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Thesis Statements

Total questions: 89

Worksheet time: 6hrs 27mins

Name
Class
Date
1.
Where should a thesis statement appear?
a)
first paragraph
b)
anywhere in the essay
c)
last paragraph
d)
the first sentence of every paragraph
2.
Which of the following makes the best thesis statement?
a)
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. 
b)
I am going to explain why many couples in Russia are choosing to live together rather than get married.
c)
Marriage in Russia
3.

Which sentence would be the better thesis statement for the introductory paragraph of an argumentative essay?

a)

The Hunger Games is a science fiction adventure film based on the novel of the same name by Suzanne Collins.

b)

The Hunger Games is a morality tale about the dangers of a political system that is dominated by the wealthy.

4.
Which of the following is a strong thesis statement?
a)
Violent video games are harmful for young people to play.
b)
Violent video games are harmful to young people, and it should be stopped.
c)
Violent video games are harmful for young people to play because  it promotes a sedentary lifestyle, encourages violence, and can cause children to become desensitized to death.
d)
Violent video games are harmful for young people because they should be reading a book.
5.

Which sentence would be the better thesis statement for the introductory paragraph of an essay?

a)

There is no question that cell phones have changed our lives in a very big way.

b)

While cell phones provide freedom and mobility, they can also become a leash, compelling users to answer them anywhere and at any time.

6.

Before choosing a position or side, you should

a)

develop a thesis

b)

write the introduction

c)

consider all the evidence

7.

What is the first part of creating a thesis statement?

a)

Rewrite the prompt as a question

b)

List 3 facts.

c)

Combine your answer & reasons.

8.

What should you avoid in your thesis statement?

a)

Facts

b)

Picking a side

c)

Using "I" or "me" or "my"

9.

Which of the following is a major component of any thesis in an argumentative essay?

a)

making a claim/picking a side

b)

providing an amusing anecdote

c)

being at least three sentences

d)

only providing facts

10.
The thesis statement should include your opinion on the on the points your are analyzing.
a)
True
b)
False
11.
The thesis statement should express a main idea that links to supporting points
a)
True
b)
False
12.

What is a thesis statement?

a)

A general idea of what the essay is about

b)

A summary of the main idea

c)

A statement that explains the main idea of an essay

d)

A suggestion that you should read the essay

13.
Which one is a good thesis statement?
a)
Always do your homework before watching TV 
b)
"Whatever you are, be a good one." Abe Lincoln
c)
Marijuana should not be legalized because it is harmful to your health, will increase crime, & create more drug addicts.
d)
Marijuana can be used as medicine.
14.
Which of the following is a major component of any thesis?
a)
making a claim
b)
providing an amusing anecdote
c)
being at least three sentences
d)
only providing facts
15.
Where should a thesis statement appear?
a)
first paragraph
b)
anywhere in the essay
c)
last paragraph
d)
the first sentence of every paragraph
16.
Which CLAIM is the strongest for the following thesis statements?
a)
Violent video games are harmful for young people to play.
b)
Violent video games are harmful to young people, and it should be stopped.
c)
Violent video games are harmful for young people to play because  children can become desensitized to death.
d)
Violent video games are harmful for young people because they should be reading a book.
17.
Which topic sentence DOES NOT belong with the thesis below?
The best kind of pet is a cat because they are friendly, low maintenance, and have great personalities.
a)
First, cats are affectionate creatures.
b)
Next, cats are inexpensive.
c)
In addition, it is not hard to take care of a cat.
d)
Finally, every cat has a unique personality.
18.

"In this essay, I will discuss the crime rate in Mountain City." Why is this NOT a good thesis statement?

a)

It's a title.

b)

It's a fact.

c)

It's too wordy.

d)

It's too general.

19.

Which two of the following should thesis statements avoid?

a)

The first person

b)

Making an argument

c)

Stating a fact

d)

Having one or two sentences

20.

"Cost of Living" is not a good thesis statement because:

a)

It is too wordy.

b)

It is too general.

c)

It contains a title.

d)

It contains a fact.

21.
How long should a thesis statement be?
a)
One paragraph
b)
One essay
c)
One sentence
d)
One word
22.
Is this a good thesis statement:
Thor is better than Iron Man because he has an indestructible hammer, he doesn't need suit of armor, and he has super strength.
a)
Yes
b)
No
23.

