Thesis Statements
What is the purpose of a thesis statement in an essay?
To determine the main points or focus of an essay and its sub-topics.
Each body paragraph focuses on what?
One point from the thesis statement.
What is a Hook?
It is the first sentence and grabs the reader's attention by stating (or asking) something interesting or unique to create a sense of wanting to continue the reading process.
It goes here: (_______ 45).
Author's last name
What is part of the MLA header? List all 4 parts in order.
Header with: your first and last name, teacher name, class, and date (4 May 2026).
A thesis statement should generally include ___________ main points for shorter essays.
Three
(Though this number will change as needed, or it could be three broad points with smaller points within those three.)
Every paragraph in any formal essay should always be at least __________ sentences in length.
At least three (3) sentences in length.
This is true for all paragraphs--min. of three (3). However, five (5) - eight (8) sentences will make for a stronger paragraph.
What goes between your Hook and your Thesis Statement in your introduction?
The BRIDGE (your introductory information/ background info/broad-to-specific) is a series of sentences in the introduction that establishes context, leading the reader from the Hook to the Thesis Statement.
TRUE or FALSE:
A quote can be dropped into a paper as long as it has an in-text citation at its end.
FALSE
Quotes should be grounded in your own words. Such as:
Mr. Jensen reminded students that "floating quotes will not be acceptable" ("Words of Wisdom" 73).
In an essay, titles of books should be:
a. bold
b. in quotation marks
c. underlined or italicized
d. left alone
c. underlined or italicized
When revising an essay, is it acceptable to EVER edit a thesis statement?
Yes
Each body paragraph should begin with a:
Topic Sentence, and possibly, a transition connecting it to the last paragraph.
Why is a conclusion paragraph important in a five paragraph essay?
To rephrase and summarize the points of the thesis so that the reader understands the importance of each.
True or False: It is NOT mandatory to have citations in the introduction of an essay.
TRUE.
While citations MIGHT be necessary based on the information given, it is possible to write an introduction without parenthetical citations. You should never start trying to PROVE your points until you get into your Body Paragraphs.
Double spacing DOES NOT MEAN hitting the spacebar twice between sentences or words.
What should you select to double space your writing?
1. Highlight the entirety of all pages
2. Find the "Line and Paragraph Spacing" icon
3. Select "double"
The points of the thesis statement become what in your essay?
The topics for the body paragraphs of the essay.
Each body paragraph should end by:
Concluding the paragraph, and possibly, transitioning to the next paragraph.
Should the introduction be restated word-for-word in the conclusion?
Never.
Your goal is to phrase it in a new way that helps present the same goal to the reader, but now, as a reminder and a reflection on what you've talked about.
True or False: Sourced information about a new idea should be used in a conclusion to help add support to an author's writing.
FALSE.
It is TRUE that sourced work along with parenthetical citations should be used in an essay wherever helpful to prove the author's main points of the essay's thesis. This includes the conclusion; however, a conclusion should NEVER have NEW ideas or material.
In MLA, what goes in the upper right-hand corner?
Your page number and last name.
Where should a thesis statement be written in an essay?
At the end of the first (or introductory) paragraph.
What types of evidence did we practice using in body paragraphs with your research essay and expository essay?
Quotes from articles, stories, etc.
True or False: If the introduction becomes too long, it is acceptable to move the thesis to the first body paragraph (or second paragraph) of the essay:
FALSE.
The thesis statement is always to appear at the end of the first paragraph (the introduction) of the essay.
It is possible to write a two-part introduction with two introductory paragraphs, but that is something different, and should not be used for shorter papers.
Which of the following is a correct example of using and citing evidence?
a. On page 178 of Double Fudge by Judy Blume, Fudge reveals that their uncle has to wear a splint for 6 weeks.
b. Fudge says to Pete, "Six weeks! ... That's how long Uncle Feather's going to wear his splint" (Blume 178).
c. Fudge tells Pete that their uncle has to wear a splint for 6 weeks. He says "six weeks thats how long uncle feathers going to wear his splint." Page 178.
d. Fudge says to Pete, "Six weeks!...That's how long Uncle Feather's going to wear his splint." (Blume 178)
b. Fudge says to Pete, "Six weeks!...That's how long Uncle Feather's going to wear his splint" (Blume 178).
DAILY DOUBLE!
In MLA, your writing should be precisely formatted, and this includes removing any extra spacing. For instance, the spacing between paragraphs should not have a gap in them. If they do, what do you need to de-select to fix that?
1. Highlight the entirety of all pages
2. Find the "Line and Paragraph Spacing" icon
3. Select "remove spacing before paragraph" OR "remove spacing after paragraph"