Thesis and Topic Sentences

The topic sentence is:

• the details that make complicated ideas easier to understand

• the purpose of the essay

• the main idea of the paragraph

• none of the answer choices

In a topic sentence, the topic tells readers

• what the facts are that support the writer's position

• what the paragraph is going to be about

• all of the answer choices

• none of the answer choices

Pick out the thesis in the paragraph that follows: Van Gogh, Edgar Allen Poe, and Oscar Wilde were all great artists who died penniless. They are far from the only ones. In fact, to compile a list of all of the artists now considered classics who never made much money from their work would take ages. Given this, we should perhaps assume that the path to making great art requires you to be penniless. But this is a human flaw of romanticism triumphing over reasoning. Success in art requires the same as success in life - good business sense and luck. It's mere coincidence that many artists rarely have either.

• In fact, to compile a list of all of the artists now considered classics who never made much money from their work would take ages.

• But this is a human flaw of romanticism triumphing over reasoning.

• Success in art requires the same as success in life - good business sense and luck.

• Van Gogh, Edgar Allen Poe, and Oscar Wilde were all great artists who died penniless.

How does a thesis statement help the reader?

• It shows the reader the author's writing ability.

• It informs the reader what to expect in the essay.

• It lets the reader know how long the essay will be.

• It introduces a story to the reader.

Identify the thesis in the paragraph that follows:

There are many who believe that healthcare is a basic human right. I strongly disagree. Life, food, shelter, and the right to pursue happiness (whatever that means) may be human rights, but little else. But when we talk about whether this country should have universal healthcare for its citizens, we are not discussing basic human rights. No, access to universal healthcare is instead the moral obligation of any society that dares to call itself 'civilized.'

• There are many who believe that healthcare is a basic human right.

• But when we talk about whether this country should have universal healthcare for its citizens, we are not discussing basic human rights.

• Life, food, shelter, and the right to pursue happiness (whatever that means) may be human rights, but little else.

• No, access to universal healthcare is instead the moral obligation of any society that dares to call itself 'civilized.'

Why is a thesis statement the most important component of an essay?

• It tells the main point of the essay as well as the writer's position.

• It introduces the topic to be covered in the essay.

• It effectively explains both sides of a particular issue.

• It summarizes the issues raised in the essay.

How does a well written thesis statement help the reader?

• It articulates both sides of the issue being discussed.

• It introduces the points to be made in the essay.

• It helps to introduce the sources to be used in the essay.

• It succinctly summarizes the points made in the essay.

Lucas is writing an expository essay about Mae Jemison, the first African American female astronaut. His first body paragraph is about her early life. Which sentence below BEST represents a strong TOPIC SENTENCE?

• As a child, Jemison developed interests in astronomy, anthropology, and archeology.

• Jemison retired from NASA in 1993.

• Jemison received an M.D. (medical doctor) degree from Cornell University in 1981.

• Jemison finished her mission specialist training with NASA in 1988.

Rylee is writing a persuasive essay about school uniforms. Which answer BEST represents a strong thesis statement?

• School uniforms can be found in many environments like public and private schools.

• School uniforms have a negative impact on students because uniforms restrict individuality, are expensive, and are uncomfortable.

• School uniforms restrict individuality.

• School uniforms can be both good and bad.

Jake is writing a persuasive essay about why Virginia Tech is the best college. What is the BEST example of a strong PERSUASIVE THESIS STATEMENT?

• Although there are many options for higher education in the commonwealth, it's obvious that Virginia Tech is the best choice.

• In addition to Virginia Tech's science, agriculture, and engineering programs, the school's arts and humanities classes are great as well.

• Lastly, Virginia Tech features a very competitive veterinary medicine program.

• Virginia Tech students receive the best overall education because of the strong academic programs, the opportunities for research and internships, and the exciting atmosphere and student life.