Thesis Statements

Rylee is writing a persuasive essay about school uniforms. Which answer BEST represents a strong thesis statement?

A) School uniforms have a negative impact on students because uniforms restrict individuality, are expensive, and are uncomfortable because a lot of them are made with cheap, scratchy fabric that's incredibly ugly.

B) School uniforms have a negative impact on students because uniforms restrict individuality, are expensive, and are uncomfortable.

C) School uniforms restrict individuality.

D) School uniforms can be both good and bad.

B

3 multiple choice options

Jake is writing a persuasive essay about why Virginia Tech is the best college. What is the BEST example of a strong PERSUASIVE THESIS STATEMENT?

A) Although there are many options for higher education in the commonwealth, it's obvious that Virginia Tech is the best choice.

B) In addition to Virginia Tech's science, agriculture, and engineering programs, the school's arts and humanities classes are great as well.

C) Lastly, Virginia Tech features a very competitive veterinary medicine program.

D) Virginia Tech students receive the best overall education because of the strong academic programs, the opportunities for research and internships, and the exciting atmosphere and student life.

D

A thesis statement should contain all of the following EXCEPT -

A) the topic/issue

B) reasons to support your opinion

C) evidence to support your reasons

D) your opinion/position

C

True or False: When writing a thesis statement, you ALWAYS get to express your true opinion.

False

True or False: A thesis statement can be more than one sentence long?

False

True or False: You must always pick a side or form an opinion in a thesis statement (ex: The best class to add to next year's curriculum is study skills.) UNLESS the prompt tells you to discuss both sides of the issue. (Television can have both positive and negative effects on kids.)

True

Where should the thesis statement go in an essay?

Always the last sentence of the introduction paragraph.

Which of the following is true about thesis statements?

A. They can be written as questions.

B. They can be more than one sentence long.

C. They can announce the topic (My essay will be about....)

D. They will tell the reader your topic and position on that topic.

D. They will tell the reader your topic and position on that topic.

Read this thesis statement: Dogs are better than cats because they fetch, snuggle, & obey.

What is the topic/issue of this essay?

Dogs

Read this thesis statement: Dogs are better than cats because they fetch, snuggle, & obey.

What is your opinion/position?

Dogs are better than cats

Read this thesis statement: The snack cakes that taste best are Twinkies because of their texture, their creamy filling, and their golden appearance.

What is the topic/issue of the essay?

Snack cakes

Read this thesis statement: The snack cakes that taste best are Twinkies because of their texture, their creamy filling, and their golden appearance.

What is your opinion/position?

Twinkies taste best

Read this thesis statement: One television show that has a positive impact on children is Sesame Street because it focuses on academics, teaches social emotional skills, and explains important real-life events in ways that kids can understand.

What is the issue/topic?

Television show with a positive impact

Read this thesis statement: One television show that has a positive impact on children is Sesame Street because it focuses on academics, teaches social emotional skills, and explains important real-life events in ways that kids can understand.

What is your opinion/position?

Sesame Street