what is a thesis statement powerpoint

Writing Thesis Statements

An Interactive Activity to Develop Effective Writing Skills

Learning Objective

• Given the definition and components of a thesis statement, along with a sample writing prompt with pre-written thesis statements, students will be able to distinguish the better of three thesis statements by correctly identifying it.

Ask yourself the following� questions

• When you read a passage, how much of it do you have to read to understand the topic or purpose?
• What is the purpose of writing an essay?

Yes, read to yourself!

Thesis Statements:

• Give direction to the author of a paper
• Give readers an idea as to what the paper will be about

You will see this on a test next week!

Where am I going?

An essay without a thesis statement is like a car without a driver

What is a thesis statement?

• A thesis statement is a sentence used in an essay that serves as the guide for the essay and directly answers the question or task asked of you.
• A thesis statement express the

main idea of your paper.

This will be on the test, too!

What is a thesis NOT ?

• A factual statement
• A topic sentence

TOPIC SENTENCE:

Big Spring is a small town in West Texas.

(This is factual, topic sentence; therefore, it is not a thesis statement.)

Yep, you guessed it—on the test.

Characteristics of a Thesis Statement

• Addresses the prompt clearly
• Makes a claim, or
• Presents an argument
• Is arguable (an opinion)
• In first paragraph of essay

It’s time to spot a thesis!

On each of the following slides,

read the writing prompt and the two sample statements.

Click on the one that is the best choice for a thesis.

1. Early on in life, people develop an admiration for heroes. In a well-developed essay, discuss a person you admire and why you chose this person.

One person I admire is Babe Ruth, who played baseball from 1914 until 1935.

One person I admire is Babe Ruth, the greatest baseball player of all time.

Although this does address the writing prompt, this is a factual statement. A thesis statement should be something you can argue for or against .

Correct! Great Job!

This statement addresses the prompt, and presents and opinion that can be argued.

2. …Discuss the social, political and economic effects of World War II on the United States.

World War II was a costly war that had a major impact on the economy of the United States

World War II not only affected the economy of the United States, but also altered the role of the American government and the American people forever.

Although this is meets all the criteria for a thesis statement, it only addresses part of the writing prompt. Remember, the statement tells the reader what to expect. With this as a thesis, one would only expect to read about the economic effects.

Correct Again!!!!

This is correct because it addresses the social, economic and political effects as stated in the prompt. Notice that the words people (social) and government (political) were used in this statement. This makes the sentence more original and shows the reader that you know what “social” and “political” refer to.

3. … Describe three physical features of Latin America and their importance to the region.

The Andes Mountains, the Amazon River and Yucatan Peninsula are the three most significant physical features in Latin America.

Three physical features found in Latin America are the Andes Mountains, the Amazon River and the Yucatan Peninsula.

Correct! You are getting this!

This statement gives an argument, it presents the three physical features asked for in the prompt, and makes reference to the importance (significance)

Almost! But not quite.

Three physical features found in Latin America are the Andes Mountains, the Amazon River and the Yucatan Peninsula , which are all vital to the region.

This is a topic sentence. The reason it is not a good thesis is because it does not present an argument or address the whole prompt. It is a factual statement. To make it a strong thesis, you must add to it.

4. Discuss the effect of climate and the vegetation on Sub-Saharan Africa. Be sure to discuss the factors contributing to climate, and the impact human activity has on the vegetation.

Even though the climate and vegetation of Sub-Saharan Africa varies as a result of latitude and human activity, they are still the two most important factors in determining the quality of life.

Human activity is altering the the vegetation of Sub-Saharan Africa and causing desertification, which will have devastating effects on the people of the region.

This one is tricky!

This one would be perfect for a thesis, there is only one thing wrong with it. It does not address all of the writing prompt. It only addresses the vegetation, but not the climate or the factors for climate.

Correct! You are on a roll!

This statement gives an argument, and address all aspects of the writing prompt (topic, effect, factors). Notice how you do not have to go into detail, just give the reader a hint of what you will write about.

Even though the climate and vegetation of Sub-Saharan Africa varies as a result of latitude and human activity , they are still the two most important factors in determining the quality of life .

