Writing Thesis Statements
An Interactive Activity to Develop
Effective Writing Skills
Adapted from:
http://www.slideshare.net/mr_rodriguez23/thesisidentifying-activity
Lesson Essential Questions
When given a writing prompt, how much
do you have to read to understand the
topic or purpose?
What is the purpose of writing a thesis
statement?
What are the components of a strong
thesis statement.
Thesis Statements
Give direction
An essay without a thesis
statement is like a car
without a driver
What is a thesis statement?
A thesis statement is a sentence used in an
essay that serves as the guide for the essay
and directly answers the question or task
asked of you.
What is a thesis NOT?
A factual statement
A topic sentence
TOPIC SENTENCE:
Bhutan is a small nation in South Asia.
Characteristics of a Thesis
Statement
Addresses the prompt clearly
Makes a claim or presents an argument
Is arguable (an opinion)
In first paragraph of essay
Does not use “You” or “We”
Let’s try to spot a thesis!
On each of the following slides, read
the writing prompt and the two sample
statements. Choose the one that is
the best choice for a thesis
1. Early on in life, people develop an admiration for
heroes. In a well-developed essay, discuss a person
you admire and why you chose this person.
Option A
One person I admire is Babe Ruth, who played
baseball from 1914 until 1935.
Option B
One person I admire is Babe Ruth, the greatest
baseball player of all time.
Incorrect
Option A
One person I admire is Babe Ruth, who played
baseball from 1914 until 1935.
Although this does address the writing prompt, this
is a factual statement. A thesis statement should
be something you can argue for or against.
Correct! Great Job!
Option B
One person I admire is Babe Ruth, the greatest
baseball player of all time.
This statement addresses the prompt, and presents
and opinion that can be argued.
2. Research indicates that our society has become more
violent. Crime is on the rise in both urban and rural areas. Many
adults are convinced that popular movies and video games
encourage young people to become violent. Do you agree or
disagree with the opinion that modern movies and/or video games
have contributed to the rise of violent crime in the United States?
Option A
Violent crime is not caused by movies and
video games because it is the parents’ fault.
Option B
Young people are influenced more by their parents,
environments, and friends than they are influenced by
violent video games and movies.
Incorrect
Option A
Violent crime is not caused by movies and video
games because it is the parents’ fault.
This thesis does present an opinion, but it doesn’t
address the entire prompt. It doesn’t specify teen
violence. How could all violent crime be the parents’
fault?
Correct!!!!
Option B
Young people are influenced more by their parents,
environments, and friends than they are influenced by
violent video games and movies.
This is correct because it addresses the all aspects of the prompt
and presents a clear opinion. This thesis lets the reader know
exactly how the rest of the paper will be laid out.
3. State law requires high school students to pass exit tests before
they graduate from high school. Consider carefully the advantages
and disadvantages of passing required exit tests. Do you agree or
disagree with making high-stakes exit tests, such as the Graduation
Test, a requirement for high school graduation?
Option A
Exit exams are a good idea because they can help
determine if students are ready for college or work and
help judge if teachers are doing their jobs.
Option B
If a student can pass all of his classes, he should still
graduate.
Correct! You are getting this!
Option A
Exit exams are a good idea because they can help
determine if students are ready for college or work and
help judge if teachers are doing their jobs.
This statement gives an argument, it presents the
details asked for in the prompt, and makes
reference to reasons to support the prompt.
Almost! But not quite.
Option B
If a student can pass all of his classes, he should
still graduate.
The reason it is not a good thesis is because it does
not address the whole prompt. Also it only presents
one point. This would work better as part of a body
paragraph.
4. Your school board is considering presenting all high–school classes online
as a means of cutting costs and taking advantage of technology. Consider
both situations: real-time, interactive virtual classrooms with all classes
conducted online so you could receive instruction while at home, or
classrooms filled with students and a teacher inside of a school that you
attend all day. Decide how these different modes of education would affect
you, your classmates, and the education you receive.
Option A
You shouldn’t switch to online classes because
we don’t have enough computers or money.
Option B
Online classes would not be a good idea because some
students do not have access to a computer and there would
be no teacher to help students understand the subject.
