Writing Thesis Statements

What is a thesis statement?

• A general idea of what the essay is about
• A summary of the main idea
• A statement that explains the main idea of an essay
• A suggestion that you should read the essay

Tags

CCSS.W.11-12.2

Where does a thesis go in an essay?

• It's the very first thing in an essay

• Last sentence of the introductory paragraph

• It can go anywhere

You should use the first person (I, me) in your thesis statement.

• True
• False

What three items make up a thesis statement?

• identification of topic, claim (answer to the prompt), and direction (reasons explored in your body paragraphs)

• topic sentence, introduction, and conclusion
• An argumentative claim (answers the prompt) and direction (reasons explored in your body and conclusion paragraphs)

• reason 1, reason 2, and reason 3

Tags

CCSS.W.11-12.1A

CCSS.W.11-12.1B

Topic + Claim + _________= thesis

• opinions

• reasons

• thesis
• conclusion

Tags

CCSS.W.11-12.1A

CCSS.W.11-12.1B

Which CLAIM is the strongest for the following thesis statements?

• Violent video games are harmful for young people to play.
• Violent video games are harmful to young people, and it should be stopped.
• Violent video games are harmful for young people to play because children can become desensitized to death.

• Violent video games are harmful for young people because they should be reading a book.

Tags

CCSS.W.11-12.1A

CCSS.W.11-12.1

CCSS.W.11-12.1B

True or False: The best thesis statements are formed into a question.

• True
• False

Tags

CCSS.W.11-12.1A

CCSS.W.11-12.1

A good thesis statement helps the writer organize his/her essay.

• True

• False

Tags

CCSS.W.11-12.1A

CCSS.W.11-12.4

Which of the following is a strong thesis statement?

•  I would like to become a chef when I finish school because I like to cook and would like to become a professional chef one day.

•  Although both chefs and cooks can prepare fine meals, chefs differ from cooks in   education, professional commitment, and artistry.
• Both chefs and cooks prepare meals but are different in several ways.
• A career in the culinary arts is a good choice for many reasons.

Tags

CCSS.W.11-12.1A

CCSS.W.11-12.1

CCSS.W.11-12.4

A thesis should never...

• ask a question 
• give two reasons 
• state your opinion 
• be short and to the point

Tags

CCSS.W.11-12.4