Thesis Statement

What is a Thesis Statement?

A thesis statement is like an

umbrella for your essay! It is the

overarching argument that all parts

of your essay seek to prove!

A thesis statement is the CENTRAL ARGUMENT of a MULTI-PARAGRAPH essay.

• It is the expression of an argument that answers “How,” but more importantly, “Why?”
• It is ONE CLEARLY WORDED SENTENCE.
• It should be specific, giving the reader a sneak preview of the reasons in your body paragraphs.
• It occurs at the end of the introduction.
• It should be reinforced THROUGHOUT your essay and restated in your conclusion.
• It should list your reasons (the main ideas in your body paragraphs) in the order of least important to most important to have the greatest impact on your reader.

Therefore, if you are asked to give THREE reasons, you would include THREE body paragraphs in your essay, and your THESIS STATEMENT would contain your argument and your THREE reasons or ideas included.


EXAMPLE PERSUASIVE PROMPT:  The Canon McMillan school board is considering adopting a new uniform policy. Write an essay that shares your opinion on this policy using three well-developed reasons to support your argument.


WEAK THESIS: The school board should definitely adopt school uniforms.
Why WEAK: It does include an argument, but does NOT include the writer’s three reasons!


WEAK THESIS: The school board should definitely adopt school uniforms because they make everyone equal in school.
Why WEAK: It only includes one reason and needs to include three!


WEAK THESIS: Uniforms ensure equality, help families save money, and help schools identify visitors.
Why Thesis: It includes three reasons but does NOT include the writer’s argument.


Stronger Thesis:  Because school uniforms ensure equality, help families save money, and help schools identify visitors, the school board should mandate uniforms.