What is a Thesis Statement?

Remember this and Social Studies essay writing becomes easy to do.

#no problem

What is a Thesis Statement?

• A statement (a sentence, NOT a question!) that tells the reader exactly what the essay is about.

• It is a statement that is the answer to the question.

• This statement will also list the main reasons including the order in which they will appear in the essay.

Questions to ask yourself…..• Does every essay need a thesis statement?– YES! No exceptions.

• Where is the thesis statement located in an essay?– The last sentence in the introduction paragraph.

• Can the thesis statement be longer than one sentence?– No. Keep it short and to the point!

• Can my thesis statement be changed?– Yes, you may change it as you are working on the

essay. Don’t wait too long to change.

3 things about a Thesis Statement:

• It should be “disputable.”– Readers may disagree with position.

• It should be “focused.”– Position is clear.– Specific

• It should be “relevant.”– Readers will want to hear the arguments.– Readers will not say, “so what?”

3 things about a Thesis Statement:

• Could the reader argue for or against it?• Does the writer argue for it?• Will the readers want to read more?

• If you answered YES to all 3 questions, you have a great thesis statement! #you rock!

Thesis Statement (The “claim”)

Argument 1 (Support #1) Argument 2 (Support #2) Argument 3 (Support #3)

Let’s Practice

• Write a thesis statement for each of these questions:– 1. Should Fridays be added to the weekend?– 2. Should public transportation be free?– 3. Should the voting age be 12?– 4. Should Hawaii have the death penalty?