How to Write a CLEAR THESIS Statement: Examples of a Thesis Statement
TLDRIn this informative video, the host of Learn Academic English shares valuable insights on crafting an effective thesis statement, a crucial component for clear and persuasive writing. The video covers the importance of a thesis statement as a direct expression of the main idea in English writing. It provides a step-by-step guide on how to formulate a thesis statement, starting with identifying a topic and a controlling idea, then transforming it into a research question. The host distinguishes between general and specific thesis statements, offering examples for each and explaining the benefits of including supporting points. The video concludes with a practical exercise on writing a thesis statement about climate change, emphasizing the use of a colon to separate the main idea from supporting points. This comprehensive guide is beneficial for English learners, students, and professionals looking to enhance their writing skills.
Takeaways
- 📚 A thesis statement is a sentence or two that directly states the main idea of your writing or presentation.
- 🧭 It serves as a map or guide for the reader, indicating the writer's argument or main idea and how it will be explained.
- 📝 The thesis statement is typically placed at the end of the introduction paragraph in longer essays.
- 🐱 An example of a thesis statement might be: 'Cats make the best pets for the following reasons: they are easy to take care of, they provide company, and they live a long life.'
- 🤔 Start with a question to focus your idea, and then answer it to form your thesis statement.
- 🌟 The controlling idea is what you want your reader to learn from your essay, and it should be clearly stated in the thesis statement.
- 📈 Two types of thesis statements are discussed: general (without supporting points) and specific (including supporting points).
- 🌍 General thesis statements are shorter and easier to write, while specific thesis statements provide a more detailed roadmap for the essay.
- ✍️ When including supporting points, use a colon to separate the main idea from the supporting points, e.g., 'for the following reasons:'.
- 🚗 An example of a specific thesis statement: 'Everyone should drive a hybrid car for the following reasons: they pollute less, are widely available, and reduce gasoline expenses.'
- 🌱 The speaker prefers specific thesis statements as they help the writer stay focused and provide clarity for the reader, but acknowledges that general statements are also acceptable.
Q & A
What is the primary focus of the video?
-The primary focus of the video is to teach English learners how to write effective thesis statements for their essays or presentations.
Why is the thesis statement considered the most important part of writing in English?
-The thesis statement is considered the most important part of writing in English because it directly states the main idea or argument of the essay, serving as a map or guide for the reader.
What are the three parts typically included in a thesis statement?
-A thesis statement typically includes the topic, the claim or main idea about the topic, and the reasons or points that will be discussed to support the claim.
Where is the thesis statement usually placed in an essay?
-The thesis statement is usually placed at the end of the introduction paragraph. In longer essays with multiple introductory paragraphs, it is placed at the end of the last introductory paragraph.
What is the purpose of using a question to start when writing a thesis statement?
-Using a question to start helps to focus the writer's idea and provides a clear direction for the thesis statement. Answering the question forms the basis of the thesis statement.
What is the difference between a general and a specific thesis statement?
-A general thesis statement provides a broad overview of the topic and the writer's argument without detailing the supporting points. A specific thesis statement, on the other hand, includes the supporting points and the order in which they will be discussed in the essay.
Why might someone choose to write a general thesis statement instead of a specific one?
-Someone might choose to write a general thesis statement if they are short on time, have difficulty formulating specific supporting points, or prefer to keep the essay's structure flexible.
What is the significance of the colon in a specific thesis statement?
-The colon in a specific thesis statement is used to separate the main claim from the supporting points, making it clear what the subsequent discussion will cover.
How can the process of brainstorming and formulating a research question help in writing a thesis statement?
-Brainstorming and formulating a research question help to clarify the writer's main argument and the direction of the essay. This process aids in creating a focused and coherent thesis statement.
What are some tips for making the thesis statement clear and effective?
-Some tips include starting with a question to focus the idea, choosing a specific or general format depending on the writer's preference and time constraints, and using a colon to separate the main claim from the supporting points in a specific thesis statement.
Why is it important to know how to write good thesis statements for English learners preparing for tests like TOEFL or IELTS?
-Knowing how to write good thesis statements is important for English learners preparing for tests like TOEFL or IELTS because it demonstrates the ability to construct a clear and coherent argument, which is a critical skill assessed in these exams.
