WorksheetsThesis and Topic Sentences
Total questions: 12
Worksheet time: 10mins
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.
Jessyka is writing an expository essay about the state of Oklahoma. Her second body paragraph is about well-known people from that state. What is the BEST example of a TOPIC SENTENCE for her second body paragraph?
Oklahoma is a large state.
Many people who have made positive contributions to society are from Oklahoma.
For example, martial arts expert Chuck Norris was born in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma's population consists of almost four million people
Gracie is writing a persuasive essay about why "Beauty and the Beast" is the best Disney movie. Her third body paragraph explains that the supporting characters from "Beauty and the Beast" are better than those from other movies. What is the BEST example of a TOPIC sentence for this paragraph?
Gaston is a jerk.
Side characters like Mrs. Potts, Chip, Cogsworth, and Lumiere help to make "Beauty and the Beast" an entertaining and thoughtful movie.
"Beauty and the Beast" is the best Disney movie because of its beautiful animation, well-developed main character, and side characters that enrich the story.
Belle is a strong female character.
