created the light bulb, phonograph, and a telegraph transmitter.

What are the sub-topics?• Some of the most serious problems in today’s

inner-city schools are the overcrowded classroom, the low percentage of trained teachers, and the lack of resources such as textbooks for students.– 1. overcrowded classrooms– 2. low percentage of trained teachers– 3. lack of resources

• These will be your three body paragraphs

Paragraph 1: Introduction with thesis statement

Paragraph 2: Sub-topic 1

Paragraph 3: Sub-topic 2

Paragraph 4: Sub-topic 3

Paragraph 5: Conclusion

Common Errors to Avoid

• Don’t just state the topic!

– In this essay I will discuss the pros and cons of eating red meat.

– This essay is about World War 1.

• Do NOT include statements such as I believe, in my opinion, etc. They make you sound weak or unsure.– I believe the government should fund

additional cancer research.– In my opinion, World War 1 was the first

modern war.

• Don’t just state a fact or observation as the thesis statement.– Every year thousands of Americans lose

their lives in automobile accidents related to drunk driving.–World War involved many new weapons.

Most importantly…

• Don’t use I, me, my, we, our, etc.• Don’t ask a question!• Don’t try and “hook” me!

Practice

• Write three 3-prong thesis statements on the topics of your choice:

Summer Birthdays Justin BieberHunger Games Les Mis Favorite sportSchool lunches History class Westwood HSClowns Favorite TV

showBest group/artist