Writing Ninjas: How To Write A Strong Thesis Statement

Summary

This video teaches the essential skill of writing a strong thesis statement. It explains that a thesis summarizes your position on a topic and serves as a roadmap for your paper. Viewers learn that a thesis should be concise (one to two sentences) and placed at the end of the introduction. The video introduces a formula for crafting a thesis: claim + reason/evidence = thesis. It also highlights the power of a three-point thesis, using an example about studying foreign languages to demonstrate the concept. The video emphasizes clarity and evidence-based writing.

Takeaways

• ✍️ A thesis statement summarizes your position on the topic of your paper.
• 🗺️ The thesis statement acts as a roadmap for your readers, outlining what the paper is about.
• 📏 A thesis statement is usually one to two sentences long.
• 📍 The thesis statement should be the last sentence of your introduction.
• 🧩 A good thesis statement follows a formula: Claim (your position) + Reason/Evidence = Thesis Statement.
• 📝 To write a thesis statement, first choose the topic of your paper.
• 👍 If given a writing prompt, use it to determine the topic of your paper.
• ✅ Choose a position (for or against) regarding the topic to create your claim.
• 💪 Strengthen your thesis by developing evidence with specific reasons and examples.
• 🌟 A three-point thesis statement, which includes three supporting pieces of evidence, is considered the strongest.

Q & A

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement summarizes your position on the topic of your paper. It acts as a road map for your readers, telling them what the paper is about and helping you organize your content.

Where should the thesis statement be placed in the paper?

The thesis statement should be the last sentence of your introduction.

How long should a thesis statement be?

A thesis statement is usually one to two sentences long.

What is the formula for writing a thesis statement?

The formula for writing a thesis statement is: Claim (your position) + Reason/Evidence = Thesis Statement.

How do you choose a topic for your thesis statement?

If your teacher has given you a writing prompt, it will give you the topic for your paper. Otherwise, you need to choose a topic based on the subject matter.

How do you develop a claim for a thesis statement?

Your claim is your position on the topic. For example, if the topic is whether people should study foreign languages, your claim could be 'People should study foreign languages.'

How can you strengthen your thesis statement?

You can strengthen your thesis statement by providing three pieces of evidence to support your claim, creating a three-point thesis statement.

What is an example of a strong three-point thesis statement?

An example of a strong three-point thesis statement is: 'People should study a foreign language because language learning strengthens memory, enlarges vocabulary, and builds an appreciation for foreign cultures.'

Why is it important to have a strong thesis statement?

A strong thesis statement helps guide your readers through the paper, making your argument clear and providing a structure to your writing.

What is the purpose of using a thesis formula?

The thesis formula simplifies the process of creating a clear and concise thesis statement, ensuring that your claim is well-supported by reason and evidence.