Name: ____________________
Thesis Statements
Multiple choice
Which of the following makes the best thesis statement?
Directions: Choose the thesis statements in the following. Some hints are included. Be prepared
to explain why you think certain thesis statements were acceptable or not acceptable.
1
A thesis statement should not directly announce your topic by using phrases such as,
"This essay will talk about…"
A
Even though marriage is a strong and respected institution in Jamaica, more and more
people are choosing to live together before marriage, despite their religious beliefs.
B
I am going to explain why many couples in Jamaica are choosing to live together rather
than get married.
C
Marriage in Jamaica.
2
A thesis statement is a complete sentence or sentences. A thesis statement is not a
question.
A
Why should people know a foreign language?
B
Knowing a foreign language is a very useful skill. It can help one advance in a career,
relate better to others, and open one's mind to the ideas of another culture.
C
Knowing a foreign language.
3
A thesis statement states an attitude or opinion on a topic. It doesn't just state the topic,
itself. A thesis should not be a fact.
A
Michael Jackson’s songs can be considered a cultural icon because of his great love for
humanity and his desire to make the world a better place.
B
Bob Marley’s songs are famous and are admired by many.
C
Bob Marley was a great artiste in Jamaica during the 1970's.
4
A thesis statement can be made more specific by listing subtopics. These help give your
reader a clear idea of what will follow in your essay.
A
The reasons why I came to this college to study.
B
The reasons why I came to this college to study were to educate myself and then to return
to Kingston to find a job.
C
There were many reasons why I came to this college to study.
5
Which of these makes the best thesis statement?
A
Bleaching among different communities in Jamaica reflects the self hate that people have
for their African roots as well as the desire for social acceptance and romantic aspirations.
B
Why people from many Jamaican communities bleach.
C
In this essay, I will explain why people from many Jamaican communities bleach.
6
Which of these makes the best thesis statement?
A
Each year Jamaica celebrates its Independence by having various cultural presentations in
which all Jamaicans can participate. These include a Culinary Arts Exposition, Fine Arts and
Photography Exhibitions, a Festival Song competition, Dance, Speech and Drama contests,
costume shows, Grand Gala and street parades and dances.
B
A traditional religious dance in my country is Kumina, which is indigenous to the Congo
region. This dance is usually associated with many cultural traditions.
C
I am going to describe an important holiday in my country.
7
Which of these makes the best thesis statement?
A
I've lived in a small town my entire life and have enjoyed it.
B
Living in a big city has many headaches.
C
Living in a small town has many advantages in comparison to living in a big city.
D
In contrast to living in a big city, I enjoy living in a smaller town, because I have closer
relationships with my neighbors and the pace of life is much healthier.
8
Which of these makes the best thesis statement?
A
Some of the major causes behind common diseases in Jamaica could be traced to three
main factors: poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking.
B
What are some of the main causes behind many of our diseases in Jamaica today?
C
This essay examines some of the major causes behind many of our diseases in Jamaica
today?
9
Which of these makes the best thesis statement?
A
There are many ways in which you can look for a new house.
B
You can look for a new house by reading the classified ads, talking to a realtor, or talking
with friends about houses in the area in which you want to live.
C
Buying a new house is a difficult thing to do.
10
Which of these makes the best thesis statement?
A
Michael Manley introduced Minimum Wage Law in the middle of his first four-year term
in the 1970s.
B
We shouldn't have Minimum Wage Law anymore.
C
The government needs to revise the Minimum Wage Law if it is going to strengthen the
business communitiy and stimulate consumer spending.