STAAR Revising Thesis Statements

STAAR Revising Thesis Statements

By KELLI KNEPP

​What is a Thesis?

• A thesis (also called a controlling idea or position statement) gives an essay's topic and the author's main idea about the topic. ​

• A thesis statement is the controlling idea of an informational essay. Or i​t is the author's main claim in an argumentative essay.

• On the STAAR test, you will be asked to find a thesis that has better wording and more strongly and clearly makes the author's claim or point. ​

Subject | Subject

Some text here about the topic of discussion

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​​Step 1: Read the passage and Questions

​Some text here about the topic of discussion.

​How to Answer Thesis Statement Questions on the STAAR

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Step 2: Think about the Main Idea

• ​Study the information in the passage to figure out the controlling idea of the passage. Ask yourself these questions to help find the controlling idea:

• What is the topic of this paragraph?

• What is the main idea the author is trying​ to express about that topic?

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Open Ended

What is the topic of this paragraph? What main idea is the author saying about this topic?

Step 3: Re-read Each Answer Choice

• Now that you know the topic and main i​dea being presented in the paragraph. You can now decide which answer choice best expresses the thesis better.

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Multiple Choice

Which of the following could replace sentence 4 and better express the thesis for this essay?

• Answer choice A

• Answer Choice B

• Answer choice C

• Answer choice D

Multiple Choice

Which of the following could replace sentence 6 and better express the thesis for this essay?

• Answer choice F

• Answer choice G

• Answer Choice H

• Answer choice J

Multiple Choice

Miguel wants to write a thesis statement that accurately conveys the main idea of his paper. Which of the following should he add after sentence 3?

• A. Cave enthusiasts from all over love to visit Longhorn Cavern and enjoy its beauty.

• B. The cavern is a natural wonder that has been used by animals and people for millions of years.

• C. Who didn't want to see such an important wonder?

• D. It was even readied for use as a nuclear fallout shelter for when President Johnson visited Texas.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following, if any, could replace sentence 6 to create a more effective controlling idea?

• F. On the other hand, six-man football only uses six players for a game, so the chances of developing another Von Miller are slim.

• G. Significantly, unlike Von Miller's experience, many teams from small towns in Texas play games with only six men because the players all want to be Von Miller

• H. However, in 138 small towns across Texas, younger NFL hopefuls, dreaming of becoming another Von Miller, play games known as six-man football.

• J. Sentence 6 is written correctly in the paper.