Thesis Statements<\/b><\/p>\n
Your thesis statement is the most important sentence in your essay. Everything else should revolve around your thesis. It should stand out in your opening paragraph and should point the way to everything else you have to say about your topic.<\/p>\n
Here are several guidelines for writing a good thesis:<\/p>\n
A good thesis states the writer’s clearly defined opinion.<\/b><\/p>\n
\u00b7 Poor example:\u00a0Many Americans have differing perspectives on the proper attire to wear for an interview, and I agree with some of them.\u00a0<\/i>(The writer’s opinion is not clear.)<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Good example:\u00a0Proper attire for a job interview should be professional, modest and unassuming<\/i>. (Clear position on the issue.)<\/p>\n
A good thesis asserts one main idea.<\/b><\/p>\n
\u00b7 Poor example:\u00a0The proposed feral-cat neutering program in our town will not successfully control the population, and there is no proof that feral cats pose a problem to human health anyway.<\/i>\u00a0(Two main ideas.)<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Good example:\u00a0The proposed feral-cat neutering program will not successfully control the population.<\/i>\u00a0(The essay will show various problems with the program.)<\/p>\n
A good thesis has something worthwhile to say.<\/b><\/p>\n
\u00b7 Poor example:\u00a0The great Pyrenees is a nice breed of dog.<\/i>\u00a0(Nothing new for the reader to know.)<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Good example:\u00a0The great Pyrenees makes a good pet because of its loyalty, affection and bravery.<\/i><\/p>\n
A good thesis is limited to fit the assignment.<\/b><\/p>\n
\u00b7 Poor example:\u00a0Gun ownership should be banned in every state of the union.<\/i><\/p>\n
\u00b7 Good example: Voters in our county should be allowed to determine what kinds of gun-control laws should be used locally.<\/p>\n
A good thesis is clearly stated in specific terms.<\/b><\/p>\n
\u00b7 Poor example:\u00a0The isolationist movement is good for our country.<\/i><\/p>\n
\u00b7 Good example:\u00a0President Trump’s isolationist agenda has several problems that will create major problems between us and other nations.<\/i><\/p>\n
Avoiding Common Errors in Thesis Statements<\/p>\n
1. Don’t make your thesis merely an announcement of your subject matter or a description of your intentions. State an attitude toward the subject.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Poor:\u00a0I am going to discuss bearded dragons as good pets.<\/i><\/p>\n
\u00b7 Good:\u00a0Bearded dragons make excellent pets, as long as proper procedures are followed.<\/i><\/p>\n
2. Don’t clutter your thesis with such expressions as “in my opinion,” “I believe” and “In this essay I will argue that\u0085”<\/p>\n
3. Don’t be unreasonable. Avoid irresponsible charges, name calling and profanity.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Poor:\u00a0Radical religious fanatics across the nation are trying to impose their right-wing views by censoring high school library book.<\/i><\/p>\n
\u00b7 Good:\u00a0Only local school board members \u0096 not religious leaders or parents \u0096 should decide which books high school libraries should order.<\/i><\/p>\n
4. Don’t merely state a fact. A thesis is an assertion of opinion that leads to discussion.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Poor:\u00a0Child abuse is a terrible problem.<\/i><\/p>\n
\u00b7 Good:\u00a0Child-abuse laws in this state are too lenient for repeat offenders.<\/i><\/p>\n
5. Don’t express your thesis in the form of a question unless the answer is already obvious to the reader.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t