Thesis Statements

Thesis Statements

Your position. What you will argue (so your position is not a “given” like, “Poverty is bad,” but rather an argument, like, “To start solving the problem of poverty, we must [insert your well-informed opinion here].”

This video does a good job explaining what your thesis statements should look like:

The following link takes you to a Prezi with much of the same information:

Thesis Prezi

Some other rules and samples:

Rules:

1. Declarative sentence. Not a phrase or question.

2. Takes a stand that is arguable.

3. Broad enough to fit the assignment.

4. Narrow enough & unified enough to be manageable.

5. Explained in precise & literal language

(No “something must be done, pretty soon, too!” No clichéd language).

6. Focused on what to do now, not in the future.

7. Framed as a positive step, not a negative step. (What to do, not what not to do).

8. Can be supported with research available to you.

Weak:  Soda is bad for you, and kids in school should not drink it.

Strong: Soda contributes to poor nutrition, undermines attention and motivation, and promotes bad behavior in class; therefore, it should be banned in all public schools.

Please input your Thesis Statement here: