Writing A Thesis Statement 1j2o2h

Writing a Thesis Statement Includes Checklist, Peer Workshopping, Writing Activities, and more…

©Beth Hammett www.bethhammett.blogspot.com

In one or two sentences, tell me what your essay is about.

©Beth Hammett

Defining a Thesis Checklist A thesis:  Helps readers understand what your essay is about  May come anywhere in the introductory paragraph  May be more than one sentence  Guides paragraph developments (topic sentences + details) within your essay  May change as your essay’s paragraphs are developed  Is often implied in a narrative essay, which uses a creative approach rather than academic approach  May be restated in the concluding paragraph of the essay ©Beth Hammett

Example of Thesis with Paragraph Development Introduction: Thesis

Fishing is a hobby many people enjoy. It helps to time and is a stress reliever. It is a thrilling sport!

Body Paragraph

People fish to time. (topic sentence + details—use anecdotes, data, research…)

Body Paragraph

People fish to relieve stress. (topic sentence +

Body Paragraph Conclusion: Thesis Restated

details—use anecdotes, data, research…)

Catching a fish is exciting! (topic sentence + details—use anecdotes, data, research…)

Many people enjoy fishing. Time es quickly in a relaxing setting while reeling in fish. ©Beth Hammett

Find the thesis: 1. Edward seemed like an average student, but on weekends Edward packed his bag, boarded an airplane, and travelled the world. Being a young musician and a college student was hard work.

2. Future cars will not need human drivers. Imagine giving orders to empty drivers’ seats. 3. Some establishments, such as McDonalds and Starbucks, offer free wi-fi to attract larger crowds. Are fast food restaurants encouraging obesity? ©Beth Hammett

Thesis Writing Activity Directions: In small groups, choose one of the thesis sentences below. Write an introduction then a conclusion. 1. Change is needed in schools across the United States. 2. Social media, such as Youtube, Facebook, and LinkedIn, has changed society. 3. ing a club or group has many advantages. 4. The great outdoors is full of surprises! 5. The legal age for driving should be changed. ©Beth Hammett

Match the Thesis Directions: Match the thesis on the left with its detail on the right. Write the correct number on the line. Optional: copy and cut apart each of the thesis statments and details. Hand one strip to each student. Have students locate the correct answer. 1. Ebooks have taken publishing by storm!

____ People of all races live in America.

2. What if technology disappeared for a day?

____ Aliens show up in low-budget films.

3. Emergency rooms are no fun.

____ Relatives seldom agree.

4. The country is a melting pot.

____ Feeding occurs every few hours.

5. Taking care of a puppy requires responsibility. ____ Therefore, walk one mile per day. 6. Learning to read changes lives.

____ Sue attends free classes once a week.

7. Schools raised expectations for students.

____ Graduation rates will be affected.

8. Vacations can be stressful.

____ Communication ceased to exist.

9. Do you believe in extraterrestrial beings?

____ Technology resulted in less books.

10. Exercise keeps minds sharp.

____ The wait time can be five hours.

©Beth Hammett

Peer Workshopping Exchange essays with peer(s). Underline thesis sentence(s). Underline topic paragraph sentences in the body paragraphs. Do they the thesis? Is the essay’s conclusion strong? Is the thesis restated, or are readers reminded of main points?

©Beth Hammett

Answers: Match the Thesis

Find the Thesis

__4__ People of all races live in America. __9__ Aliens show up in low-budget films. __8__ Relatives seldom agree. __5__ Feeding occurs every few hours. _10__ Therefore, walk one mile per day. __6__ Sue attends free classes once a week __7__ Graduation rates will be affected. __2__ Communication ceased to exist. __1__ Technology resulted in less books. __3__ The wait time can be five hours.

1. Being a young musician and a college student was hard work. 2. Future cars will not need human drivers. 3. Are fast food restaurants encouraging obesity?

©Beth Hammett

Supplemental Resources How to Write a Thesis Handouts: http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/thesis_statement.shtml http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/thesis-statements/ http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/545/01/ Videos: Writing a Thesis at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-jHFyF1u_Y http://www.youtube.com//EducatorVids3?v=d1MVrDJe3bA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cde23AKYhPI

©Beth Hammett