Crafting Strong Thesis Statements

Crafting Strong Thesis Statements

Read each question carefully and follow the directions. This worksheet will help you understand and write effective thesis statements.

A thesis statement is the main idea of an essay. It is usually one sentence that expresses the writer's position on a topic. It tells the reader what the essay will be about and helps to organize the writer's thoughts. A good thesis statement is clear, specific, and arguable (for argumentative essays).

1. Which of the following is the BEST example of a thesis statement?

2. A strong thesis statement should be all of the following EXCEPT:

Complete the following sentences to create strong thesis statements.

3. Because of its engaging plot and complex characters,   is a masterpiece of modern literature.

4. To improve students' learning, schools should implement   programs.

5. The primary causes of climate change are  .

6. Write a thesis statement for an essay arguing that students should have a longer summer break.

7. Write a thesis statement for an informational essay about the benefits of recycling.

Indicate whether each statement about thesis statements is True or False.

8. A thesis statement should always be the very first sentence of an essay.

9. A thesis statement can be a question that the essay will answer.

Match each characteristic of a strong thesis statement with its description.