Recognizing Thesis Statements

Front

What is a thesis statement?

Back

A thesis statement is a sentence that expresses the main idea or argument of a piece of writing, typically found in the introduction.

Front

What makes a thesis statement controversial?

Back

A controversial thesis statement presents an opinion that can be disagreed with and debated, often addressing a topic that has differing viewpoints.

Front

What is the difference between a fact and an opinion?

Back

A fact is a statement that can be proven true or false, while an opinion is a personal belief or judgment that may vary from person to person.

Front

Why is it important for a thesis statement to be defendable?

Back

A defendable thesis statement allows the writer to support their argument with evidence and reasoning, making it persuasive and credible.

Front

What does it mean for a thesis statement to be too obvious?

Back

A thesis statement is too obvious if it states something that is widely accepted and does not provoke thought or discussion.

Front

Can a thesis statement be a question?

Back

No, a thesis statement should be a declarative statement that presents a clear position or argument, not a question.

Front

What is an example of a strong thesis statement?

Back

"School uniforms should be mandatory in public schools because they promote equality and reduce distractions among students."

Front

What is an example of a weak thesis statement?

Back

"Many people think school uniforms are good." (This is weak because it lacks a clear position.)

Front

How can you identify a thesis statement in an essay?

Back

A thesis statement is usually found at the end of the introduction and summarizes the main point or argument of the essay.

Front

What role does evidence play in supporting a thesis statement?

Back

Evidence provides the necessary support to back up the claims made in a thesis statement, making the argument more convincing.