1. How to write a USEFUL
thesis statement…
To hang an essay on…

2. Purpose of a Thesis.
• It forms the foundation for your entire essay
– Everything you write in the entire essay should in
some way be connected back to your thesis
– A thesis statement should keep you on track
• It is the main point that you are attempting to
prove through the material that you write.

3. First Part: Proposition
• What is your take/opinion/perspective on the
topic?
– After you have collected your evidence what does
that evidence seem to point towards?
• “To what extent…”
– Agree or disagree =====how strongly

4. Example: Big Mac
• Question: to what extent should we embrace
the suggestion that Big Macs ought to be a
part of everyone’s diet?
• Thesis Statement: Proposition
• “Big Macs should be incorporated into
Canadians’ daily diet…

5. Second Part: Response
• Once you have made the proposition stop and
ask the question why
• So the second part of your thesis statement is
going to start with “…for; …because,”
• The next part of your response is to select
your key word/phrase that you will hang all
your evidence on.

6. Example: Big Mac
• Question: to what extent should we embrace the
suggestion that Big Macs ought to be a part of
everyone’s diet?
• Thesis Statement: Proposition
• “Big Macs should be incorporated into Canadians’
daily diet because of the nutrients it contributes
to human health.”
• “Big Macs should be incorporated into Canadians’
daily diet because of the unique identity this food
will convey.”

7. Thesis Formula
Proposition
?
Because or For
+
Key Word/Phrase
+
Response

8. Strong key words
• reasons, cautions, problems, issues, results,
consequences, obstacles, benefits,
complications, difficulties, dilemmas,
interests, advantages, strengths,
improvements, assets, achievements,
products, outcomes, reactions, impacts,
burdens, legacies, tensions, forces, victories,
failures, fallacies, truths, positions, lessons,
warnings, messages,