Practice with Thesis Statements
Use the formula for creating a thesis statement (a specific subject + a particular
stand, feeling, or feature) to complete three of the thesis statements below.
Example
Specific Subject
+
School uniforms should
Specific Subject
+
Stand, feeling, or feature
not be required in public schools.
Stand, feeling, or feature
Drinking water in class should not be permitted.
Social networking sites
Symbolism in literature
Sir Isaac Newton
Jamestown
Evaluate



Persuasive- Is it debatable?
All- Is it focused enough?
All- Is it interesting?
Introductory Paragraph
Grabber: Squeaky’s shoes crunch the gravel as she flies along the track. The finish line is bouncing
towards her. She tears through it until her feet with a mind of their own begin digging up footfuls of dirt
and stop her short.
Topic: Squeaky from “Raymond’s Run” by Toni Cade Bambara
Thesis: Squeaky is a mature young girl
Subtopic #1: confident
Subtopic #2: Hardworking
Subtopic #3: responsible
Squeaky’s shoes crunch the gravel as she flies along the track. The finish line is bouncing towards her.
She tears through it until her feet with a mind of their own begin digging up footfuls of dirt and stop her
short. This dramatic scene captures Squeaky, Toni Cade Bambara’s protagonist in “Raymond’s Run,” at
the height of excitement in her May Day race. Squeaky, an unquestionably talented runner, is first and
foremost a mature young girl. Her maturation is demonstrated in her confidence, work ethic, and
responsibility. Overall, Squeaky puts effort into everything she does, a quality rarely possessed by
someone who’s only in third grade.