Evaluating Thesis Statements

Is this a complete thesis statement? The events in the passage prove “When Maggie set her mind to a thing, no one could stop her” to be true by asking for grace for rent, using snow for “rent”, and going on a long journey.

• YES

• NO

The events in the passage prove ‘’when Maggie set her mind to a thing no one could stop her’’ is true. Maggie is determined to ask the Earl for another way to pay the rent, to pay with a snowball in June, and to free the Earl from jail.

• missing restate of prompt

• missing 3 claims from sort

• evidence or "I, me, my"

• Looks like a STRONG thesis!

In the article “Clever Maggie Of The Tollishill” the author proves the statement “When Maggie set her mind to a thing, no one could stop her.” by showing how Maggie does not give up, Maggie faced many challenges, and Maggie is very clever.

• missing restate of prompt

• missing 3 claims from sort

• gives evidence, I, me or my

• Looks like a STRONG thesis!

Is this a complete thesis statement?

This proves she’s clever because when she put coins inside of a bannock she knew, no one would suspect her having coins to free the earl so that's why she put it inside a bannock.

• YES

• NO

Which is a better thesis statement?

• Schools should increase the amount of recess time in each day because physical activity helps our brains work better.

• I think the amount of recess we get everyday should be longer.

Rank the following thesis statements in order of their strength (1 is the weakest and 3 is the strongest)

• TikTok has both positive and negative influences on teenagers, depending on how they use the app

• TikTok's rapid rise in popularity among teenagers is contributing to changes in their social interaction, attention spans, and self-expression.

• Many teenagers use TikTok, and it impacts them in various ways.

Answer explanation

"TikTok's rapid rise in popularity among teenagers is contributing to changes in their social interaction, attention spans, and self-expression."

Thesis Statement #3 is the strongest because it is specific, focusing on changes in social interaction, attention spans, and self-expression, and it provides a clear direction for the essay.

"Teenagers spend a lot of time on TikTok, which can be good or bad for them."

Thesis Statement #2 is relatively weak as it acknowledges positive and negative influences but lacks specificity and a clear argument.

"Many teenagers use TikTok, and it impacts them in various ways."

Thesis Statement #1 is the weakest because it is vague and overly general, providing no specific details or direction for the essay.

Which thesis is stronger?

• More attention should be paid to the food and beverage choices available to the elementary school children.

• Experts estimate that half of elementary students consume nine times the recommended daily allowance of sugar, leading them to become obese and prediabetic. 

• Reducing sugar consumption by elementary students is a moral obligation.

• Because half of all American elementary students consume nine times the recommended daily allowance of sugar, schools should be required to replace sugary snack and drinks with healthier options

Is this a complete thesis statement? In the passage “Clever Maggie of Tollishill” the author states that “When Maggie sent her mind to a thing, no one could stop her” by using her clever, persistent, & brave skills to show that she was capable of doing anything.

• YES

• NO

The events in the passage proves that when Maggie sets her mind to something she wouldn’t stop until she achieves her goal. Maggie is very determined to get the job done, the passage explains this from her actions, what she says, and what she does for the Earl.

• Missing a restate

• Missing claims

• Give evidence

• Looks like a pretty good thesis!

The statement from the passage, “Clever Maggie”, says, “When Maggie sets her mind to something, no one can stop her” is proven in the beginning, middle, and end.

• missing restate of prompt

• missing claims

• gives evidence

• Looks like a pretty good thesis!