5. In South Asia, globalization has played a big role in the developing economies of the region. Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization in one South Asian country.

Globalization in India has offered solutions to poverty for some and created more severe poverty for others.

In India, globalization has meant new jobs for India’s emerging middle class.

You are ready to write!

There is an opinion (it has offered solutions, it has created more severe poverty). It addresses the positive (solutions) and negative (poverty) effects.

Practice. You will get there.

Again, this would be a perfect thesis statement, if the prompt only asked for the effects of globalization. The prompt, however, specifies positive and negative effects. This is only positive.

Your Turn!!

• You will now apply what you learned by writing your own thesis statements to a few writing prompts.
• When reading back your thesis statements (to yourself) , ask yourself a few questions.

Did I address all parts of the prompt?

Can I argue against this statement?

Will I address all this in my essay?

Is it grammatically correct?

Is it clear and understandable?

You know what to do if you’ve answered NO to any of these questions. FIX THEM! ☺

• Read the top half of your “Thesis Statement Practice” handout.
• Note the four (4) requirements for each of the topic questions provided.
• Look closely at the example completed for you.
• Refer back to this example when you complete the remainder of the assignment.

Yes, this is due completed at the end of class.

Help is available…

• After you’ve completed the first question on your assignment, you may check to see if your answer is similar to one that the computer generates for you.
• Access the link entitled “Thesis/Outline Builder” on Mrs. Yarbar’s Wikispaces page:

myarbar.wikispaces.com/Research.

You can do it!

Final Thoughts:

• You will use what you learned today to write the thesis statement for your research project next week.
• The ability to write thesis statements will assist you as you continue your education.

Make me proud!

• Tick. Tock. Give this assignment your full attention so you don’t have homework. It is due at the end of class – completed.
• Once you reach this slide, close your computer until you are ready to check your thesis statements against the thesis statement builder.
• One more thing—all brains in the air!

See you Monday!

Rodriguez, Mr. "Thesis Identifying Activity." Upload & Share PowerPoint Presentations and Documents . Web. 30 Mar. 2011. <http://www.slideshare.net/mr_rodriguez23/thesis-identifying-activity>.

Even I use easybib.com

What is a Thesis Statement?

Aug 10, 2014

170 likes | 736 Views

What is a Thesis Statement?. Don't let the term “Thesis Statement” scare you away from writing a good paper. “Thesis statement” is just a fancy term for a one sentence summary of what the main purpose or point of your paper is. A Thesis Statement is a roadmap.

Share Presentation

• main points
• main purpose
• school lunches suck slides
• thesis statement

Presentation Transcript

What is a Thesis Statement? • Don't let the term “Thesis Statement” scare you away from writing a good paper. “Thesis statement” is just a fancy term for a one sentence summary of what the main purpose or point of your paper is.

A Thesis Statement is a roadmap. • A thesis statement lets your reader know early on exactly what your essay is going to be about, and it also keeps you focused on your essay's main point. Your thesis statement belongs in your introduction. Here are some examples to help you develop a thesis statement:

A good thesis is very specific. It is not just a general statement. A general statement is too hard to write a good essay about. • The life of Christopher Columbus had a lasting economic and cultural impact on the world. NOT • Christopher Columbus was an explorer.

A thesis does not just announce your paper's subject. • The deserts of the world have many things in common, but their differences are what make them special. NOT • I am going to tell you about the deserts of the world. 

A thesis is not the title of your paper. • While the nutritional value of school lunches may be adequate, their taste and appearance are unappetizing. NOT • School Lunches Suck Slides 1-5: http://writing-for-kids.com/thesis.html

A Simple Formula Topic + 3 main points = Thesis

Let’s Try It With Spongebob • Suppose you are asked to write about why your favorite television show is the best, and that show is “SpongebobSquarepants.” • First, turn your prompt into a question: Why do so many people like “Spongebob?” OR What makes “Spongebob” so special?

