Examples

Middle School Thesis Statement

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how to write a thesis for middle school

In middle school, students begin to familiarize themselves with the concept of thesis statements , laying the groundwork for more complex writing tasks in the future. Crafting a thesis statement at this level is crucial for developing strong writing skills and analytical thinking. This guide provides middle schoolers with essential examples, a step-by-step approach to writing, and helpful tips to ensure they create compelling and clear thesis statements to elevate their essays and reports.

What is a thesis statement for middle schoolers? – Definition

A thesis statement for middle schoolers is a concise sentence or two that clearly presents the main idea or argument of a piece of writing. It serves as a roadmap for readers, helping them understand what the writer intends to convey or prove. For middle school students, a thesis statement often takes a simpler form than in more advanced academic writing but remains essential for guiding the direction of their essays, reports, or projects.

What is a good thesis statement Example for Middle School?

“Despite its reputation for being an aggressive breed, with proper training and socialization, pit bulls can be loyal and gentle family pets.”

A Good thesis statement provides a clear stance on the topic (the nature of pit bulls) and gives a hint about the supporting points the essay might discuss (training and socialization). It’s straightforward and suitable for the middle school level.

100 Thesis Statement Example for Middle School

Thesis Statement Example for Middle School

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Crafting a clear and compelling thesis statement in middle school lays the foundation for advanced essay writing in high school and beyond. These statements are simpler than their high school thesis statement counterparts but serve the crucial role of guiding the direction of an argument or analysis. Here, we provide a selection of examples tailored for the budding middle school writer.

  • Recycling is vital for preserving our planet for future generations.
  • School uniforms promote a sense of community among students.
  • Homework should be limited to ensure students have enough time for extracurricular activities.
  • Solar energy is an eco-friendly alternative that should be explored more.
  • Physical education should be mandatory in every grade.
  • Reading books enhances creativity more than watching TV.
  • Social media platforms should have age restrictions.
  • Zoos do more harm than good by imprisoning animals.
  • Students should have the option to learn a musical instrument in school.
  • Public libraries are essential resources for communities.
  • Bullying in schools needs stricter policies and consequences.
  • Technology in classrooms enhances the learning experience.
  • The Harry Potter series has revolutionized children’s literature.
  • Parents should limit video game hours for children.
  • Field trips provide a unique and invaluable learning experience.
  • Cursive writing is a skill that should still be taught in schools.
  • Schools should offer more foreign language options from an early age.
  • Year-round schooling is beneficial for student retention.
  • Team sports teach valuable life skills like teamwork and leadership.
  • The school cafeteria should prioritize healthy food options.
  • Art and music classes are as essential as science and math.
  • Volunteering should be encouraged in middle school.
  • Outdoor learning can be a valuable addition to traditional classrooms.
  • History lessons should cover diverse cultures and perspectives.
  • Summer vacations are essential for students’ mental well-being.
  • Pets in school can aid in stress reduction and emotional learning.
  • Teachers should integrate more modern literature into the curriculum.
  • Learning a second language benefits cognitive development.
  • Excessive testing can put undue stress on students.
  • Schools should have programs that teach financial literacy.
  • Mobile phones in schools are more distracting than beneficial.
  • Gardening programs teach students about sustainability and biology.
  • Early bedtimes benefit students’ concentration and health.
  • Schools should incorporate more hands-on experiments in science classes.
  • The study of mythology offers insights into various cultures.
  • Students should learn about global current events in addition to history.
  • Virtual reality can revolutionize classroom learning.
  • Longer recess breaks benefit students’ concentration.
  • Online learning platforms are vital tools for modern education.
  • Schools should encourage students to read newspapers.
  • Space exploration should be a part of the school curriculum.
  • Schools should host annual events celebrating cultural diversity.
  • Students should be educated about internet safety.
  • Math can be made fun through interactive learning tools.
  • Public speaking lessons can boost students’ confidence.
  • Schools should teach students about healthy eating habits.
  • Parents and teachers need to collaborate for students’ success.
  • Peer mentoring can help students adjust to middle school.
  • Schools should have counselors to address students’ mental health.
  • Writing in journals can improve students’ writing skills.
  • Students should be taught the importance of voting from an early age.
  • Environmental education is crucial for a sustainable future.
  • Ancient civilizations offer valuable lessons for the modern world.
  • Students benefit from learning through documentaries and films.
  • Creative writing boosts imagination and communication skills.
  • Schools should emphasize the importance of critical thinking.
  • Robotics clubs can foster interest in science and technology.
  • The education system should prioritize experiential learning.
  • Schools should have programs that promote kindness and empathy.
  • Learning about world religions fosters tolerance and understanding.
  • Digital literacy is as important as traditional literacy.
  • Daily reading time in schools can enhance vocabulary and comprehension.
  • Parent-teacher meetings should be held regularly.
  • Schools should reduce the emphasis on grades.
  • Education on climate change is essential for younger generations.
  • Schools should offer classes on basic life skills.
  • Celebrating achievements, big or small, boosts students’ morale.
  • Schools should have workshops on time management.
  • Middle schoolers benefit from learning about careers and professions.
  • Setting personal goals can drive academic success.
  • Debates in school foster analytical and critical thinking.
  • Learning about entrepreneurship encourages innovation.
  • Schools should prioritize classes on ethics and morality.
  • Students should be exposed to various forms of art.
  • Science clubs can inspire future scientists and researchers.
  • Middle schoolers should be educated on digital privacy.
  • Learning through games makes education more engaging.
  • Schools should encourage independent research projects.
  • Students benefit from understanding different political systems.
  • Physical activity breaks can enhance classroom focus.
  • Schools should have a broader range of extracurricular activities.
  • Peer feedback sessions can improve writing skills.
  • Astronomy should be introduced to middle schoolers.
  • Community service projects instill a sense of responsibility.
  • Middle schools should offer classes on logic and reasoning.
  • Real-world math problems make learning more applicable.
  • Schools should provide resources for learning beyond textbooks.
  • Geography lessons should include current world events.
  • Middle schoolers should be educated about online scams and fraud.
  • Schools should promote creativity over rote learning.
  • Workshops on effective communication benefit students in the long run.
  • Learning about local history connects students to their community.
  • Schools should educate students on the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
  • Teaching negotiation skills can be beneficial in everyday life.
  • Outdoor adventure programs can boost teamwork and leadership.
  • Schools should foster a love for lifelong learning.
  • Middle schoolers benefit from understanding basic economics.
  • Drama and theater can enhance students’ expressive skills.
  • Schools should have more guest speakers from various professions.
  • Learning about nutrition can promote lifelong healthy habits.

