Thesis

Thesis Statement Elements

Controlling Thought

   -What is my topic?

   -How do I feel about it? What is important about it?

Thesis Statement

   -Combine the two components of a controlling thought into a concise sentence.

What is a thesis statement?

-It is a complete sentence that expresses your position on a given topic.

-It narrows down your topic to a specific focus of investigation.

-It establishes a direction for the entire paper, especially if it consists of sub-parts.

-It points forward to the conclusion.

-It is always stated in your introduction.

Strong Thesis Statment

-Take a stand

-Justify a discussion

-Explore one main idea

-Are Specific

Example:

(Take a stand)

Consider:

There are some negative and positive aspects to the Banana Herb Tea Supplement.

Verses:

Because Banana Herb Tea Supplement promotes rapid weight loss that results in the loss of muscle and lean body mass, it poses a potential danger to customers.

(Justify a discussion)

Consider:

My family is an extended family.

Verses:

While most American families would view consanguineal marriage as a threat to the nuclear family structure, many Iranian families believe that these marriages help reinforce kinship ties in an extended family.

(Express one main idea)

Consider:

Companies need to exploit the marketing potential of the Internet, and web pages can provide both advertising and customer support.

Verses:

Because the Internet is filled with tremendous marketing potential, companies should exploit this potential by using web pages that offer both advertising and customer support.

(Are specific)

Consider:

World hunger has many causes and effects.

Verses:

Hunger persists in Appalachia because jobs are scarce and farming in the infertile soil is rarely profitable.

What is not a thesis statement :

A thesis is never a question; it could be the answer to a question.

A thesis is not a statement of purpose.

A thesis is not simply a topic.