Now answer your question with this formula:Topic + 3 Main Points = Thesis • TOPIC: “SpongebobSquarepants” is the best show on television. • SUBTOPIC #1: Spongebob is always getting in trouble. • SUBTOPIC #2: Squidward is a disagreeable personality. • SUBTOPIC #3: Bikini Bottom provides an exciting setting.

Topic + 3 Main Points = Thesis To understand why so many people love “SpongebobSquarepants,” one must look at elements of the show such as Spongebob’s talent for getting into trouble, Squidward’s thoroughly disagreeable personality, and the exciting setting of Bikini Bottom. Among the reasons why so many people love “SpongebobSquarepants,” are elements such as Spongebob’s humorous talent for getting into trouble, Squidward’s thoroughly disagreeable personality, and the exciting setting Bikini Bottom provides.

Your Turn! What do you think is the best show on television? TOPIC: SUBTOPIC #1: SUBTOPIC #2: SUBTOPIC #3: THESIS:

More Examples … • Too broad: It is outrageous for students to be forced to wear school uniforms. • Too narrow: Students who are forced to wear school uniforms have their creativity stifled. • Off topic: When kids grow up, they will have bad memories of school. • Strong Thesis: School uniforms should not be mandatory in public schools because it would stifle students’ creativity, take away students’ rights, and cause students to lose interest in school.

More Examples … Too broad: A healthy diet is important. • Too narrow: People should include eight servings of fruits and vegetables in their diet everyday. • Off topic: Bananas are one of the most nutritious foods on earth. Strong Thesis: A healthy diet is important because it increases energy, prevents illness and promotes well-being in all people. Slides 11 -12: Writing Effective Thesis Statements for Essays: Examples of Strong Thesis Statements for Different Types of Essays http://www.suite101.com/content/writing-effective-thesis-statements

• More by User

Financial Statement Analysis

Financial Statement Analysis Sumed Bhattarai Manager, Laxmi Bank Limited Topics to be covered Importance of Financial statement analysis Sources of Information Understanding Income Statement Understanding Balance Sheet Ratio Analysis Risks Associated with Financial Statement Analysis

2.8k views • 26 slides

Writing the Thesis Statement

Writing the Thesis Statement By Worth Weller (with a little help from the Purdue and Dartmouth OWL) What is it? for most student work, it's a one- or two- sentence statement that explicitly outlines the purpose or point of your paper. It is generally a complex, compound sentence

1.06k views • 19 slides

epic hero paragraphs

epic hero paragraphs. information about how to improve your paragraph. What items caused McLean to deduct one point?. extra sentences incorrect thesis/paragraph topics missing incorrect topic sentence no connection to thesis in #2 sentences no connection to thesis in concluding sentence .

1.02k views • 21 slides

LIR 30: Week 3

LIR 30: Week 3. Thesis Questions, Citing &amp; Using Sources. Class Announcements. Change in lecture notes Lab rules re: food Class quiz/question deadline!. From “Topic” to Thesis Statement. Research Topics. Topic selection: Specific topic = ease of research More focused

905 views • 62 slides

Statement of Objectives SOO and Statement of Work SOW

2. Course Overview. Length: 2 HoursMethod of delivery: Slide PresentationCourse contents:Familiarize trainees with the difference between Statement of Objectives and Statement of WorkProvide procedural guidance and resources Summary of the seven steps to Performance Based ServicesInformation

2.74k views • 110 slides

Thesis Statements, Topic Sentences and Analysis

Thesis Statements, Topic Sentences and Analysis. Common Openings. To what extent How much, to what degree, what quantity Assess Determine degree of accuracy of a given statement Analyze Separate, breakdown into parts, show relationships Evaluate

1.7k views • 38 slides

Volitional perfection

Volitional perfection. Christian, you never HAVE to sin again. Thesis statement: God has provided the means whereby no Church Age believer ever has to sin again. Three Categories of Sin. Adam’s original sin imputed The old-sin-nature Personal sins.

771 views • 43 slides

The Income Statement and Statement of Cash Flows

The Income Statement and Statement of Cash Flows. Objectives of the Chapter. 1. Study the content of an income statement . 2. Study the reporting of comprehensive income. 3. Prepare a retained earnings statement.

