Thesis Statements

What is the primary role of a thesis in a historical essay?

• To list all historical events in chronological order

• To provide a meaningful interpretation of the past

• To summarize the essay in one sentence

• To include as many facts as possible

Which of the following best describes a thesis statement?

• A detailed description of historical events

• A main claim or position statement

• A list of sources used in the essay

• A summary of the essay's conclusion

What is necessary for a thesis to be considered arguable?

• It must be a widely accepted fact

• It should be original and not obvious

• It should be a simple statement

• It must be a personal opinion

In the context of a historical essay, what is the significance of evidence?

• To provide a list of dates and events

• To support and develop the thesis

• To make the essay longer

• To include as many sources as possible

What is the relationship between a thesis and evidence in a historical essay?

• Evidence is used to contradict the thesis

• Evidence is irrelevant to the thesis

• Evidence supports and develops the thesis

• Evidence is only used in the conclusion

Which of the following is an example of a thesis statement?

• The Dust Bowl occurred in the 1930s.

• The Dust Bowl had three main causes: the loss of the shortgrass prairie, the heavy use of farm machinery, and insufficient rainfall.

• Farmers used tractors during the Dust Bowl.

• The Dust Bowl was a natural disaster.

Why is it important for a thesis to be original?

• To ensure it is a widely accepted fact

• To make the essay more interesting and engaging

• To avoid using any evidence

• To ensure it is a personal opinion

What distinguishes a thesis from a simple assertion or opinion?

• A thesis is always a fact

• A thesis is supported by solid evidence

• A thesis is a personal belief

• A thesis is a list of events

What is the role of a historian when developing a thesis?

• To create a fictional story about the past

• To develop theses and use evidence to create explanations of past events

• To memorize all historical dates

• To write biographies of famous people

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good thesis statement?

• It is arguable

• It is a simple fact

• It is original

• It provides a guiding idea for the essay