Thesis Mastery
What is a thesis statement?
The main idea or claim of an essay, which tells the reader what the essay is about.
Name a transition word used to show contrast.
Examples: however, although, on the other hand, yet.
What is the difference between a simple sentence and a compound sentence?
A simple sentence has one independent clause; a compound sentence has two independent clauses joined by a conjunction.
What is an inference?
A conclusion based on evidence and reasoning.
What punctuation is missing?
"It's a beautiful day isnt it?"
An apostrophe in isn’t ("It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?").
True or False: A thesis statement should include specific reasons or ideas that will be discussed in the essay.
True
Fill in the blank with a transition:
I didn’t study for the test. ______, I was surprised to get an A.
However, Surprisingly, or Nonetheless.
Identify the type of sentence:
"Because I was late, I missed the bus."
Complex Sentence
What type of context clue helps you understand the meaning of “gregarious” in this sentence:
“John was gregarious, always chatting and laughing with everyone at the party.”
Definition or example clue.
Identify the spelling error:
"The student recieved an award for her essay."
Recieved should be received.
Identify the thesis:
"Although some people believe cell phones are a distraction, they are a valuable tool in education because they provide access to information and allow collaboration."
"Cell phones are a valuable tool in education because they provide access to information and allow collaboration."
Which transition would BEST connect these ideas?
"Teamwork helps people accomplish big goals. It can also lead to strong friendships."
Additionally, Furthermore, or Moreover.
Fix the sentence fragment:
"Running through the park on a sunny afternoon."
"I enjoyed running through the park on a sunny afternoon."
Infer the meaning of the underlined word:
“The torrential rain flooded the streets, making travel almost impossible.”
Torrential means heavy or intense.
Find the error:
"Each student must bring their own pencil."
Their should be his or her.
Which of these is a strong thesis?
a) People need help sometimes.
b) Receiving help from others is important because it builds trust and creates opportunities for growth.
b) Receiving help from others is important because it builds trust and creates opportunities for growth.
True or False: Repeating the same transition word throughout an essay makes it stronger.
False.
Rewrite the run-on sentence:
"The movie was exciting we watched it twice."
"The movie was exciting, so we watched it twice."
Why is it important to use context clues while reading?
To understand unfamiliar words.
Which is correct?
a) "We will leave at 7:00 a.m."
b) "We will leave at 7:00 am."
Answer: a) "We will leave at 7:00 a.m."
Rewrite this vague thesis to make it more specific:
"There are many ways to be successful in life."
(example): "Success in life often depends on setting goals, working hard, and seeking support from others."
Rewrite the following to improve flow using a transition:
"We won the championship. We worked hard every day to prepare."
"We won the championship because we worked hard every day to prepare."
Combine the sentences into one:
"She loves to read. She enjoys writing poems."
"She loves to read and enjoys writing poems."
Infer the meaning of this sentence:
“Despite his trepidation, he stepped onto the stage and delivered his speech confidently.”
Trepidation means fear or nervousness.
Correct this sentence:
"The cat chased it’s tail around the room."
"The cat chased its tail around the room."