Thesis Statements

Purpose

100

Where is the thesis statement located?

The last sentence in the intro paragraph

200

How should the thesis relate to the prompt?

The thesis should answer the question in the prompt, but not include details.

300

What is the purpose of a thesis statement?

To show what the essay is going to be about

400

Do the details have to be supported by the thesis?

Yes

500

Should the thesis give details about the paragraphs or only a general idea?

Only a general idea

"Do"s and "Don't"s

100

Should each paragraph have a thesis?

No

200

How many sentences should a thesis be?

1

300

Should the thesis list suptopics?

No

400

Should the thesis be supported by each paragraph?

Yes

500

Should a thesis be a general statement about the topic?

No.  The thesis should be overarching over the essay, but it should still provide an answer and relate specifically to the essay's details.

Examples

100

From this prompt: "Explain methods global warming could be stopped." Is the following a good thesis? Why? "Global warming threatens humanity."

No, as it does not answer the prompt

200

From this prompt: "Explain methods global warming could be stopped." Is this a good thesis? Why? "As global warming threatens humanity, people need to begin to start recycling.  This helps minimize waste and fossil fuels."

No, as it is multiple sentences and too detailed

300

From this prompt: "Explain methods global warming could be stopped." Is the following a good thesis? Why? "Global warming threatens humans, so people need to become informed, recycle, and use more eco-friendly power sources."

No, as the thesis lists reasons.

400

From this prompt: "Explain methods global warming could be stopped."  Is the following a good thesis? Why?  "As global warming threatens humans, people need to respect nature more to stop global warming."

No, as it makes it seem as though that is the only method and is too specific.  It does not include a phrase similar to "for a variety of reasons".

500

From this prompt: "Explain methods global warming could be stopped." Correct the following thesis: "Earth needs to be saved from global warming in multiple ways"

Something along the lines of "As global warming threatens Earth, we need to take multiple actions to stop global warming from hurting our ecosystem."  (Key parts: we need to, some details about global warming)