Page 101 - DENG103_English - I

English–I

Notes SO

The thesis statement explains to a reader the main idea of the essay, and the writer’s opinion
on that idea.
A thesis statement is usually one sentence.

It is often placed in the introductory paragraph of an essay.
A thesis statement is a claim that could be argued.
The essay will contain evidence and opinions that support the argument.
A thesis statement should:

contain a topic (main idea of what you are writing about)
contain an opinion about the topic (what your attitude is toward the topic)
Subject + Attitude = Thesis

Thesis Don’ts
• Avoid starting your thesis sentence with In my opinion,
I believe, I think, etc. Thesis statements are always
your take on the topic.
• Just stating a fact. A thesis is something you plan to
make an argument about.
• Attempting two topics at once (even if they seem related).
Pick one and stick with it.
A Good Thesis is Limited
Examples:

Good Needs To Be Limited
Good teachers make Mountain City The world is a magnificent place
Elementary a fantastic school. to live.
One reason to live in Mountain Mountain City is a great place to
City is access to many wonderful live.
places to fish.
A Good Thesis is Concise
Examples:

Good Needs To Be Concise
Mountain City Elementary needs Some problems with Mountain City
several changes to its facility to Elementary School is that it needs
make it a better school. a larger playground, an air
conditioned gym, an auditorium,
restrooms connected to each
classroom, running water in the
classrooms, and a number of other
physical changes to the building.

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