Effective Thesis Statements in College

Which of the following thesis statements has a problem with overlapping points?

• Succeeding in college requires motivation, perseverance, and confidence.

• Listening to the instructor, taking notes, and reading all materials are all necessary for college success.

• Students who attend class, do all required work, and never miss classes will succeed in college.

• Class attendance, homework, and studying are all essential for success in college.

Which of the following thesis statements has a problem with one or more points being too broad (general)?

• My mother was a great mother because she was sensible, fair, and kind.

• My mother’s humor, generosity, and unselfishness made her a great mother.

• My mother was wonderful because she was loving, special, and a great parent.

• My mother was practical, hardworking, and thrifty.

Which of the following thesis statements has a problem with one or more points being too narrow (specific)?

• My job is very demanding due to the customers’ expectations, the boss’ expectations, and my own expectations.

• Handling money, dealing with customers, and creating store displays are the interesting challenges I face at work every day.

• Every day my boss points out my mistakes, praises my successes, and says, “Have a great day!”

• Coworkers who are prompt, polite, and professional make my job enjoyable.

“I chose Pitt Community College because of cost, convenience, and the money I could save.” This thesis statement has a problem with...

• points are too broad

• points are too narrow

• points overlap

• points are not logical

"A vegetarian diet helps prevent disease, protect the environment, and promote health.” This thesis statement has a problem with...

• points are too broad

• points are too narrow

• points overlap

• points are not logical

"Having a job in high school allows students to prepare for the job market, gain confidence in their abilities, and obtain experience that will help them obtain future employment.” This thesis statement has a problem with...

• points are too broad

• points are too narrow

• points overlap

• points are not logical

"Everyone in the world speaks different languages.” This thesis statement has a problem with...

• points are too broad

• points are too narrow

• points overlap

• points are not logical

“The English language uses twenty-six letters.” This thesis statement has a problem with...

• points are too broad

• points are too narrow

• points overlap

• points are not logical

Which thesis statement is the best choice for a personal comparison essay?

• I have an older brother and a younger

  brother.

• In our family, there are only brothers: oldest, middle, and youngest.

• There are many reasons that I am a good brother.

• I have much more in common with my

  younger brother than I do with my older

  brother.

Which thesis statement is the best choice for an essay focused on causes?

• There are three compelling reasons to buy a manual transmission car.

• There are three effects of driving a manual transmission car.

• Manual transmission cars were once very common in the U.S., but today automatic cars are the norm.

• To truly understand driving, it is necessary to learn how to operate a car with manual transmission.