Notes: Thesis Statements

• After you have brainstormed and you have some main ideas of what you would like to write in your essay, you can begin thinking about writing a thesis statement.
• A thesis statement is a complete sentence that contains one main idea. This idea controls the content of the entire essay A thesis statement that contains sub points also helps a reader know how the essay will be organized.
• Thesis statement states the main idea of the essay in a complete sentence, not in a question.
• Thesis statement is usually at the end of the introductory paragraph
• Thesis statements state an opinion or attitude on a topic. It doesn’t just state the topic, itself.
• Thesis statements often lists subtopics.
• Thesis statements does not directly announce your main topic.
• Since the thesis statement is the main statement for the entire essay, it should express a complete thought and be a complete sentence.
• English readers like to know what an essay will be about near the beginning of the essay rather than at the end. This is why the thesis statement is often found at the end of the introductory paragraph.
• The thesis statement comes at the end of the introductory paragraph.
• Good thesis statements often express a writer’s opinion or attitude on a particular topic.
  You can make you thesis statements mote specific by including subtopics or supporting ideas.
• In thesis statements, you should avoid using statements like, “This essay will discuss…” or "I will talk about..."