Can a thesis statement have the word BECAUSE? For example, Cats make better housepets because they are friendly, clean, and trained.

Yes

Did you originally think that a thesis statement could not include the word because?

Yes, a thesis statement can indeed include the word "because" to provide a justification or reason for the claim being made. The example you provided, "Cats make better housepets because they are friendly, clean, and trained," is a good example of a thesis statement that employs the word "because" to explain the supporting arguments that follow.

To form a thesis statement with the word "because," you should follow these steps:

1. Clearly state your main claim or argument. In the example, the claim is that cats make better housepets.
2. Identify the key supporting points that will be used to justify your claim. In this case, the points are that cats are friendly, clean, and trained.
3. Connect the main claim with the supporting points using the word "because," which signals that the supporting evidence is about to be provided.

By applying these steps, you can effectively craft a thesis statement with the word "because" to provide a clear outline of your argument and its reasons.