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Writing the Thesis Statement

1. Create a working thesis statement which contains the words should or should not .
For example:
  Congress should not pass the portion of President Bush's tax plan which eliminates the gift and inheritance tax for wealthy citizens.  
 
For example, if your thesis states that:
Bungee jumping is so thrilling that everyone should try it.
You might make a convincing enough argument that some readers would try bungee jumping, but you will not be able to find factual evidence that it is thrilling for everyone.         

Also, some thesis statements are too narrow and local to research, as in the following:
    The Lanett police should stop harassing innocent motorists.
        or My cousin should not useso much hair gel; he looks like a wet otter.

  A good thesis statement, on the other hand, can be supported by expert opinions, facts and/or statistics:
 
This one is locally relevant, but still researchable:
    Hospital procedures at Lanier Memorial Hospitalin Valley, Alabama, should be changed so that mothers have more timeto bond with their infants immediately following birth.

or

Rattlesnake roundups should   be banned worldwide.
        This statement can be backed up with facts about the negative environmental, health, and social effects of these events.
 

  Now you will need to support your thesis.
 
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