Thesis and Topic Sentences

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What is the topic sentence?

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The main idea of the paragraph.

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In a topic sentence, the topic tells readers

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what the paragraph is going to be about

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Pick out the thesis in the paragraph: Van Gogh, Edgar Allen Poe, and Oscar Wilde were all great artists who died penniless. They are far from the only ones. In fact, to compile a list of all of the artists now considered classics who never made much money from their work would take ages. Given this, we should perhaps assume that the path to making great art requires you to be penniless. But this is a human flaw of romanticism triumphing over reasoning. Success in art requires the same as success in life - good business sense and luck. It's mere coincidence that many artists rarely have either.

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Success in art requires the same as success in life - good business sense and luck.

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How does a thesis statement help the reader?

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It informs the reader what to expect in the essay.

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Identify the thesis in the paragraph: There are many who believe that healthcare is a basic human right. I strongly disagree. Life, food, shelter, and the right to pursue happiness (whatever that means) may be human rights, but little else. But when we talk about whether this country should have universal healthcare for its citizens, we are not discussing basic human rights. No, access to universal healthcare is instead the moral obligation of any society that dares to call itself 'civilized.'

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No, access to universal healthcare is instead the moral obligation of any society that dares to call itself 'civilized.'

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Why is a thesis statement the most important component of an essay?

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It tells the main point of the essay as well as the writer's position.

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How does a well written thesis statement help the reader?

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It introduces the points to be made in the essay.

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Lucas is writing an expository essay about Mae Jemison, the first African American female astronaut. His first body paragraph is about her early life. Which sentence below BEST represents a strong TOPIC SENTENCE?

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As a child, Jemison developed interests in astronomy, anthropology, and archeology.

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

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

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What is the BEST example of a strong persuasive thesis statement for why Virginia Tech is the best college?

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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.