The thesis statement, and the topic sentence
I. The Perfect Thesis Statement
What is a Thesis Statement?
It is one sentence that most commonly sits at the end of your introduction, expressing your stand on a topic of importance. (Recipe: Topic + Stance.) It is the focal point of the essay, and therefore, it is the most important sentence of the piece--it really should be perfect.
Guidelines for “Perfection”:
o Avoid these bland verbs is am was were are be being been
o Avoid passive voice. (http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/active-voice-versus-passive-voice)
b) Slang—use language appropriate for the president or your date’s parents.
c) “Blah” words—“good,” “bad,” “different,” “aspects,” “a lot,” and of course, the word that just makes them extra bland, “very.”
d) “I”—You’re composing it; therefore, we know it’s your opinion.
e) “You”--“You” is informal, not intended to address a large group. (Like tu/vous). Instead, address a mass audience using the word “one,” or “someone,” “people,” “teenagers,” etc.
f) “Should” and its band preachy kinfolk (try the “If/then” format if you wish to offer advice.)
Example Thesis Statements about Dogs:
II. The Topic Sentence
(The nieces and nephews of the thesis statement)
What is it? A topic sentence is the sentence at the beginning of each body paragraph articulating what the paragraph will argue. It should assert a claim or main point.
* If you have a classic, three-point thesis statement, your topic sentences would each articulate one main point as stated in the thesis.
* If you do not have a three-point thesis (and in college, you don’t generally need one), your topic sentences will articulate main points that you came up with during brain storming and outlining.
Examples of Topic Sentences for a Three-Point Thesis:
Classification Essay Thesis: There are three basic types of dogs: the defender, the snuggler, and the trouble-causer.
Persuasive Essay Thesis: Instead of purchasing dogs from breeders, families should adopt a dog from animal shelter.
In-Class Exercise: Partner up and…
1) Highlight or circle the subject in each topic sentence.
2) Underline the main point or unique claim in each topic sentence.
3) Draw a box around the transitions in each topic sentence.
4) Mentally note the use of “one” and “he/she/they” in these topic sentences. These examples were written in the formal third person point of view (POV). The author did not write in the first person POV (“I”) or the second person POV (“you”/”Your”).
What is a Thesis Statement?
It is one sentence that most commonly sits at the end of your introduction, expressing your stand on a topic of importance. (Recipe: Topic + Stance.) It is the focal point of the essay, and therefore, it is the most important sentence of the piece--it really should be perfect.
Guidelines for “Perfection”:
- Try to choose the extraordinary and distinctive argument. Arouse interest and emotion.
- Find the grain of human truth in every argument. Why does you reader want to read this essay? Say something new.
- Shoot for a minimum of 12 words in length—No three word / third grade thesis statements.
o Avoid these bland verbs is am was were are be being been
o Avoid passive voice. (http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/active-voice-versus-passive-voice)
- Work for strong diction. Choose intelligent words. AVOID . . .
b) Slang—use language appropriate for the president or your date’s parents.
c) “Blah” words—“good,” “bad,” “different,” “aspects,” “a lot,” and of course, the word that just makes them extra bland, “very.”
d) “I”—You’re composing it; therefore, we know it’s your opinion.
e) “You”--“You” is informal, not intended to address a large group. (Like tu/vous). Instead, address a mass audience using the word “one,” or “someone,” “people,” “teenagers,” etc.
f) “Should” and its band preachy kinfolk (try the “If/then” format if you wish to offer advice.)
Example Thesis Statements about Dogs:
- Definition Essay: A dog is more than “man’s best friend”; a dog is a guide, teaching us how to live life fully.
- Classification Essay: There are three basic types of dogs: the defender, the snuggler, and the trouble-causer.
- Cause/effect Essay: Because too few pet owners are spaying and neutering their dogs, there is an unprecedented number of stray dogs on the street today. OR If more pet owners would spay and neuter their dogs, [then] fewer dogs would end up on the street.
- Problem/Solution Essay: The numerous empty lots around Phoenix could better serve the community if they were turned into dog parks.
- Descriptive Essay: I thought I was just taking my dog for a walk on a typical Tuesday afternoon, but Pickles had other plans for livening up our outing.
- Persuasive Essay: Instead of purchasing dogs from breeders, families should adopt a dog from animal shelter.
II. The Topic Sentence
(The nieces and nephews of the thesis statement)
What is it? A topic sentence is the sentence at the beginning of each body paragraph articulating what the paragraph will argue. It should assert a claim or main point.
* If you have a classic, three-point thesis statement, your topic sentences would each articulate one main point as stated in the thesis.
* If you do not have a three-point thesis (and in college, you don’t generally need one), your topic sentences will articulate main points that you came up with during brain storming and outlining.
Examples of Topic Sentences for a Three-Point Thesis:
Classification Essay Thesis: There are three basic types of dogs: the defender, the snuggler, and the trouble-causer.
- The first type of dog—and the dog many people hope for—is the defender.
- The second kind of dog one might adopt is the snuggler.
- The last kind of dog that many people own is the trouble-causer.
Persuasive Essay Thesis: Instead of purchasing dogs from breeders, families should adopt a dog from animal shelter.
- The first reason one should avoid obtaining a dog from a breeder is that pure-bread dogs often have medical problems related to in-breeding.
- Another reason people should avoid breeders is that many breeders participate in inhumane and unsafe breeding practices.
- When one adopts from the humane society, he or she is saving a dog’s life.
- If one adopts from a no-kill shelter, he or she is freeing up space for another life to be spared.
- Finally, rescued “mutts” can be really friendly, happy and healthy family companions.
In-Class Exercise: Partner up and…
1) Highlight or circle the subject in each topic sentence.
2) Underline the main point or unique claim in each topic sentence.
3) Draw a box around the transitions in each topic sentence.
4) Mentally note the use of “one” and “he/she/they” in these topic sentences. These examples were written in the formal third person point of view (POV). The author did not write in the first person POV (“I”) or the second person POV (“you”/”Your”).