1. What is a thesis
statement?

2. A thesis statement:
 Makes an argumentative assertion about a topic; it
states the conclusions that you have reached
about your topic.
 Look at your thesis statement. In what way does it
make an argumentative assertion? How does it state
the conclusions you have reached about your topic?
 If you are not sure, ask yourself what conclusions
have you reached about your topic?

3. A thesis statement…
 Makes a promise to the reader about the scope,
purpose and direction of your paper.
 Tell your thesis to your partner. You may have to tell
them a couple times, or write it on a separate piece of
paper to show them.
 Ask your partner what they think your paper is about.
Have them try and predict what your sections or
subsections were, and what your conclusion turned
out to be.

4. A thesis statement…
 Is focused and specific enough to be “proven” within
the boundaries (page length) of your paper. Today we
will talk about how to move from a thesis statement for a 3-
5 page paper to a thesis statement for a 8-12 page paper.
 Is generally located near the end of the introduction;
sometimes in a longer paper it can be expressed in a
couple of sentences.
 A thesis statement identifies the relationships between
the pieces of evidence (sections/subsections) that you
are using to support your argument.

5. A thesis statement…
Is debatable! (A reasonable person
has to be able to disagree with you).
Must move past “Everybody knows
that…”