ESLR

CVHS graduates commit to writing with FOCUS.

Topic: Thesis Statement

Essential Question:
What is a thesis statement?

controlling
impression

the main idea that controls

the entire essay
the statement to be
supported by the rest of the
essay

also called the

thesis

can also be called

the sentence that gives the

authors opinion on the
subject of the essay
focus, argument, view, hypothesis

thesis

must include the subject and

the authors opinion
cannot be all fact
should be in the
introductory paragraph,
usually last

Important:

Every sentence in the essay

should relate to or elaborate
on this thesis sentence.

Sample Thesis Sentences

(subject plus authors opinion)

1. Horses are expensive pets to own.

2. Many horses have playful personalities.
3. Horses show love for their owners.

4. Horses helped Americans spread across the country.

5. Horses are the best pets to have.

Important:

A statement that is fact (can be proven right

or wrong) CANNOT be a thesis sentence.
Elephants are native to Africa and India.
Elephants were used to carry freight.

Elephants have been born in zoos.

Elephants are herbivores.

must
the subject
thesis
Which
of the following
areinclude
appropriate
thesis and
the authors
sentences about Coachella
Valleyopinion
High School?
cannot be a fact

1. Coachella Valley High School is 105 years old.

2. CVHS is an enjoyable place to be a teacher.
3. CVHS has some of the nicest families in the
Coachella Valley.
4. CVHS defeated Desert Mirage in football.
5. CVHS will defeat Desert Mirage again next year.
6. CVHS offers many educational opportunities for
motivated students.

Now practice writing your own thesis sentences.

(You must add your opinion to these subjects.)
Choose two:
1. The Date Festival
2. P.E.
3. CVHS
4. CVHS cafeteria food
5. The movie, __________,
6. Weekends