A Thesis Statement

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A Thesis Statement

• A thesis statement tells the reader the topic and
  the point.

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A thesis statement has two parts

• the topic
• the point

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The formula is

• Topic Point thesis statement
• or
• Point Topic thesis statement

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For example
is rich and varied. (point)

• Kenyas culture
• (topic)

Kenyas culture is rich and varied. Thesis
statement
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another example

• Building a model train set takes time and
  patience. thesis statement

----- topic ----- point
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one last example

• Too much TV watching has negative effects on
  young people. Thesis statement

----- topic ----- point
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All good writing should begin with a thesis
statement.
There is no I in a thesis statement.
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Now, you try it

• Identify the parts of these thesis statements

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1. All good writing should begin with a thesis
statement.
topic
good writing
should begin with a thesis statement.
point
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2. Boys are better students in math than girls.
topic
better math students
boys are better in math
point
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3. Stress causes illness, headaches, and
depression.
illness, headaches, and depression
topic
point
stress causes these
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A thesis statement is different from a topic
sentence.
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A topic sentence just tells the topic.
Ex The driving age in NC is 16.
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A thesis statement tells the topic and the point.
Ex The driving age in NC at 16 is too low.
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Remember, a thesis statement has a topic and a
point.
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Try these For each, decide if it is a thesis
statement or a topic sentence.
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The cafeteria serves lunch each day.
topic sentence.
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• The cafeteria serves a nutritious lunch every day.

topic sentence.
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The lunch served in the cafeteria is both
nutritious and delicious.
thesis statement
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Barack Obama won the democratic primary election
in New Hampshire.
topic sentence
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Of all of the Democratic candidates, Barack Obama
has the greatest chance of being elected the
Democratic representative.
thesis statement
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Thesis statements clarify and focus a piece of
writing.
topic sentence