The document discusses what constitutes a good thesis statement. It states that a thesis statement is an arguable position on a topic expressed in a complete sentence. It narrows the topic to a specific focus and establishes the direction for the entire paper. Examples are provided to demonstrate good and poor thesis statements. Additional help for writing assignments can be found at the Writing Reading Center by meeting with instructors or tutors.
2. What is a thesis statement?
It is an arguable statement.
It is a complete sentence that expresses your
position/opinion on a given topic.
It narrows down your topic to a specific,
single focus of investigation.
It establishes a direction for the entire paper.
It is usually stated in your introduction.
3. What is not a thesis statement?
A thesis is never a question; it could be the answer to
a question.
A thesis is not an announcement of purpose.
A thesis is not simply a topic.
A thesis is not a fact.
4. Writing a Thesis
A thesis has two parts
Topic: the main subject to be discussed in the essay
Opinion: what the writer thinks about the main subject to
be discussed (the topic)
Topic: Community College Students
Opinion: Work diligently to pass class, to transfer to
universities, and to earn four-year degrees.
Thesis: Community college students work diligently to pass
class, to transfer to universities, and to earn four-year
degrees.
5. Determine whether the following is a good or
poor thesis statement
What causes violence in children?
Poor
A thesis statement is not a question!
6. Determine whether the following is a good or
poor thesis statement
The purpose of my paper is to identify the
causes of violence.
Poor
A thesis is not an announcement of purpose!
7. Determine whether the following is a good or
poor thesis statement
The education system in the United States.
Poor
A thesis statement is not just a topic!
8. Determine whether the following is a good or
poor thesis statement
Teen pregnancy can be reduced with good
education, parental support, and birth control.
Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!
9. Determine whether the following is a good or
poor thesis statement
I would like to discuss how teachers and
students can develop better relationships.
Poor
A thesis is not an announcement of purpose!
10. Determine whether the following is a good or
poor thesis statement
I had squash, tomatoes, and corn in my
garden last year.
Poor
A thesis statement is not too narrow!
11. Determine whether the following is a good or
poor thesis statement
Vegetable gardening can be a frustrating hobby.
Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!
12. Determine whether the following is a good or
poor thesis statement
Honesty and trust in the classroom.
Poor
A thesis statement is not just a topic!
13. Determine whether the following is a good or
poor thesis statement
Honesty and trust play an important role in
successful teacher-student relationships.
Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!
14. Determine whether the following is a good or
poor thesis statement
Advertising has bad effects on all of society.
Poor
A thesis statement is not too broad!
15. Determine whether the following is a good or
poor thesis statement
What can be done to reduce violence in
schools? Who is to blame-- the parents,
the schools, or society in general?
Poor
A thesis statement is not a question!
16. Determine whether the following is a good or
poor thesis statement
Toy ads on television teach children to be
greedy, competitive, and snobbish.
Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!
17. Where can you go for additional help
with writing assignments?
Writing Reading Center: HUM 232
Meet with an Instructor on Duty
Meet with a tutor
Talk with your instructor
Organize a study group