Thesis Statements

The thesis statement should express a main idea that links to supporting points

• TRUE

• FALSE

How long should a thesis statement be?

• One paragraph

• One word

• One essay

• One sentence

What is the purpose of a thesis statement?

• To be a pretty sentence

• To be a sentence in your introduction

• To explain what your essay will be about

• To introduce your paper to the reader

A thesis statement should not directly announce your topic by using phrases such as, "This essay will talk about ........"

Which of the following makes the best thesis statement?

• I am going to explain why many couples in Russia are choosing to live together rather than getting married.

• Even though marriage is a strong and respected institution in Russia, more and more people are choosing to live together before marriage, despite the cultural pressures.

• Marriage in Russia

What is the command verb in this prompt?

In the essay “Scores of Students Fail to Think Outside the Bubble,” high school senior Lailah Evans describes what she sees as the negative impact of testing on students.

Summarize the argument she makes in favor of increasing creative learning opportunities for students in schools. Use evidence from the article as you write your response.

• Use

• Summarize

• Increasing

• Describes

Which of the following is the best thesis statement for this prompt?

The governor wants to lower the voting age to 16. Write a letter to the voters explaining whether the legal voting age should be lowered to age 16.

• Write a letter to the voters explaining whether the legal voting age should be lowered.

• Although some may disagree, the legal voting age should not be lowered to age 16.

• There are many reasons why the governor wants to lower the voting age to 16.

• NONE OF THESE ARE STRONG THESIS STATEMENTS

Write a thesis statement for this prompt:

Technology has been a very useful tool in today’s society. Analyze the many ways technology has shaped today’s society.