This one is tricky!
Option A
You shouldn’t switch to online classes because we
don’t have enough computers or money.
While this one does mention the prompt, it uses
“you” and “we.” Also, it is not a clearly arguable
statement.
Correct! You are on a roll!
Option B
Online classes would not be a good idea because some
students do not have access to a computer and there
would be no teacher to help students understand the
subject.
This statement gives an argument, and address all
aspects of the writing prompt (topic, effect, factors).
Notice how you do not have to go into detail, just
give the reader a hint of what you will write about.
5. Technology has changed our country a great deal in the last 10
years. Your social studies class is debating the importance of many
new inventions in today’s world. Decide which invention you think is
the most important.
Option A
Smart phones are the most important invention from the
last 10 years because they have changed the way people
learn, work, and communicate.
Option B
It is smart phones because they are like pocket
computers and help us do everything.
You are ready to write!
Option A
Smart phones are the most important invention from
the last 10 years because they have changed the
way people learn, work, and communicate.
There is an opinion, the prompt is addressed, and it
outlines the details of the paper.
Practice. You will get there.
Option
B
It is smart phones because they are like pocket
computers and help us do everything.
Again, this would be a perfect thesis statement, if
the prompt was completely mentioned and if it did
not use “us”.
Your Turn!!
You will know apply what you learned
by writing your own thesis statements to
writing prompts.
When reading back your thesis,
ask yourself a few questions
Did I address all
parts of the
prompt?
Can I argue
against this
statement?
Is it clear and
understandable?
Will I address all
this in my
essay?
Have you used
“you, “ we,” or
“us?”
Prompt #1: Teenage Driving
Writing Situation
The issue of teens and cars is widely debated. Some people believe that
having a car in high school is a necessity. Others believe that cars play too
great a role in a teenager’s life.
Directions for Writing
Write an article for your school newspaper discussing the advantages
and/or disadvantages of high school students having cars. Include
reasons, examples, or evidence to support your opinion.
Yes
No
Prompt #2: Free Education
Writing Situation
Historically, Americans have shown how much they value education by providing
free education for all students from kindergarten through high school. Many
Americans now believe that education should be extended to include free or low
cost college or vocational training after high school. Do you believe that some form
of education should be provided to high school graduates at no cost or at a low
cost?
Directions for Writing
Write a letter to your legislator clearly expressing your position on the issue of free
or low cost education or training for high school graduates. Convince the legislator
to support or oppose free or low cost education.
Yes
No
Prompt #3: Team Work
Writing Situation
The business world has adopted the idea of cooperation and team work to
increase productivity and solve problems. The belief is that teams can
accomplish more than one person alone. Your English teacher has
announced that your class might do major projects working in teams. If you
had a choice, would you choose to work as a team or to work alone?
Directions for Writing
Write a letter to your teacher convincing him or her that students should or
should not work in teams. Include reasons and examples in support of your
position.
Yes
No
Prompt #4: Dropping out
Writing Situation
Two of your high school friends are thinking about dropping out of school.
They are juniors, and they tell you they are tired of books, rules, and
useless classes. They want to get full-time jobs, so they can buy a car, get
an apartment, and live the good life. Some students in your class think
your friends are doing the right thing while others disagree. What do you
think?
Directions for Writing
Write a letter to your friends explaining why you support or oppose their
decision to leave school. Include reasons and evidence for your opinion.
Yes
No
Prompt #5: After-school Job
Writing Situation
When your grades began to fall, your parents said that you would have to
quit your part-time job. Because you must make your own car payments,
this decision means that you will not be able to keep your car. You are
concerned that you will get upset if you try to talk to your parents. Instead,
you decide to write them.
Directions for Writing
Write your parents a letter in which you try to convince them that you
should be given another chance to improve your grades without giving up
your job and car. Make your argument clear, complete, and convincing.
Yes
No
Prompt #6: Music for teens
Writing Situation
For generations, critics have complained about the influence music has on
young people. Yet music continues to be an important part of a teenager’s
life. What music is appropriate for teens?
Directions for Writing
Write a speech to these critics explaining the type or types of music that
you consider appropriate for teens. Present a well-developed argument.
Yes
No