Thesis Statement Examples for 6th Grade Students

At this age, students begin to form stronger opinions and arguments. The thesis statements are simple, clear, and easy to support with evidence.

  • Dogs make better pets than cats because they are more loyal and trainable.
  • Reading books helps improve imagination more than watching TV.
  • Video games can teach important life skills if played in moderation.
  • Homework should be limited on weekends to encourage outdoor activities.
  • Solar energy is better than fossil fuels for preserving the environment.
  • Field trips are essential for hands-on learning in schools.
  • Eating vegetables is crucial for growing kids as they provide essential nutrients.
  • Winter is the best season because it brings holidays and snow sports.
  • Recycling should be made compulsory in all schools.
  • Swimming is the most beneficial sport for overall health in kids.

Thesis Statement Examples for 7th Grade Students

As students mature, their thesis statements can tackle more complex issues, yet remain concise and debatable.

  • Online schooling can be just as effective as traditional schooling when implemented correctly.
  • Cursive writing should still be taught in schools despite the rise of technology.
  • Social media has more negative effects than positive ones for teenagers.
  • Schools should start later in the morning to ensure students get enough sleep.
  • Zoos do more harm than good by keeping animals in captivity.
  • All students should learn a second language from a young age.
  • Students should wear uniforms to promote equality and reduce distractions.
  • Fast food consumption leads to severe health problems in young individuals.
  • Art and music classes are as important as core subjects in middle school.
  • Bullying in schools can have long-term mental effects on victims.

Thesis Statement Examples for 8th Grade Students

At this stage, students delve deeper into societal issues and controversies, offering a nuanced perspective in their statements.

  • Climate change is the most pressing issue of our generation and requires immediate action.
  • Genetic modification in food can be beneficial if regulated properly.
  • Animal testing for cosmetics should be banned worldwide.
  • The age for acquiring a driver’s license should be raised to 18.
  • Reality TV promotes unhealthy stereotypes and should be viewed with skepticism.
  • Technology addiction in teenagers is leading to decreased physical activity.
  • Students should be educated about the dangers of tobacco and alcohol from a younger age.
  • The internet, though beneficial, has also given rise to increasing cyberbullying cases.
  • Schools should actively promote STEM subjects for girls.
  • Historical monuments representing controversial figures should be preserved with context.

Middle School Thesis Statement Examples for Persuasive Essay

Persuasive essays aim to convince readers to adopt a particular viewpoint. The persuasive essay thesis statement should be compelling and offer a clear stance.

  • Planting trees in urban areas is vital for maintaining air quality and community health.
  • Junk food in school cafeterias contributes to childhood obesity and should be replaced.
  • Digital textbooks are more efficient and eco-friendly than paper ones.
  • Physical education classes should be mandatory throughout middle school.
  • Restricting screen time for children encourages better sleep and healthier habits.
  • Volunteering should be integrated into the school curriculum for character development.
  • Parents should monitor their children’s online activities to ensure safety.
  • Students should have more say in designing the school curriculum.
  • Reward systems in schools can boost motivation and performance.
  • Local communities should invest more in public libraries.

Middle School Thesis Statement Examples for Argumentative Essay

Argumentative essays thesis statement present arguments on both sides. The thesis states a clear position on a contentious issue.

