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What You Need to Know About Thesis Statements The Writer’s Mindset

Lisa Wright Hoeffner, 1e

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A Thesis Statement . . .

Presents the main idea you hope to communicate to readers.

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Effective thesis statements . . . • combine the topic of the essay with the point the

writer is wanting to make about the topic.

• express the most important point in the essay.

• present an idea that requires support .

• express an idea that is broader than the ideas in supporting sentences.

• are not questions.

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Method

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Example 1

Assignment: Write an essay in which you discuss how failure can be a positive experience.

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Effective Thesis Statement Checklist • Expresses the most important point in the essay? The paragraphs in the essay will help demonstrate the point that failure can be of value. • Presents an idea that requires support? Readers will want to know how it’s possible for failure to be valuable. • Expresses an idea that is broader than the ideas in supporting

paragraphs? The supporting paragraphs will unpack how failure can encourage self- discovery, can provide a way to learn new skills, and can teach life lessons. • Not a question?

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Neither Too Broad nor Too Narrow

Thesis statements, like Goldilocks' taste in porridge, chairs, and beds, need to be “just right.” “Just right” in this case means neither too broad nor too narrow.

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Example 2

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Open and Closed Thesis Statements

Open thesis statements do not present the ideas that will be in the body paragraphs but do give a general idea of what the essay will cover. Making firearms illegal on college campuses is the right policy.

On the other hand, closed thesis statements tell the reader exactly what support will be used in the essay. Making firearms illegal on college campuses will reduce the potential for violence and foster a community of trust.

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The Issue of Parallelism 1

Parallelism is the use of consistent structure for all elements in a series of two or more elements. Parallelism issues sometimes arise when composing thesis statements. The following thesis statements are in parallel form.

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The Issue of Parallelism 2

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Try writing a sound thesis statement, one that meets the criteria for thesis

statements and is in parallel form. Sharon is planning an essay to explain why vegetarianism is a common diet choice. She plans to discuss these three reasons: • Some people believe vegetarian diets are healthier than meat-

based diets. • Others choose vegetarianism because of their ethical beliefs

regarding the treatment of animals. • A third reason for choosing a vegetarian diet is concern about the

effects of meat production on the environment.

Write a thesis statement that would be appropriate for Sharon’s essay.

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© 2022 McGraw Hill LLC. All rights reserved. Authorized only for instructor use in the classroom. No reproduction or further distribution permitted without the prior written consent of McGraw Hill LLC.