Is the following an example of a strong or weak thesis:

I will now explain what physical fitness activity is the most effective for healthy weight loss. The best physical fitness activity for healthy weight loss is walking or jogging for thirty minutes a day.

a)

strong

b)

weak

24.
The thesis statement should include your opinion on the on the points your are analyzing.
a)
True
b)
False
25.
What three items make up a thesis statement?
a)
identification of topic, claim (what you believe), and direction (reasons)
b)
topic sentence, introduction, and conclusion
c)
introduction, body, and conclusion
d)
reason 1, reason 2, and reason 3
26.
When is a child old enough to stay home alone?
11 because they can make good choices, they are independent, and need practice being an adult. 
a)
Good
b)
Bad
27.
Should students wear school uniforms?
Students should not be forced to wear school uniforms because they make everyone look the same, they are expensive, and they are uncomfortable.
a)
Good
b)
Bad
28.
Which of the following is a major component of any thesis?
a)
making a claim
b)
providing an amusing anecdote
c)
being at least three sentences
d)
only providing facts
29.
Choose the strong thesis.
a)
 I would like to become a chef when I finish school
b)
 Although both chefs and cooks can prepare fine meals, chefs differ from cooks in   education, professional commitment, and artistry.
30.
What is the purpose of the thesis?
a)
To remind your reader what your paper is about
b)
To state your opinion or claim and prove it
c)
To hook the reader's attention
d)
To use vocabulary words
31.
The thesis statement should express a main idea that links to supporting points
a)
True
b)
False
32.
What is a thesis statement?
a)
A general idea of what the essay is about
b)
A summary of the main idea
c)
A statement that explains the main idea of an essay
d)
A suggestion that you should read the essay
33.
True or False: The thesis statement should express a main idea that links to supporting points in the body paragraphs.
a)
True
b)
False
34.
What three parts make up a thesis statement?
a)
identification of topic/focus, the purpose/claim, and at least 3 subtopics/supporting points
b)
topic sentence, introduction, and conclusion
c)
introduction, a quote or paraphrase, and conclusion
d)
why I chose the topic, why it is a great topic, my personal connection to the topic
35.
When creating a thesis statement, it is important to think about your...
a)
topic
b)
purpose
c)
audience
d)
all of the above
36.
From which point of view should you write your thesis statement?
a)
First person
b)
Second person
c)
Third person
d)
Fourth person
37.
A formal style and an objective tone will...
a)
show a respectful and professional attitude toward your readers
b)
help readers focus on your ideas
c)
ensure readers take your ideas seriously
d)
all of the above
38.
True or False: It is best to use a quote in your thesis statement to support your point of view.
a)
True
b)
False
39.
True or False: The best thesis statements are formed into a question.
a)
True
b)
False
40.
True or False: There is a difference between the thesis statement and the topic sentence.
a)
True
b)
False
41.

You come across the order with the following instructions: Write an analysis of some aspect of Mark Twain’s novel Huckleberry Finn. Here are three theses written by the writer. Which of them is the strongest?

a)

Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn is a great American novel.

b)

Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain’s Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American democratic ideals, one must leave “civilized” society and go back to nature.

c)

In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore.

d)

Mark Twain's story is well written and there are many contrasts to be seen in the story that include the river.

42.

Find the thesis statement in the following paragraph: What has happened to the American male? For a long time, he seemed utterly confident in his manhood, sure of his masculine role in society, easy and definite in his sense of sexual identity. The frontiersmen of James Fenimore Cooper, for example, never had any concern about masculinity; they were men, and it did not occur to them to think twice about it. Even well into the twentieth century, the heroes of Dreiser, of Fitzgerald, of Hemingway remain men. However, one begins to detect a new theme emerging in some of these authors, especially in Hemingway: the theme of the male hero increasingly preoccupied with proving his virility to himself. By mid-century, the male role had plainly lost its rugged clarity of outline. Today, men are more and more conscious of maleness not as a fact but as a problem. The ways by which American men affirm their masculinity are uncertain and obscure. There are multiplying signs, indeed, that something has gone badly wrong with the American male's conception of himself.

a)

Today men are more and more conscious of maleness not as a fact but as a problem.

b)

The ways by which American men affirm their masculinity are uncertain and obscure.

c)

There are multiplying signs, indeed, that something has gone badly wrong with the American male's conception of himself.

d)

Today, men are more and more conscious of maleness not as a fact but as a problem.

43.

