How to write a thesis

statement for an

informative / expository

essay

•To inform…..

•Now that you know your purpose,

select your topic & you can begin

constructing your thesis statement.

Time to think

• What information are you going to include in your paper?

• Your thesis statement must be broad enough to cover all aspects of your

paper, but narrow enough to stay specifically on topic.

Problems of Teenage Binge Drinking

• Example of too broad: "Alcohol abuse has consequences.”

• Example of too narrow: "Alcohol abuse at my high school has resulted in

the expulsion of two students."

• Example of usable thesis: "Cases of alcohol abuse in high schools across

America have increased in number and severity over the last ten years."

An informative (or expository) thesis statement will:

• 1. state what you are going to explain

• 2. outline the organization of your explanation

• Example: The lifestyles of barn owls include hunting for insects and animals,

building nests, and raising their young.

The lifestyles of barn owls include hunting for insects

and animals, building nests, and raising their young.

• This thesis is informative because it establishes that the paper will provide information on the lifestyles of barn owls. This thesis does not take a stand or make a claim that needs to be proved.

• This thesis statement is also an example of using subdivisions. The subdivisions for this thesis statement are:

• 1. hunting for insects and animals

• 2. building nests

• 3. raising their young

• Each category is a separate subdivision, which will each be a separate paragraph (if not more).

NEVER!!!!!

•A great thesis statement never begins

with the phrase “In this essay I will talk

about….” or any sentence in a similar

vein.