1) State your research question.
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2) Make a claim, or state your opinion (without using the personal pronoun “I”). Make sure to write your answer as a complete sentence, not a question or phrase.
3) Write down the three main points (supported by evidence) that you will explore in your paper. These will become topic sentences in the body of your essay.
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Examples:
The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, releases carbon pollution into the atmosphere.
Deforestation means fewer trees exist to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the air.
Farming contributes to climate change because livestock produce methane, a greenhouse gas.
4) Now, put it all together.
Example Thesis: Climate change is caused by human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and farming.
Note: Sometimes your thesis statement can be followed by an additional sentence that elaborates on your main points.
Adapted from EBSCO, Graphic Organizer: Writing the Three-Part Thesis Statement, Recipe for Research