What is the function of a purpose statement?

There is an old kung-fu saying which states, "The hand that strikes also blocks", meaning that when you argue it is to your advantage to anticipate your opposition and strike down their arguments within the body of your own paper. This sentiment is echoed in the popular saying, "The best defense is a good offense".

Relationship of Structure to Thesis Statements

Basic Requirements ofa Thesis Sentence

Example of an analytical thesis statement:

Avoid announcing the thesis statement as if it were a thesis statement. In other words, avoid using phrases such as "The purpose of this paper is . . . . " or "In this paper, I will attempt to . . . ." Such phrases betray this paper to be the work of an amateur. If necessary, write the thesis statement that way the first time; it might help you determine, in fact, that this your thesis statement. But when you rewrite your paper, eliminate the bald assertion that this is your thesis statement and write the statement itself without that annoying, unnecessary preface.

Example of an expository thesis statement:

It is important to know that essay readers perform what is known as “holistic” scoring, meaning that they give your essay a score based on their overall impression. The two readers’ scores are averaged to form one score for your essay. If your essay receives an average score of 2 or higher, this score is combined with your score from Part I to make a composite score for the Language Arts, Writing test. If it receives a score below 2, the testers will not assign a composite score. You will have to retake both parts of the Language Arts, Writing test.

There are five major standards that essay readers will use to evaluate your essay. Descriptions of these standards are listed below and are reprinted with permission of the American Council on Education.

Why thesis statements are important and relevant to the structure of a paper:

Q: What are the benefits of the Marina District in Toledo?


These essay prompts are samples only. They reflect the type of question or statement to which you will be expected to respond in a placement exam.

UMUC is a proud member of the University System of Maryland.

If a student’s AP credits do not transfer as our WRIT 101 College Composition, the student will be required to register for this course within his or her first two semesters at UB.

UMUC is a proud member of the University System of Maryland.

At UB, we use placement tests to help determine what courses you need to ensure that you are successful and achieve your academic goals. Placement tests only measure your current skill level; they do not measure your intelligence or your ability. It may be a good idea to review basic algebra concepts before taking the math placement test.

You MUST choose one side or the other when you write an argument paper!

What are the characteristics of a good thesis statement?

Within these two primary categories, the questions are also classified according to the skills being tested. Some questions deal with the logic of the sentence, others with whether or not the answer is a complete sentence, and still others with the relationship between coordination and subordination.

(Note that the thesis statement is more complex than the purpose statement)

Example of an argumentative thesis statement:

GI Bill is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available on the .

3. The thesis statement usually appears at the end of the first paragraph of a paper.

Thesis Statement Lesson thumbnail Domov

The Achievement and Learning Center offers a free which provides tips and strategies for success on the writing placement test. The writing placement test is required of all UB students registering for WRIT 200 Practicum in Writing or WRIT 300 Advanced Expository Writing.