2.03k views • 129 slides

Writing A Strong Literary Essay

Writing A Strong Literary Essay. The Thesis. The Thesis. An essay without a thesis is like a car without a driver…it goes nowhere (and let’s be honest…it crashes and burns) The thesis is your argument:

1.14k views • 92 slides

Michael Hopper – Structural Option AE Senior Thesis 2009

The John Jay College Expansion Project New York, NY. Michael Hopper – Structural Option AE Senior Thesis 2009. John Jay College Expansion Project New York, NY. Presentation Outline. Project Information Existing Structural Systems Problem Statement and Solution Structural Design

736 views • 60 slides

Thesis Statements!

Thesis Statements!. A thesis is the main idea of your paper. It is contained in a thesis statement . So, just what the heck IS a thesis statement , anyway?. A thesis statement is a sentence that answers these questions for your readers:

672 views • 42 slides

Spatial Computation

Spatial Computation. Mihai Budiu CMU CS. Thesis committee: Seth Goldstein Peter Lee Todd Mowry Babak Falsafi Nevin Heintze Ph.D. Thesis defense, December 8, 2003. SCS. Spatial Computation. A model of general-purpose computation based on Application-Specific Hardware. Thesis committee:

997 views • 77 slides

Posted Chapters of Bjørn Haugen’s 1994 Thesis

Posted Chapters of Bjørn Haugen’s 1994 Thesis. Title: Buckling and Stability Problems for Thin Shell Structures Using High Performance Finite Elements. AFEM Ch 31 - Thesis Ch 4: Triangular ANDES Shell Element AFEM Ch 32 - Thesis Ch 5: Quad ANDES Shell Element

1k views • 72 slides

Financial Statement Analysis. Study Session 7 &amp; 8. Financial Statement Analysis Basic Concepts. Study Session 7. CONTENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS REPORT. Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MDA) Balance Sheet Income Statement Statement of Stockholders’ Equity Statement of Cash Flows

1.75k views • 150 slides

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. Elif Düzce Tuğçe Yaman Bedi Cihan Şahin. http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2194/2195378179_56873737bb.jpg. Outline. Thesis Statement Political and Social Commentary Racism Weak community

1.49k views • 20 slides

Controlling statement execution

Controlling statement execution. CS101 2012.1. Statement block. A block looks like {statement;statement;…statement;} 0 or 1 statement allowed for uniformity Walk down the list executing one statement after another Effect of each statement on memory completes before next executed

734 views • 54 slides

Expanding your position paper: Counter-Argument

Thesis and Counter –Argument PowerPoint. How to write effectively?. Expanding your position paper: Counter-Argument. Thesis and Counterarguments. The thesis should be DEBATABLE (The thesis should choose a side in a multi-sided “conversation”) Why aren’t these strong?

986 views • 30 slides

Financial Analysis

Financial Analysis. Ag Management Chapter 3. Financial Statements Necessary to Determine Financial Condition. Net worth Statement Income Statement Cash Flow. Net Worth Statement. Net Worth Statement. A “snapshot” of a financial situation that lists assets, liabilities, and net worth.

934 views • 67 slides

AE Senior Thesis 2004 University of Cincinnati Athletic Center

AE Senior Thesis 2004 University of Cincinnati Athletic Center. Structural Redesign of a Perimeter Diagrid Lateral System. Brian Genduso Structural Option. Topic Outline. Building Introduction Structural System Description Problem Statement Design Philosophy Redesign Approach

749 views • 62 slides

Sequential Statements

Sequential Statements. Outline. VHDL process Sequential signal assignment statement Variable assignment statement If statement Case statement Simple for loop statement. 1. VHDL Process. Contains a set of sequential statements to be executed sequentially

746 views • 58 slides

Control Statements: Part 2

5. Control Statements: Part 2. 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Essentials of Counter-Controlled Repetition 5.3 for Repetition Statement 5.4 Examples Using the for Statement 5.5 do … while Repetition Statement 5.6 switch Multiple-Selection Statement 5.7 break and continue Statements

687 views • 54 slides