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Thesis Statement Worksheet
Instructions: Copy and paste the following text into a document or create a document that contains the
same information.
Write a basic thesis statement and a revised thesis statement in response to the writing prompt.
Writing Prompt
What stylistic elements does King use to influence his readers? After reading and analyzing "Letter from
Birmingham Jail," write an essay in which you answer the question and analyze structure and language
in his text, providing three or more examples to illustrate and clarify your analysis. What conclusion can
you draw about the power of this text?
1. Write your Basic Thesis Statement in the space below.
2. Go through the Thesis Statement Essentials Checklist. It is okay if you are not able to check off
some of these characteristics.
_ Is your thesis statement one sentence?
_ Does it answer the question?
_ Does it use specific words?
_ Does it take a stand? Could someone have a different interpretation?
_ Does it answer “Why does this matter?” or “So what?”
3. Based on the checklist above, revise your thesis statement so that it has all of the above
qualities and include it here.