Find the thesis statement in the following introduction: Most people who bother with the matter at all would admit that the English language is in a bad way, but it is generally assumed that we cannot by conscious action do anything about it. Now, it is clear that the decline of a language must ultimately have political and economic causes: it is not due simply to the bad influence of this or an individual writer. An effect can become a cause, reinforcing the original cause and producing the same effect in an intensified form, and so on indefinitely. A man may take to drink because he feels himself to be a failure, and then fail all the more completely because he drinks. It is rather the same thing that is happening to the English language. It becomes ugly and inaccurate because our thoughts are foolish, but the slovenliness of our language makes it easier for us to have foolish thoughts. The point is that the process is reversible. Modern English, especially written English, is full of bad habits which spread by imitation and which can be avoided if one is willing to take the necessary trouble. If one gets rid of these habits one can think more clearly, and to think clearly is a necessary first step towards political regeneration: so that the fight against bad English is not frivolous and is not the exclusive concern of professional writers. I will come back to this presently, and I hope that by that time the meaning of what I have said here will have become clearer. Meanwhile, here are five specimens of the English language as it is now habitually written.

a)

Modern English, especially written English, is full of bad habits which spread by imitation and which can be avoided if one is willing to take the necessary trouble.

b)

If one gets rid of these habits one can think more clearly, and to think clearly is a necessary first step towards political regeneration: so that the fight against bad English is not frivolous and is not the exclusive concern of professional writers.

c)

I will come back to this presently, and I hope that by that time the meaning of what I have said here will have become clearer.

d)

Meanwhile, here are five specimens of the English language as it is now habitually written.

44.

Which of the theses is the strongest?

a)

Although I agree with Jeane Kirkpatrick’s argument that environmentalists and businesses should work together to ensure the ecological future of the world, her argument is likely to undervalue the necessity of pressuring businesses to attend to environmental concerns that may not benefit them in the short run.

b)

This paper will address the characteristics of a good corporate manager.

c)

The songs of the punk rock group Minor Threat relate to the feelings of individuals who dare to be different. Their songs are just composed of pure emotion. Pure emotion is very important in music, because it serves as a vehicle to convey the important message of individuality. Minor Threat’s songs are meaningful to me because I can identify with them.

45.

Which of the theses is the strongest?

a)

The flight from teaching to research and publishing in higher education is a controversial issue in the academic world. I will show different views and aspects concerning this problem.

b)

Although Othello appears to attack jealousy, it also supports the skepticism of the jealous characters over the naïveté of the lovers.

c)

There are many similarities and differences between the Carolingian and the Burgundian Renaissances.

46.

Which of the theses is the strongest?

a)

The jeans industry targets its advertisements to appeal to young adults.

b)

Sir Thomas More’s Utopia proposes an unworkable set of solutions to society’s problems because, like communist Russia, it suppresses individualism.

c)

From cartoons in the morning to adventure shows at night, there is too much violence on television.

47.

Which of the theses is the strongest?

a)

The songs of the punk rock group Minor Threat relate to the feelings of individuals who dare to be different. Their songs are just composed of pure emotion.

b)

Although violent revolutions begin to redress long-standing social inequities, they often do so at the cost of long-term economic dysfunction and the suffering that attends it.

c)

It is important to understand why leaders act in a leadership role. What is the driving force? Is it an internal drive for the business or group to succeed, or is it an internal drive for the leader to dominate others?

48.

Choose what of statements provided below is wrong:

a)

You’d better not use specific lexical groups of words such as technical terms or jargon in your thesis statement.

b)

You should avoid abstract words in your thesis statement.

c)

Thesis statement can not be placed in the conclusion of the introduction.

49.

Which thesis statement is NOT debatable?

a)

At least 25 percent of the federal budget should be spent on limiting pollution.

b)

America's anti-pollution efforts should focus on privately owned cars.

c)

Pollution is bad for the environment.

50.

Drug use is detrimental to society.

This is an example of a thesis statement that is

a)

Perfect

b)

Too narrow

c)

Too broad

51.

The popularity of SUVs in America has caused pollution to increase.


Is this thesis a

a)

Claim of cause and effect

b)

Claim of fact or definition

c)

Claim about solutions or policies

52.

Instead of drilling for oil in Alaska we should be focusing on ways to reduce oil consumption, such as researching renewable energy sources.


Is this thesis a

a)

Claim of cause and effect

b)

Claim of fact or definition

c)

Claim about solutions or policies

53.

What some people refer to as global warming is actually nothing more than normal, long-term cycles of climate change.


Is this thesis a

a)

Claim of cause and effect

b)

Claim of fact or definition

c)

Claim about value

54.

Global warming is the most pressing challenge facing the world today.


Is this thesis a

a)

Claim of cause and effect

b)

Claim of fact or definition

c)

Claim about value

55.

