1. How to write aHow to write a
Thesis StatementThesis Statement

2. What is a thesis statement?What is a thesis statement?
1) Tells the reader what the paper will be about (a
road map)
1) Makes a claim or argument that will be supported
in the paper.
1) Answers the research question and gives 3
defendable points.

3. Psychologists have argued for decades about how a
person’s character is formed. Numerous psychologists
believe that one’s birth order (i.e. place in the family as
the youngest, oldest, or middle child) has the greatest
influence. Birth order can have a significant impact in
the formation of a child’s character. Birth order can
strongly affect one’s relationship with parents,
relationships with others, and how one views
responsibility as an adult.
Thesis StatementThesis Statement
Example
The thesis statement
makes a strong claim
about birth order.
Sub points in the thesis
or nearby help the
reader know how the
essay will be organized

4. Thesis StatementThesis Statement
key points:key points:
 Takes a stand
 Justifies discussion (indicates that
topic is important/has a point)
 Expresses one main idea
 Is specific (not vague)

5. Key PointsKey Points
Main Idea in a Complete Sentence
The sport of cross-country running.
Why do I want to be a teacher?
This is not a complete
sentence.
The sport of cross-country running has allowed me
to get in better shape and meet some interesting
people.
Being a teacher is a great profession because it
allows me to work with students and be
creative.
This is a question, not a
statement.
Thesis
Statement
Thesis
Statement

6. Another Example
The problem of pollution in big cities.
Why should marijuana be legalized?
This is not a complete
sentence.
The problem of pollution in major cities can be
alleviated by limiting the number of cars allowed to
drive on city streets and creating more efficient public
transportation systems.
Marijuana should be legalized because it is not any
more addictive than tobacco and it can provide
numerous medicinal benefits for those suffering from
terminal illnesses.
This is a question, not a
statement.
Thesis
Statement
Thesis
Statement

7. Where do I put the thesis statement?Where do I put the thesis statement?
Answer:
At the end of the introduction.

8. Location
For most of Mr. Brown’s life, he lived with bad health,
smelly clothes, and a chronic cough. His children and wife
begged him to stop the habit that caused these conditions,
but he could not. The habit of smoking had wrapped its
addicting arms around him and was slowly strangling him
until one day he realized it had to stop. Mr. Brown’s
realization of his overwhelming addiction came after three
terrifying events occurred in his family that changed his life
forever.
The thesis statement comes at the end of
the introductory paragraph. This sentence tells
the reader that he/she can expect to read
about the events that caused the author to stop
smoking in the rest of the essay.

9. Steps to Writing a StrongSteps to Writing a Strong
Thesis StatementThesis Statement
1) Research a topic and create a research question.
1) Write a rough draft thesis statement that answers the
research question.
1) Re-write thesis statement to make sure that it addresses all
of the key points for a strong thesis.
1) Make sure thesis is a “road map” for the rest of your essay.

10. Let’s PracticeLet’s Practice

11. Check this example outCheck this example out
• The first part of the question, “What are slums?” should
be answered in your introduction paragraph
• What are 3 effects that slums have on human
populations?
o These will be your defendable points
• Go through your sources and pick out 3 ways that slums
either hurt or help humans

12. AssignmentAssignment
• Write your own thesis statement based on your favorite
topic
• Make sure to include your 3 defendable points
• Turn in when finished, this will be what goes in the grade
book