Thesis Identifying activity

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 5

Writing Thesis Statements

Learning objective 

Given the definition and components of a thesis statement, along with a sample writing prompt with pre-written thesis statements, students will be able to distinguish the better  thesis statements by correctly identifying it. 

Discussion Questions

When you read a passage, how much do you have to read to understand the topic or purpose?

What is the purpose of writing an essay?

Thesis Statement

Gives Direction

Where am I going?

An essay without a thesis statement is like a car without a driver

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement is a sentence used in an essay that serves as the guide for the essay and directly answers the questions or task asked of you.

What is a thesis NOT?

1. a factual statement 
2. a topic sentence

Topic sentence:

Bhutan is a small nation in South Asia

A Thesis Statement

• addresses the prompt clearly
• makes a claim, or
• presents an argument
• is arguable (an opinion)
• in first paragraph of essay

Let's try to spot a thesis!

On each of the following slides, read the writing prompt and the two sample statements. Choose the one that is the best choice for a thesis.

1.  Early on in life, people develop an admiration for heroes. In a well-developed essay, discuss a person you admire and why you chose this person.

Best option 

Factual statement

option A

One person I admire is Babe Ruth, who played baseball from 1914 until 1935.

Option B

One person I admire is Babe Ruth, the greatest baseball player of all time. 

Incorrect 

option A

One person I admire is Babe Ruth, who played baseball from 1914 until 1935.

This does address the writing prompt, but this is a factual statement. A thesis statement should be something you can argue for or against.

Correct

Option B

One person I admire is Babe Ruth, the greatest baseball player of all time. 

This statement addresses the prompt, and presents an opinion that can be argued. 

2. ... Discuss the social, political and economic effects of World War II on the United States.

Best option 

focuses on one element

option A

World War II was a costly war that had a major impact on the economy of the United States. 

Option B

World War II not only affected the economy of the United States, but also altered the role of the American government and the American people forever. 

Prompt: Discuss the social, political and economic effects of World War II on the United States.

option A

World War II was a costly war that had a major impact on the economy of the United States. 

Incorrect 

Although this meets all the criteria for a thesis statement, it only addresses part of the writing prompt. Remember, the statement tells the reader what to expect. With this as a thesis, one would only expect to read only about the economic effect. 

Prompt: Discuss the social, political and economic effects of World War II on the United States.

Correct

World War II not only affected the economy of the United States, but also altered the role of the American government and the American people forever. 

Correct

This is correct because it addresses the social, economic and political effects as stated in the prompt. Notice that the words people (social) and government (political) were used in this statement. This makes the sentence more original and shows the reader that you know what "social" and "political" refer to.   

3. ...Describe three physical features of Latin America and their importance to the region.

Best option 

Factual Statement

option A

The Andes Mountains, the Amazon River and Yucatan Peninsula are the three most significant physical features in Latin America. 

Option B

Three physical features found in Latin America are the Andes Mountains, the Amazon River and the Yucatan Peninsula. 

Prompt: Describe three physical features of Latin America and their importance to the region.

Incorrect 

Three physical features found in Latin America are the Andes Mountains, the Amazon River and the Yucatan Peninsula. 

Incorrect

This is a topic sentence. The reason it is not a good thesis is because it does not present an argument or addresses  the whole prompt. It is a factual statement. To make it a strong thesis, you must add to it. 

Prompt: Describe three physical features of Latin America and their importance to the region.

Correct

The Andes Mountains, the Amazon River and Yucatan Peninsula are the three most significant physical features in Latin America

Correct!

This statement gives an argument, it presents the three physical features asked for in the prompt, and makes reference to the importance (significance).

4. Discuss the effect of climate and the vegetation on Sub-Saharan Africa. Be sure to discuss factors contributing to climate, and the impact human activity has on the vegetation. 

Best option 

not all topics are present

option A

Human activity is altering the  vegetation of Sub-Saharan Africa and causing desertification, which will have devastating effects on the people of the region. 

Option B

Even though the climate and vegetation of Sub-Saharan Africa varies as a result of latitude and human activity, they are still the two most important factors in determining the quality of life. 

Prompt: Discuss the effect of climate and the vegetation on Sub-Saharan Africa. Be sure to discuss factors contributing to climate, and the impact human activity has on the vegetation. 

Incorrect 

Human activity is altering the vegetation of Sub-Saharan Africa and causing desertification, which will have devastating effects on the people of the region. 

incorrect

This one would be perfect for a thesis, there is only one thing wrong with it. It does not address all of the writing prompt. It only addresses the vegetation, but not the climate or the factors for climate.

Prompt: Discuss the effect of climate and the vegetation on Sub-Saharan Africa. Be sure to discuss factors contributing to climate, and the impact human activity has on the vegetation. 

Even though the climate and vegetation of Sub-Saharan Africa varies as a result of latitude and human activity, they are still the two most important factors in determining the quality of life. 

Correct!

This statement gives an argument, and addresses all aspects of the writing prompt (topic, effect, factors). Notice how you do not have to go into detail, just give the reader a hint of what you will write about. 

5. In South Asia, globalization has played a big role in the developing economies of the region. Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization in one South Asian country.  

Best option 

not all topics are present

option A

Globalization in India has offered solutions to poverty for some and created more severe poverty for others. 

Option B

In  India, globalization has meant new jobs for India's middle class. 

Prompt: In South Asia, globalization has played a big role in the developing economies of the region. Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization in one South Asian country.  

Incorrect 

In India, globalization has meant new jobs for India's middle class

incorrect

Again, this prompt would be a perfect thesis statement, if the prompt only asked for the effects of globalization. The prompt, however, specifies positive and negative effects. This thesis is only focused on positive effects.  

Prompt: In South Asia, globalization has played a big role in the developing economies of the region. Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization in one South Asian country.  

Correct

Globalization in India has offered solutions to poverty for some and created more severe poverty for others. 

Correct!

There is an opinion (it has offered solutions, it has created more severe poverty). It addresses the positive (solutions) and negative (poverty) effects. 

Your turn!

You will now apply what you learned by writing your own thesis statement.

When reading back your thesis, ask yourself a few questions...

Ask yourself these questions

Did I address all parts of the prompt?

Can I argue against this statement?

Will I address this in my essay?

Is it grammatically correct? 

Is it clear and understandable?

Get used to writing thesis statements. You will need them as you continue your education