Most people are more comfortable with clear directions. 

If you have to find an address you're not familiar with, you'd like clear, easy-to-remember directions.  Writing a thesis statement is just like giving someone (your reader) good directions. 

When someone reads your paper, the directions (the controlling statement or the thesis statement) should be clear and up front.  A reader shouldn't have to wander through  your writing as you try to piece it together in your mind.  

Here's what you should know about a thesis statement:

dThe thesis statement should use clear, strong language;

dThe reader should know what your entire essay will be about by just reading your thesis statement;

dUse specific language--NOT "some people say," "most people think," "experts believe," "usually," "sometimes," "at least," and "some of the time";

dIt will never be a question, and it will always be a complete sentence; and

dIt will mention the problem and your position.

Let's see if we can identify which of the following are thesis statements.

M  L

no  yes

1.  Japanese internees have been paid $20,000 each as reparation for what the United States did to them during WWII.

2.  The word "country" in "country music."

3.  Daniel Keyes' "Flowers for Algernon" forces readers to confront their own prejudices about intelligence.

4.  Jackie Robinson was the first African-American to play major-league baseball.

5.  Is the term "Native Americans" the same as "Indians"?

6.  Being involved in sports or other after-school activities can prevent teens from dropping out or developing  criminal records.

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