How to write an A+ Thesis 5 Tips to Guarantee Success

Thesis Statement: _____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 1. Make your thesis SOAR! A thesis should have the following four parts: a. Specific Subject: ____________________________________________________________ (e.g., Hip hop music) b. Opinion: ___________________________________________________________________ (e.g., Hip hop music positively influences urban youth.) c. Argument: _________________________________________________________________ (Is the specific subject arguable?) d. Reasoning: _________________________________________________________________ (e.g. Hip hop music is educational, it allows urban youth to express themselves creatively, and it helps people overcome challenges.) 2. Make your thesis a STRONG claim. Good example: Lebron James ability to score, pass, and rebound make him the leagues most valuable player. Bad example 1: Does Lebron James ability to score, pass, and rebound make him the leagues most valuable player? Bad example 2: Lebron James ability to score, pass and rebound might make him the leagues most valuable player. 3. Make your thesis short and concise (not more than one sentence). Good example: Colgate is the best toothpaste because it is mint-flavored, prevents cavities, and whitens teeth. Bad example: Colgate is mint-flavored. It also prevents cavities. Lastly, it whitens teeth. This means that it is the best toothpaste. 4. A strong thesis does not include in my opinion, I think, or I believe. Good example: The University of Michigan is the best school because of its success in academia, athletics, and community service. Bad example: I believe the University of Michigan is the best school because I think they have great academia, athletics, and community service. 5. Take a stand! Good example: Elephants are the best zoo animals because they are fearless, strong, and they have a trunk. Bad example: There are some positive and negative qualities about elephants.