PERFECTING A THESIS STATEMENT

Three steps to successly writing a thesis statement

Purdues Online Writing Lab: Developing Strong Thesis Statements. Accessed at https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/588/01/

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A Basic THESIS STATEMENT has 3 Parts

1. What your essay explains: TOPIC 2. Your OPINION about the TOPIC. 3. REASONS for your opinion.

Thursday, February 20, 14

A Basic THESIS STATEMENT has 3 Parts

Broad Focused Specic

1. What your essay explains: TOPIC 2. Your OPINION about the TOPIC. 3. REASONS for your opinion.

Thursday, February 20, 14

A Basic THESIS STATEMENT has 3 Parts

Broad Focused Specic

1. What your essay explains: TOPIC 2. Your OPINION about the TOPIC. 3. REASONS for your opinion.

Thursday, February 20, 14

A Basic THESIS STATEMENT has 3 Parts

Broad Focused Specic

1. What your essay explains: TOPIC 2. Your OPINION about the TOPIC. 3. REASONS for your opinion.

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STEP 1
1. State the TOPIC.
Name the historical person you are presenting on.

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STEP 1
Broad Thesis: Topic HISTORICAL PERSON

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STEP 2

2. State your OPINION about the topic.

What is the legacy this person has left behind?

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STEP 2
Broad Thesis: Topic 1.HISTORICAL PERSON Focused Thesis 2. The legacy this Opinion person has left behind

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STEP 3
3. State the REASONS for your opinion about the topic.

How did this person make an impact on history? because... x and y. because ... x, y, and z.

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STEP 3
Broad Thesis: Topic 1.HISTORICAL PERSON Focused Thesis 2. The legacy this Opinion person has left Narrow Thesis: behind Reasons 3. How this person

has impacted history

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FINAL THESIS EXAMPLE

Broad Thesis: Topic Focused Thesis Opinion

Eli Wiesel reminds us of the value of humanity

Narrow Thesis: because he shares his Reasons experiences at Auschwitz and is an advocate for the Jewish community.
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