Parts to a Thesis

MHS AP U. S. History 2

The thesis sentence is the most important sentence in any essay. It must be clear, properly structured, and in the correct place.

Thesis ChecklistTo be effective, remember there are three things

your thesis must do. Before you go on to the body of the paper, check to see if your thesis has all 3 necessary elements. If it does not, go back and rewrite your thesis so that your FRQ/DBQ response successfully does its job.

The thesis must address all parts of the question.The thesis must contain 3 organizational categories The thesis must be clear, concise, analytical and

specific

XYZ Thesis1. XYZ: Answer the question in the first part of your thesis

and then follow it up with your Plan of Attack (POA). The POA should consist of your organizational categories.

 Example: Analyze the causes of the French Revolution of

1789.

The French Revolution broke out because of political, economic, and social problems in France, which had existed since the time of Louis XIV. The 3rd estate lacked voting and political power, the tax structure was unfair to the lower classes, and the 3rd estate still owed feudal dues and obligations to the nobility, contradicting the Enlightenment idea that all men are created equal.”