STAAR Revising Thesis/Thematic Statements

STAAR Revising Thesis/Thematic Statements

By MS.EDUN

​What is a Thesis?

• A thesis (also called a controlling idea or thematic statement) in an essay states the main argument or point the writer will prove, and in a passage or text can be referred to as the central idea guiding the piece. ​

• 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. ​

​

​​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 Topic

• ​Study the information in the passage to figure out the controlling idea of the passage. Ask yourself this question to help find the controlling idea (thesis):

• What is the topic of this text?

• A topic is the general subject that an essay, discussion, or piece of writing is about, often summarized in a word or phrase. For example, in an essay about “the importance of exercise,” exercise would be the topic. The thesis, however, is a specific statement or claim about that topic that the writer aims to prove or explain, such as, "Regular exercise improves mental health by reducing stress and boosting mood."

Multiple Choice

In recent years, many people have turned to plant-based diets for both health and environmental reasons. By eating more fruits, vegetables, and grains instead of animal products, people can reduce their risk of heart disease and improve overall health. Additionally, plant-based diets help lower greenhouse gas emissions, making them an environmentally friendly choice.

What is the topic of this paragraph?

• Plant-Based Diets

• The Environment

• Health

• Friendly Choices

Multiple Choice

In recent years, many people have turned to plant-based diets for both health and environmental reasons. By eating more fruits, vegetables, and grains instead of animal products, people can reduce their risk of heart disease and improve overall health. Additionally, plant-based diets help lower greenhouse gas emissions, making them an environmentally friendly choice.

What is the thesis statement in this paragraph?

• In recent years, many people have turned to plant-based diets for both health and environmental reasons.

• By eating more fruits, vegetables, and grains instead of animal products, people can reduce their risk of heart disease and improve overall health.

• Additionally, plant-based diets help lower greenhouse gas emissions, making them an environmentally friendly choice.

• There is no thesis statement.

Step 3: Re-read Each Answer Choice

• Now that you know the topic and thesis 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

(1) In recent years, many people have turned to plant-based diets for both health and environmental reasons. (2) By eating more fruits, vegetables, and grains instead of animal products, people can reduce their risk of heart disease and improve overall health. (3) Additionally, plant-based diets help lower greenhouse gas emissions, making them an environmentally friendly choice.

Which of the following could replace sentence 2 and better express the thesis for this paragraph?

• In recent years, many people Plant-based diets are healthy and good for the environment.

• Eating a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of heart disease and help the environment.

• Many people choose to eat plants instead of meat because they care about the environment and their health.

• Plant-based diets are gaining popularity because of their benefits to personal health and the planet.

Multiple Choice

What is the purpose of a thesis statement when writing?

• To be a pretty sentence
• To be a sentence in your introduction
• To introduce your paper to the reader
• To explain what your essay will be about

Multiple Choice

A thesis statement is...

• A thesis statement is a detailed analysis of the essay's content.
• A thesis statement is a list of references used in the essay.
• A thesis statement is an introduction to the author's biography.
• A thesis statement is a concise answer to the prompt with 2 or more reasons.

Multiple Choice

Where should the thesis statement appear?

• In the first paragraph

• Anywhere in the essay

• The middle of the essay

• The first sentence of every paragraph

Multiple Choice

What is a topic sentence?

• The main idea of the entire essay.

• Evidence taken from the text to support your point.

• A sentence that expresses the main idea of each body paragraph. (Your reasons)

• Your stance/unrelated opinion on the topic.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the best thesis statement?

• The recycling of one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours.

• Recycling is one of the most important jobs a person can do to protect the environment.

• It is important to recycle because it reduces waste and allows resources to be reused and/or repurposed.

Multiple Choice

A thesis statement can be a question.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

A thesis statement can be a quote.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Which thesis statement is BEST fit for the following prompt: Write an essay explaining why technology is so important to teenagers.

• Teenagers using technology in today's world is vital to succeed in the 21st century because it establishes self-worth and independence.

• Technology is important to teens because it helps stay connected to the news.

• It is vital to use technology in this world because it establishes self-worth and independence.

• Technology is important in the world because it helps us communicate with our friends and loved ones.

Multiple Choice

Is the following a complete thesis statement:

"Grades are unnecessary in college."

• Yes, it contains a claim and a reason.

• No, it is missing reasons.