Outlines
📚 Introduction to Writing a Thesis Statement
The video begins with the host welcoming viewers to Learn Academic English, a channel dedicated to teaching intermediate and advanced English lessons. The focus of the video is on teaching the best methods for writing a thesis statement, which is crucial for clear and efficient writing, especially in English where directness is valued. The host shares that a thesis statement is the central sentence in an essay that explicitly states the main idea or argument. It serves as a roadmap for the reader. The video is beneficial for students and professionals who need to create presentations or write academically. The host encourages viewers to like, comment, and subscribe for more content and to check out the writing playlist for further lessons. The video concludes with a practical exercise on writing a thesis statement.
🤔 Crafting a Thesis Statement with a Research Question
The host discusses the process of writing an essay, emphasizing the importance of selecting a controlling idea that the reader will take away from the essay. This controlling idea is the central argument or point that the writer wants to convey. The video provides examples of thesis statements and suggests starting with a question to help focus the idea. By answering this question, the writer can form their thesis statement. The host illustrates this with topics such as vegetarianism, Buddhist art from Japan, and cardiovascular disease prevention. The video also explains the difference between general and specific thesis statements, with the former being shorter and less detailed, and the latter including the supporting points that will be discussed in the essay.
🚗 The Difference Between General and Specific Thesis Statements
The video explores the distinction between general and specific thesis statements further. A general thesis statement provides a broad overview of the topic and the writer's intent without detailing the supporting points. In contrast, a specific thesis statement includes the main points that will be discussed, offering a clearer roadmap for the reader. Examples given include the benefits of hybrid cars and the characteristics of traditional Buddhist art. The host expresses a preference for specific thesis statements due to their clarity and ability to keep the writer focused but acknowledges that general statements are also acceptable, especially when time is limited or the writer finds it challenging to be specific.
🌍 Addressing Climate Change in a Thesis Statement
In the final segment, the host guides viewers through a practice session on writing a thesis statement about climate change. The topic of climate change is chosen, and various controlling ideas are brainstormed, such as reasons for its worsening, prevention methods, historical context, and the problems it causes. The host selects discussing the problems caused by climate change as the controlling idea. Brainstorming sessions yield four main problems associated with climate change: wildfires, extreme heat, stronger tropical storms, and species loss. The host demonstrates how to transform these ideas into both a general and a specific thesis statement, with the latter using a colon to separate the main claim from the supporting points. The video concludes with a tip on using colons effectively in specific thesis statements.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Academic English
💡Thesis Statement
💡Direct English Style
💡Argument
💡Introduction Paragraph
💡Supporting Reasons
💡Controlling Idea
💡General vs. Specific Thesis Statement
💡Research Question
💡Persuasive
💡Climate Change
Highlights
The channel focuses on teaching intermediate and advanced English lessons to help learners improve their language skills.
The video shares the presenter's experience in teaching writing, specifically how to write a thesis statement.
A thesis statement is crucial in English writing as it directly states the main idea or argument of the piece.
The presenter suggests that a clear thesis statement saves time and helps maintain focus on the rest of the writing.
For test preparation like TOEFL or IELTS, learning to write thesis statements is extremely useful.
Thesis statements can be a single sentence or sometimes two, outlining the main idea and possibly how it will be explained.
In English writing, the thesis statement acts as a roadmap for the reader, indicating what to expect in the essay.
Thesis statements are typically placed at the end of the introduction paragraph in longer essays.
An example thesis statement is provided, outlining that cats make the best pets for specific reasons.
The presenter discusses the concept of a controlling idea, which is the central argument or point of the essay.
Different controlling ideas can be explored within a general topic before selecting one for the essay's focus.
The process of creating a thesis statement often starts with formulating a question to focus the main idea.
Examples of thesis statements for various topics, such as vegetarianism and Buddhist art, are provided.
The difference between general and specific thesis statements is explained, with examples for each.
The presenter prefers specific thesis statements for their clarity and ability to keep the writer focused.
However, general thesis statements are acceptable, especially when time is limited or writing specifics is challenging.
A practice session is included at the end of the video where viewers can write a thesis statement together.
The final tip is to use a colon to separate the thesis statement into two parts when including supporting points.
Transcripts
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