Which sentence would be the better thesis statement for the introductory paragraph of an essay?

a)

The Hunger Games is a science fiction adventure film based on the novel of the same name by Suzanne Collins.

b)

The Hunger Games is a morality tale about the dangers of a political system that is dominated by the wealthy.

56.

Which sentence would be the better thesis statement for the introductory paragraph of an essay?

a)

There is no question that cell phones have changed our lives in a very big way.

b)

While cell phones provide freedom and mobility, they can also become a leash, compelling users to answer them anywhere and at any time.

57.

Which sentence would be the better thesis statement for the introductory paragraph of an essay?

a)

Finding a job is never easy, but it can be especially hard when the economy is still feeling the effects of a recession and employers are reluctant to hire new workers.

b)

College students looking for part-time work should begin their search by taking advantage of job-finding resources on campus.

58.

Which sentence would be the better thesis statement for the introductory paragraph of an essay?

a)

For the past three decades, coconut oil has been unjustly criticized as an artery-clogging saturated fat.

b)

Cooking oil is plant, animal, or synthetic fat that is used in frying, baking, and other types of cooking.

59.

Which sentence would be the better thesis statement for the introductory paragraph of an essay?

a)

There have been over 200 movies about Count Dracula, most of them only very loosely based on the novel published by Bram Stoker in 1897.

b)

Despite its title, Bram Stoker's Dracula, a film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, takes considerable liberties with Stoker's novel.

60.

Which sentence would be the better thesis statement for the introductory paragraph of an essay?

a)

There are several steps that teachers can take to encourage academic integrity and curtail cheating in their classes.

b)

There is an epidemic of cheating in America's schools and colleges, and there are no easy solutions to this problem.

61.

Which sentence would be the better thesis statement for the introductory paragraph of an essay?

a)

J. Robert Oppenheimer, the American physicist who directed the building of the first atomic bombs during World War II, had technical, moral, and political reasons for opposing the development of the hydrogen bomb.

b)

J. Robert Oppenheimer, often referred to as "the father of the atomic bomb," was born in New York City in 1904.

62.

Which sentence would be the better thesis statement for the introductory paragraph of an essay?

a)

The iPad has revolutionized the mobile-computing landscape and created a huge profit stream for Apple.

b)

The iPad, with its relatively large high-definition screen, has helped to revitalize the comic book industry.

63.

Which sentence would be the better thesis statement for the introductory paragraph of an essay?

a)

Like other addictive behaviors, Internet addiction may have serious negative consequences, including academic failure, job loss, and a breakdown in personal relationships.

b)

Drug and alcohol addiction is a major problem in the world today, and many people suffer from it.

64.

Which sentence would be the better thesis statement for the introductory paragraph of an essay?

a)

The bicycle was introduced in the nineteenth century and rapidly grew into a worldwide phenomenon.

b)

In several ways, bicycles today are better than they were 100 or even 50 years ago.

65.

Is this a strong thesis statement?


The Great Depression disrupted many people’s lives.

a)

Yes

b)

No

66.

Is this a strong thesis statement?


Martin Luther King’s greatness stemmed from his ability to harness the moral indignation of whites and blacks alike through the power of non-violent protest in his actions of civil disobedience, the dignity of the Biblical rhythm in his speeches, and the pure power of right over wrong that his message conveyed.

a)

Yes

b)

No

67.

Is this a strong thesis statement?


In this paper, I want to focus on how Malcolm X was a great leader.

a)

Yes

b)

No

68.

Is this a strong thesis statement?


The U.S. should have entered World War II at the same time that Great Britain did because doing so would have slowed Hitler’s momentum in taking over Europe.

a)

Yes

b)

No

69.

Is this a strong thesis statement?


Cancun is one of the most popular vacation spots in Mexico because of its comfortable climate, proximity to well-known archaeological sites, and affordability.

a)

Yes

b)

No

70.

A thesis statement is all of the following EXCEPT

a)

a complete sentence

b)

something that is arguable

c)

a statement of your main idea and opinion

d)

something obvious or a fact

71.
What is the purpose of a thesis statement?
a)
To be a pretty sentence
b)
To be a sentence in your introduction
c)
To introduce your paper to the reader
d)
To explain what your essay will be about
72.
Where should a thesis statement appear?
a)
first paragraph, end of the paragraph
b)
anywhere in the essay
c)
last paragraph
d)
the first sentence of every paragraph
73.
A thesis should never...
a)
ask a question 
b)
give two reasons 
c)
state your opinion 
d)
be short and to the point
74.
A thesis should never...
a)
say, "This paper will be about"
b)
have reasons to support the claim
75.
A good thesis is like 
a)
sailing on the ocean
b)
a salad
c)
a list
d)
GPS or a map
76.
When creating a thesis statement, it is important to think about your...
a)
task
b)
purpose
c)
audience
d)
all of the above
77.

