Page 63 - English Grammar and Composition-Student Textbook short

paper is completed, the thesis statement is a working thesis which may need to change. A
writer must be open to changing the entire thesis if it becomes necessary.

Identification

A reader should be able to easily identify the thesis in any essay. If someone reads your
essay and cannot identify where the thesis statement is located, take this as a sign that the
thesis is not clear and/or is not as specific or strong as it can be. Make sure that the thesis
stands out and can be easily understood.

Tips on Writing a Strong Thesis Statement
• A strong thesis statement gives direction to the paper and limits what you need to write
about. It also functions to inform your readers of what you will discuss in the body of the
paper. All paragraphs of the essay should explain, support, or argue with your thesis.
• A strong thesis statement requires proof; it is not merely a statement of fact. You should
support your thesis statement with detailed supporting evidence which will interest your
readers and motivate them to continue reading the paper.
• The main points you will use to support your thesis statement will often be stated before the
thesis in your opening paragraph. The thesis statement then will summarize or wrap up your
introduction.

The Thesis Is Usually Placed at The End of The First Paragraph
Most commonly the thesis statement is placed at the end of your introduction so you can use it to
lead into the body of your paper. This allows you, as the writer, to lead up to the thesis statement
instead of diving directly into the topic. If you place the thesis statement at the beginning, your
reader may be confused about the main idea by the time he/she reaches the end of the introduction.
Remember, a good introduction leads up to and anticipates the thesis statement.

Practice 17: Writing a Thesis Statement

Wrap up the following points with a thesis statement:

Daniel did not eat the rich foods offered to him in Babylon.

Daniel told the king what his dream meant even though he could have been put to death.

Daniel did not change his habit of praying three times a day even though a law had been passed
against it.

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