Thesis Statements

creating a thesis statement for an extended constructed response

We will: analyze different essay prompts and use them to create thesis statements
I will: create a thesis statement for an essay

Let's look at how the thesis statement is being graded on the STAAR test.

Remember: If you score a 0 for Organization & Development of Ideas, you automatically score a 0 for Conventions.

​

writing a thesis is half the battle

Use the prompt to help you create a Thesis Statement

A - Answer. Answer the prompt, starting by restating the words and phrases used in the question and using character names.

We will take the prompt and turn it into our thesis sentence starter!!

Prompt:
Describe how Henry has changed since turning 16.

Use the text to support your answer and make sure to include text evidence.

Thesis Statement for the prompt: Describe how Henry has changed since turning 16.



Since Henry has turned 16 he has changed by....

Prompt:
Explain how Bryan’s reactions to Sam, his teammates, and his bad plays help develop his character.

Open Ended

Use the following prompt and turn it into a sentence starter for a thesis statement..

Prompt:
Explain how Bryan’s reactions to Sam, his teammates, and his bad plays help develop his character.

Prompt:
Explain how the author of “City of Romo Curbside Recycling Program” and the author of “Litter, Litter Everywhere” both emphasize the importance of taking better care of the environment.

Open Ended

Use the following prompt and turn it into a sentence starter for a thesis statement..

Prompt:

Explain how the author of “City of Romo Curbside Recycling Program” and the author of “Litter, Litter Everywhere” both emphasize the importance of taking better care of the environment.

LET'S DEFINE THESE QUESTIONS:
What should a thesis statement have in it?
What makes a good thesis statement?
What should I NOT put in my thesis statement?
What's the purpose of a thesis statement?

Multiple Choice

How long should a thesis statement be?

• One paragraph

• one essay

• one word

• one sentence

Multiple Choice

What is the purpose of a thesis statement?

• To be a pretty sentence

• to introduce your paper to the reader

• to be a sentence in your introduction

• to explain what your essay will be about

Multiple Choice

Where should a thesis statement appear?

• End of the introduction paragraph

• last paragraph

• anywhere in the essay

• the first sentence of every paragraph

Multiple Choice

A thesis statement should never:

• ask a question

• give two reasons

• be concise (not too wordy)

• say what the paper is about

Multiple Choice

A thesis statement should never:

• say, "This paper will be about"

• have reasons to support the claims

Multiple Choice

A good thesis statement acts as a guide for the reader to understand what the paper is about.

• True

• False