The Thesis Statements

1.True or False

100

True or False: A good thesis statement tells exactly what the paper will be about.

True. A thesis statement tells the reader what they will learn about in the body of the paper. 

200

True or False: A good thesis statement sticks to one main idea and at least two supporting details. 

True. A good thesis statement will focus on the one, central idea of the essay that provides at least two reasons to support the topic. 

300

True or False: You write the thesis statement in the last sentence in the conclusion paragraph.

False. Last sentence in the introductory paragraph

400

True or False: Your thesis statement states the main idea of the essay in two sentences.

False. Often in one complete sentence.

500

True or False: "Child abuse is a terrible problem.", the above statement is a poor thesis statement.

True. This statement is only pointing out the obvious--most reasonable people agree that child abuse is both terrible, and a problem.

2. The best thesis statement and explain why

100

Which of the following makes the best thesis statement? A: Even though marriage is a strong and respected institution in Russia, more and more people are choosing to live together before marriage, despite the cultural pressures. B: I am going to explain why many couples in Russia are choosing to live together rather than get married. C: Marriage in Russia

A. A thesis statement should not directly announce your topic by using phrases such as, "This essay will talk about…"

200

Which of these is a thesis statement? A. Knowing a foreign language. B. Why should people know a foreign language? C. Knowing a foreign language is a very useful skill because it can help one advance in a career, relate better to others, and open one's mind to the ideas of another culture.

C. A thesis statement is a complete sentence. A thesis statement is not a question.

300

Which of these is a thesis statement? A. Michaelangelo's artwork is powerful because of its strong spiritual undertones. B. Michaelangelo's artwork is famous and is admired by many. C. Michaelangelo was a great artist in Rome during the 1500's.

A. 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.

400

Which of these makes the best thesis statement? A. The reasons why I came to the United States to study. B. The reasons why I came to the United States to study were to educate myself and then to return to Tunisia to apply my education. C. There were many reasons why I came to the United States to study.

B. 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.

500

Which of these makes the best thesis statement? A. Franklin Delano Roosevelt began the system of Social Security during the depression years in the 1930s. B. We shouldn't have Social Security anymore. C. The current system of Social Security needs a complete overhaul in administration and philosophy if it is going to benefit future generations.

C. A-a fact; B-too general; C-states one main idea with two subtopics.

3. Choose the best thesis statement

100

A. Scarification among the different ethnic groups in Ethiopia reflects the pride that people have for their tribe as well as the desire for identification between groups. B. Why people from many ethnic groups in Ethiopia scar themselves. C. In this essay, I will explain why people from many different ethnic groups in Ethiopia scar themselves.

A.

200

A. "Timkat" is the most important holiday in my country. The most important events that make up this holiday include the procession of priests, mass, communion, and finally baptism. B. An important holiday in my country is Timkat, which means epiphany. Many events are included in this holiday. C. I am going to describe an important holiday in my country.

A

300

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. 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.

C

400

A. Some of the major causes behind common diseases in the United States 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 the United States today? C. This essay examines some of the major causes behind many of our diseases in the United States today.

A.

500

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.

B.

4. Rewrite the thesis statement: All Groups

100

Nominate one person from your group to write the revision on the board. 

Explain the benefits of playing team sports.

Example: 

There are many benefits to playing team sports to include:  

200

Nominate one person from your group to write the revision on the board. 

Explain how exercise is good for your health.

Example: 

Exercise is good for your health because......

300

Nominate one person from your group to write the revision on the board. 

Explain the benefits of a good friend.

Example: 

There are many benefits of a good friend to include....

400

Nominate one person from your group to write the revision on the board. 

Decide: Should the driving age be changed?

Example: 

The driving age should be changed because....

The driving age should not be changed because...

500

Nominate one from your group and write the revision on the board.

Explain the benefits of education.

Example:

Education is beneficial because it.....