Thesis Statements

What is a Thesis Statement?

Identifies the topic of the paper and indicates the authors attitude toward the topic or position on the topic Tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper A single sentence in the introductory paragraph (usually near the end) that presents your argument to the reader Attempt to convince readers of something Address a problem for which no easy solution exists Present a position that readers could disagree with realistically

Arguable Thesis Statements:

Examples:
1. Because snowmobiles create both air and noise pollution and because their use in the park strains the already lean budget of the park service, recreational snowmobiles should be banned from Yellowstone National Park. 2. Because environmental concerns are adequately addressed under the Bush plan, we should resist any ban on snowmobiles in Yellowstone National Park. 3. Athletes who use any type of biotechnology give themselves an unfair advantage and disrupt the sense of fair play, and they should be banned from competition.

Creating an Argumentative Thesis:

First, make a statement or claim about a topic and check to see if it can be argued: o The use of pesticides endangers the lies of farm workers. Direct the statement into some kind of action; move the claim from what is to what should be o Because pesticides endanger the lives of farm workers, the government should ban their use.

Test your Thesis: 1. Does the thesis inspire a reasonable reader to ask HOW or WHY? 2. Would a reasonable reader NOT respond with DUH or So WHAT or GEE, NO KIDDING or WHO CARES? 3. Does the thesis avoid general phrasing and/or sweeping words such as ALL or NONE or EVERY? 4. Does the thesis lead the reader toward the topic sentences (subtopics/individual arguments that prove the thesis)? 5. Can the thesis be adequately developed in the required length of the paper? Is it narrow enough or is it too broad?