Writing a Thesis Statement

Where should a thesis appear in a school essay?

• as the first sentence in an essay

• as the second paragraph in an essay

• as the last sentence of the first paragraph

• as the last sentence of the essay

A strong thesis must _______.

• use big words

• be something everyone would agree with

• be something a smart person could disagree with OR agree with

• be hard to find in your essay

What immediately follows a thesis in an essay?

• paragraphs with evidence to show the thesis is wrong

• paragraphs with topic sentences and evidence to support the thesis

• paragraphs

A thesis should be ________.

• a statement that can be argued for or against

• a question you answer in the essay

• a statement that is a fact

• a question for which there is no right

Which would be the strongest thesis?

• Eating breakfast is essential to being able to learn in school because it keeps your blood sugar stable, helps you stay focused on your work and not your stomach, and stops you from acting silly and getting in trouble.

• I will show that eating breakfast is essential to learning.

• You should eat breakfast so it's easier for you to pay attention in school.

• Rayella never eats breakfast, and she is hungry and distracted in school.

• Eating breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Which would be the strongest thesis?

• This essay is about junk food.

• Junk food should not be served in school cafeterias because it harms students' bodies and minds and makes school a less pleasant place to be.

• Candy bars and fries are examples of junk food.

• Children often eat junk food while watching t.v.

Which would be the strongest thesis?

• Independence Day is the most important national holiday in the United States.

• The United States used to belong to Great Britian

• Independence Day is the most important national holiday in the United States because it is a huge part of the culture, it reflects the country's history, and it happens when school is out.

• Independence Day is celebrated on July 4th

Ms. Morris is the best dancer in the world because she wins all the important dance contests, she teaches the most prestigious dance classes in the world, and she invented the most famous dance at Quest: "Orange Justice."

If that's the thesis statement for an essay, what is the topic sentence for the first body paragraph?

• Ms. Morris teaches the most prestigious dance classes in the world.

• Orange justice is a great dance because I do it all the time.

• Ms. Morris wins all the important dance contests.

• Ms. Morris invented the most famous dance at Quest: Orange Justice.

• ON eof the best things about Ms. Morris is that she likes to dance.