Essay Writing: How to write a thesis statement.

1. Easy Steps to a Great
Thesis statement
Glenn Rai

2. A thesis statement can be:
The answer to a question that
you have posed
 The solution for a problem you
have identified
 A statement that takes a position
on a debatable topic
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3. General Tips about Thesis
Statements
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A statement that contains the essay’s topic and point(s)
Gives the reader a sense of what the essay will be about
Usually comes at the end of the introduction
Most thesis statements are only one sentence
Must be a complete sentence
Everything in the essay must support the thesis.
Introduction paragraph should follow this format:
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Attention getter (commonly known as a “hook”)
Introduce the topic
State the thesis

4. Ways of Constructing Thesis Statements:
The Umbrella
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Contains essay’s topic, point, and
alludes to reasons why the reader
should believe you.
Do not directly state the supporting
reasons, but instead allude to
them.
Example: “Although thought to be
humane and necessary, animal
testing [topic] for medical and
cosmetic purposes does not live up
to it’s promises [point and
reasons].”

5. Creating a Thesis Statement
1. Determine essay’s topic (what you’re talking about)
Example: Pixar’s film Up
2. Determine what kind of paper you are writing and what
kind of thesis statement you need to use: analytical,
persuasive, or expository.
Example: Persuasive=It’s not really a “kid” movie.
3. Determine the way you will construct your thesis: list or
umbrella?
4. Put it all together!

6. Creating a Thesis Statement
Example:
Pixar’s film, Up , should not be
considered a “kid” movie because its
character conflicts and main theme
of loss are too complex for children
to understand.

7. Now write the thesis statement
for:
What are the effects of smoking
on our health?
*Mistakes are good for us. Please do not be afraid to make them.*

8. Thesis Statement MUST have:
1)
2)
3)
Topic
Controlling Idea
Predictor

9. Creating a Thesis Statement
Topic - Smoking
Controlling Idea – main negative
effects on people’s health/our
health
Predictor – cancer and high blood
pressure.

10. Sample Thesis Statement
Smoking has two main negative
effects on people’s health; it
causes cancer and high blood
pressure.

11. Write the thesis statement for:
What the disadvantages of
living in a big city?

12. Sample Thesis Statement
Living in a large city has two
main disadvantages; big cities
have excess of pollution and
traffic congestion.

13. OR
High level of pollution and traffic
congestion are the two main
disadvantages of living in a large
city.

14. Write the thesis statement
Q: How can someone be a successful
businessman?

15. Sample 1
Thesis:
In order to be a successful
businessman one has to be
____________and ___________.

16. Write the thesis statement
Q: What are the negative effects of
advertising on children?

17. Sample 2
Thesis:
Advertising has two major negative
effects on children:
____________and ___________.

18. Write the thesis statement
Q: Why do women lack equal
opportunity in work life?

19. Sample 3
Thesis:
Women usually do not have equal
opportunity in work life because
____________and ___________.

20. Write the thesis statement
What are the advantages of
telecommuting (working from home)?

21. Write the thesis statement
What are the disadvantages of using
cell phones?

22. Write the thesis statement
Why is working night shifts harmful
for people?

23. Write the thesis statement
How does advertising influence
people?

24. INT05 is the best! 
Thank you for your patience.
eflglenn@gmail.com