The thesis statement is the sentence that states the main point of your essay. It is usually the last sentence in the introduction AND the first sentence in the conclusion.
An effective thesis statement is:
- The main idea of your essay
- Every word, sentence, and paragraph should support your thesis, so make sure that your thesis is complete!
- A statement (not a question)
- Not a thesis: Should students get paid to go to school?
- Thesis Statement: Students should not be paid to go to school.
- A complete sentence
- Not a thesis: Videogames
- Thesis Statement: Students should limit their time playing videogames.
- Specific
- Not a thesis: People should not have to feel bad about themselves.
- Thesis Statement: Magazine editors should be required to include positive images of a diversity of races and body types in their magazines.
- An opinion
- NOT a thesis: Drugs are dangerous
- Thesis Statement: Harper High School should educate students on the dangers of drugs
- Confident
- NEVER say "I think" or "In my opinion" in an essay. Instead, say your thesis like you mean it!
- NOT a thesis: I think women should be paid the same as men for equal work.
- Thesis Statement: Women should be paid the same as men for equal work.
Once you have a solid thesis statement, it's time to outline!
No comments:
Post a Comment