Identifying Thesis Statements

Which of these makes the best thesis statement?

• Knowing a foreign language.

• Knowing a foreign language is a very useful skill because it can help one advance in a career, relate better to others, and open one's mind to the ideas of another culture.

• Why should people know a foreign language?

A good thesis statement helps the writer organize his/her essay.

• True

• False

Choose the strong thesis.

•  I would like to become a chef when I finish school
•  Although both chefs and cooks can prepare fine meals, chefs differ from cooks in   education, professional commitment, and artistry.

In a five paragraph essay, how many key points should be included in the thesis?

• 1

• 5

• 4

• 3

What is the connection between your thesis and the topic sentences of the body paragraphs?

• Topic sentences are the key points in the thesis.

• Topic sentences are the same thing as the thesis.

• What's a topic sentence?

• You should reverse the order of your topic sentences.

A thesis statement should include the main points of the essay.

• True

• False

A good thesis statement helps the writer organize his/her essay.

• True

• False

Zoos should be banned because animals need to remain in the wild, zoos cannot provide natural experiences for animals, and animals in zoos get sick and die.

• Yes, this is a good thesis statement.

• Oh, no, not a good one.

"I think we should wear school uniforms because they would help reduce discipline problems, parents would spend less money on clothes, and it would help create school pride."

How would you improve this thesis statement?

• Add more arguments.

• Replace "I think" with "Students".

• No improvement needed.

Reading develops a child's mind by fostering comprehension skills, increasing vocabulary, and exposing them to new worlds they might not otherwise encounter."

What improvement would you suggest for this thesis statement?

• Add more arguments

• Define the topic

• Nothing, this is example of a perfect thesis statement!