Basic Requirements of a Thesis Sentence

 

  1. It states the essay’s subject, defines the limited subject, and provides a test for what material should go into the essay.

 

  1. It reflects the essay’s purpose, a clear and definite commitment that expresses the writer’s stand on the topic.

 

  1. It includes a focus, an assertion that conveys the writer’s point of view.

 

  1. It uses specific language, wording that is precise, unambiguous, and grammatically correct.

 

  1. It is a single declarative sentence that contains both the subject and main point about the subject.

 

  1. It usually appears in the first paragraph of the essay.  At DeVry Orlando, the thesis sentence will always be the last sentence of the first paragraph.  It establishes the structure of the essay.  By writing the main thought in one sentence and placing it at the beginning of the essay, the writer will be better able to stay focused during additional drafting stages, and the reader will quickly have a clear sense of the purpose of the essay.

 

  1. It may give the major subdivisions of the essay’s topic.

 

What a Thesis Sentence Is Not

 

·        It is not a question:  Will the Gators win the national championship?

·        It is not a title:  The National Championship

·        It is not simply a statement of fact:  The Gators will win the national championship.

·        It is not an announcement:  In this essay I will discuss why the Gators will win the national championship.

 

Thesis:  The University of Florida Gators will win the national championship because of a superior offensive line, an aggressive defense, and a seasoned quarterback.

 

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Analyze the following statements or topics and explain why they do not qualify as effective theses.  Be prepared to discuss how each could be improved.

 

    1. In the pages that follow, I will examine the use of pesticides in the Great Plains states.

 

    1. The development of the nuclear freeze movement.

 

3.  How to apply for a civil service position

 

4.  ROTC:  pro and con

 

5.  Medicare benefits many senior citizens, but it has some drawbacks.

 

6.  The feminist position on pornography.

 

7.  Unemployment is rising steadily in the auto industry.

 

8.  Is welfare reform sorely needed?

 

9.  Benjamin Franklin was a statesman and scientist.

 

10.  Most of my friends like running or skiing, but I prefer tennis.