is a fancy term for a one

sentence summary of what the

main purpose or point of your
paper.
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.

 needs to be related to the thesis statement.

 must place your thesis statement in your

introduction.

 is very specific.
 It is not just a general statement.
 A general statement is too hard to write a good
essay about.
A thesis is…
 arguable
 takes a stand

 specific, focused

 a road map for the reader

 Controlling idea of the essay

 avoids first person – I

 Subject + Opinion
 Examples
 The life of Christopher Columbus had a lasting
impact on the world.

 Christopher Columbus was an explorer. NOT

 The deserts of the world have many things in
common, but their differences are what makes
them special.

 I am going to tell you about the deserts of the

world.

NOT
 Which is a thesis statement?
 A. I would like to become a chef when I
finish school.
 B. Although both chefs and cooks can
prepare fine meals, chefs differ from cooks
in education, professional commitment,
and artistry.

And the answer is B.

 Which is a thesis statement?
 A. Hip hop music offers urban youth an
important opportunity for artistic
expression, and allows them to articulate
the poetry of the street.
 B. Hip hop music is the best thing that has
happened to music in twenty years.

And the answer is A.

Write an essay about your name.
 Paragraph 1:  Introduction –
 Introduce the reader to your topic
• Names in general
• Your names

Include a thesis
SUBJECT + OPINION

 _________ is a unique name because it was chosen

for a special person.
 Although ________ is not unique, it has a special
meaning.
 Paragraph 2:  Parent interview
 (Why did your parents choose your name?)
Research on (meaning and origin of your name) from
the internet website provided
You may want to add other elements to your essay.
 A.  Nickname

 B.  Middle name

 C.  Famous people with your name

 D.  Opinion and feeling.  What do you like/dislike or

want to change about your name?

 Paragraph 3:  Last Paragraph: 
 Summary or conclusion, including "Does my
name suit me?"  Reaction/comments on
research information.