What should NOT be included in an expository essay ?

a)

Facts

b)

Opinions

c)

A conclusion

d)

A body paragraph

78.

What is the purpose of an expository essay?

a)

To describe an event with vivid details that would appeal to the reader’s senses

b)

To persuade the reader to change his/her mind and agree with the writer

c)

To entertain the reader by telling a story

d)

To explain information by presenting an idea and relevant evidence

79.

Why should you have a thesis statement in your essay?

a)

It lists good examples that will be mentioned in your essay.

b)

It hooks the reader to your essay.

c)

It allows you to develop a strong argument in your paper.

d)

It acts as a guide for your reader, and tells them what you intend to prove in your essay.

80.

An expository essay should only contain _______ language.

a)

Formal

b)

Informal

c)

Slang

d)

Anything that the writer is comfortable with

81.

Which prompt BEST fits the following thesis?


“It is crucial to keep promises that are made because oath breakers lose trust and may be seen as unreliable in a time of need.”

a)

Write an essay explaining whether it is important to learn from our experiences.

b)

Write an essay explaining the importance of setting goals.

c)

Write an essay explaining the importance of never giving up.

d)

Write an essay explaining why it is important to keep the promises you make.

82.

Which thesis statement is BEST fit for the following prompt: Write an essay explaining whether it is important to laugh.

a)

It is important to laugh because life would just be boring without it.

b)

Laughter is a necessity to have in life since it brightens many people's days and is the key to true happiness.

c)

Humor is vital in life because it makes you happy and smile more.

d)

Humor makes everyone feel happy and is the key to true happiness.

83.

Which thesis statement is BEST fit for the following prompt: Write an essay explaining whether it is ever okay to break the rules.

a)

Breaking the rules should be allowed during emergencies because it can help someone that is hurt.

b)

I think breaking the rules should be allowed if it is necessary because there would be less crime if there were people to stop it and I believe it would allow citizens to step up when something is wrong.

c)

Both breaking and not breaking the rules have good and bad aspects to each.

d)

Breaking the rules is unacceptable because there are rules set in society to keep order and going against the structure that is set in place would cause chaos.

84.

Which thesis statement is BEST fit for the following prompt: Write an essay explaining why technology is so important to teenagers.

a)

Technology is important in the world because it helps us communicate with our friends and loved ones.

b)

Teenagers using technology in today's world is vital to succeed in the 21st century because it establishes self-worth and independence.

c)

It is vital to use technology in this world because it establishes self-worth and independence.

d)

Technology is important to teens because it helps stay connected to the news.

85.
Which prompt BEST fits the following thesis?
"Experiencing happiness in what you do can lead to a fulfilling, exciting life."  
a)
WRITE an essay explaining whether it is important to find joy in daily activities.
b)
WRITE an essay explaining whether it is important to have goals.
c)
WRITE an essay explaining whether it is important to learn from our experiences.
d)
WRITE an essay explaining the importance of never giving up.
86.
Which prompt BEST fits the following thesis?
"Having passion can give you motivation when times get tough."
a)
WRITE an essay explaining whether it is important to find joy in daily activities. 
b)
WRITE an essay explaining whether it is important to be passionate about something.
c)
WRITE an essay explaining the importance of never giving up.
d)
WRITE an essay explaining whether it is important to have goals.
87.
Which prompt BEST fits the following thesis?
"Having something to work for can give you a sense of purpose."
a)
WRITE an essay explaining whether it is important to find joy in daily activities. 
b)
WRITE an essay explaining whether it is important to be passionate about something.
c)
WRITE an essay explaining the importance of never giving up.
d)
WRITE an essay explaining whether it is important to have goals.
88.
Which prompt BEST fits the following thesis?
"When we pick ourselves up from a bad experience, we are able to grow as people." 
a)
WRITE an essay explaining whether it is important to learn from our experiences.
b)
WRITE an essay explaining whether it is important to be passionate about something.
c)
WRITE an essay explaining the importance of never giving up.
d)
WRITE an essay explaining whether it is important to have goals.
89.
Which prompt BEST fits the following thesis?
"When you show others that you don't quit, you can become a great leader."
a)
WRITE an essay explaining whether it is important to find joy in daily activities.
b)
WRITE an essay explaining the importance of never giving up.
c)
WRITE an essay explaining whether it is important to be passionate about something.
d)
WRITE an essay explaining whether it is important to have goals.