Thesis Statement

Read the following passage.For many people, dessert is the best part of a meal. But not everybody can enjoy every type of dessert at school. Some people have food allergies. Others may have illnesses or sicknesses that mean they cannot eat the desserts that are usually available. School cafeterias should provide desserts that all students can enjoy because eating is a social activity, and some desserts can help students focus and improve their mood.Which detail from the passage is the author’s thesis?

• “For many people, dessert is the best part of a meal.”
• "Some people have food allergies.”
• “School cafeterias should provide desserts that all students can enjoy because eating is a social activity, and some desserts can help students focus and improve their mood.”
  
• “But not everybody can enjoy every type of dessert at school."

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CCSS.RI.5.2

Read the following introduction to an essay.Many people depend on schools for safety and for food. Schools can become community centers that give people access to knowledge and teach skills. Access to fresh fruit and vegetables and an understanding of the local environment are important to communities. Access to fresh fruit and vegetables means people can make healthier choices. And awareness of the local environment means that ordinary people can make informed choices about their neighborhoods and towns. For these reasons, schools should consider hosting community gardens.Based on this paragraph, what is one reason that the author will use to support her argument that schools should host community gardens?

• the importance of access to fresh fruits and vegetables
• the fact that many schools have unused space
  
• the benefit of supporting local businesses
• the importance of learning about communities in different countries
  

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CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.5.8

If you're trying to figure out whether a sentence is a thesis or not, use this test: Ask, "Could it be debated? Could someone disagree with what I'm saying?" If the answer is yes, you may have a thesis.Based on this passage, which of the following sentences could be a thesis?

• To play tennis, you need a tennis racket, a partner, a net and a ball.
  
• Outdoor tennis courts may have clay, grass or hard surfaces.
• People all around the world play tennis.
• More adults should play tennis because it increases heart health, brain tissue and flexibility.

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CCSS.W.5.1A

CCSS.W.5.1B

A strong thesis is specific and gives the reader an idea of the type of information that will follow.Which revision to the thesis below is strongest?Technology has helped society.

• Technology has helped society a lot.
• Technology can be both helpful and harmful.
  
• Technology has improved daily life by making it easier to communicate, access information and find goods and services.
• Many people think technology is helpful, others think it can be harmful, and some people think it can be both.

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CCSS.W.5.1A

CCSS.W.5.1B

The more specific and focused you can be in a thesis's single sentence, the better. Make sure not to include unrelated details.Which revision to the thesis below is strongest?Green Eggs and Ham is an effective tool for teaching young children to read.

• Green Eggs and Ham is an effective tool for teaching young children to read because it only uses a few words and because it uses rhyme.
• Green Eggs and Ham is a short book that’s good for teaching young children to read, and older readers also like it.
• Green Eggs and Ham is an illustrated book published in 1960, and it is a good tool for teaching young children to read.
• Green Eggs and Ham is good for teaching young children to read, and there are two characters in the story.
  

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CCSS.W.5.1A

CCSS.W.5.1B

CCSS.W.5.4

CCSS.W.5.2D

Don't write a thesis in first person. You shouldn't include the word "I." Trust that the reader already knows that the thesis includes your thoughts. Writing"I think" would be redundant. Instead, write your thesis in third person. Additionally, make sure that the thesis is a complete sentence.Based on the passage above, which of the following is the strongest thesis?

• I believe that space exploration is important.
• Learning about the universe.
• Many people think that space exploration is important, and I am one of them.
• Despite the risks and costs, the US should continue exploring outer space.
  

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CCSS.W.5.1A

CCSS.W.5.4

Once your essay is complete, it is time to write the conclusion. In this paragraph, you’ll restate your thesis one last time. Often the restated thesis will include more specific examples than the thesis in your introduction.Read the following thesis statement.The internet has not only changed the daily lives of Americans but has also impacted television, film and books.Which of the following conclusions restates the thesis above?

• The internet has changed life in America.
• Examples of internet speech used by characters in short stories and on television prove that the internet has had a major impact on Americans in real life and in fiction.
• Many writers claim they do not like the internet or social media and don’t include it in their fiction.
  
• The best television shows encourage their fans to talk about their plots and characters on social media.

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CCSS.W.5.4

CCSS.W.5.1D

CCSS.W.5.2E