  • Animal experimentation is unjustifiable, regardless of its potential benefits to humans.
  • Introducing foreign languages in early grades leads to better cognitive development.
  • Surveillance cameras in schools infringe on student privacy rights.
  • The benefits of space exploration far outweigh the associated costs.
  • All middle schools should adopt a vegetarian menu for environmental and health reasons.
  • The grading system in schools stifles creativity and individualism.
  • Strict parental controls on the internet are a necessity in today’s digital age.
  • Public transportation should be free for students to encourage its use.
  • Corporal punishment in schools does more harm than good.
  • Modern educational technology tools enhance learning more than traditional methods.

Middle School Thesis Statement Examples for Informational Essay

Informational essays present factual information. The thesis sets the stage for the topic to be explored.

  • The water cycle is an essential natural process that supports life on Earth.
  • Ancient Egyptian pyramids were architectural marvels and had significant cultural importance.
  • Photosynthesis is the process through which plants produce their food and release oxygen.
  • The Great Wall of China, built over centuries, served as protection and a symbol of power.
  • Hurricanes are powerful storms that arise from specific atmospheric conditions.
  • The life cycle of a butterfly consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
  • The human skeletal system provides structure and supports bodily movements.
  • Mars, often called the “Red Planet,” has intrigued scientists for potential signs of life.
  • The Amazon Rainforest, the world’s largest tropical rainforest, hosts unparalleled biodiversity.
  • The Internet’s invention has revolutionized communication, information access, and business.

How do you write a thesis statement for middle schoolers? – Step by Step Guide

  • Understand the Purpose of a Thesis Statement : Begin by explaining to middle schoolers that a thesis statement expresses the main point of their essay and serves to guide the ideas within it. It tells the reader what to expect.
  • Select a Topic : Encourage students to choose a topic they are passionate about or one they’d like to explore. The more interest they have in a topic, the easier it will be to write about.
  • Ask a Question About the Topic : After selecting a topic, have them phrase it as a question. For example, if the topic is “recycling,” the question could be, “Why is recycling important for our environment?”
  • Answer the Question : The answer to this question can form the basis of the thesis statement. Using the above example, an answer might be: “Recycling is essential for our environment because it reduces waste, conserves resources, and minimizes the impact on landfills.”
  • Keep It Specific : Ensure that the thesis is not too vague. A good thesis provides a clear and specific point. Instead of writing, “Books are good,” they might write, “Reading books enhances vocabulary, improves concentration, and encourages empathy.”
  • Limit to One or Two Sentences : A thesis should be concise. Middle schoolers should be taught to express their main idea succinctly.
  • Avoid Opinion Phrases : Teach them to avoid starting their thesis with phrases like “I think” or “I believe.” The thesis should assert a fact or a stance, not merely present an opinion.
  • Revise and Refine : Encourage rewriting the thesis a few times to make it stronger and clearer. As they gather more information for their essay, their thesis might need adjustments.
  • Seek Feedback : Have students share their thesis statements with peers or teachers for feedback. Others can provide insight into whether the statement is clear and convincing.
  • Practice Makes Perfect : Provide ample opportunities for middle schoolers to practice writing thesis statements on various topics. Over time, the process will become more intuitive.

Tips for Writing a Thesis Statement for Middle School Students

  • Start Simple : Especially for younger middle school students, starting with a simple and straightforward topic can make the process less intimidating.
  • Use Templates : Offering a template can be beneficial. For instance: “[Topic] is essential because of [Reason 1], [Reason 2], and [Reason 3].”
  • Always Back it Up : Remind students that whatever claim they make in their thesis, they should have evidence or reasons to back it up in the essay.
  • Stay Flexible : Let students know it’s okay to change their thesis as they delve deeper into a topic. Research might lead them to a different perspective.
  • Be Clear and Direct : Encourage students to avoid jargon or overly complex words. Their thesis should be easily understood.
  • Avoid Being Too Broad : A common mistake is making a thesis too broad. For instance, instead of saying “Pollution is bad,” they could specify, “Plastic waste harms marine life.”
  • Practice Debates : Allow students to practice debating on various topics. This helps them learn to form arguments, which can translate into stronger thesis statements.
  • Use Real-World Examples : Relating the thesis statement to current events or real-world issues can make the process more engaging and relevant for students.
  • Stay Organized : Teach students the importance of outlining their essays. This can help them see where their thesis fits and how their arguments should be structured.
  • Encourage Creativity : While the structure of a thesis has a specific format, students can still be creative in how they present their main ideas.

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6 Activities to Teach How to Write A Thesis Statement

If there’s any literacy skill you would want your English Language Arts students to master, it would probably be how to write a thesis statement . If you want to teach your students how to write powerful, eloquent, and exceptionally captivating thesis statements, then you’ll love the activities in this article.

The key to any good essay is a strong thesis statement. A strong thesis statement sets the tone and clarifies the author’s purpose : it tells you the writer’s opinion, along with the level of thought and criticism that has gone into formulating it.

A strong thesis statement also creates an alluring introduction paragraph. This makes each paper in your grading pile a lot more inviting.

How do you teach students to write a thesis statement to make their audience continue reading? This blog post explores six activities to teach how to write a thesis statement.

Activities to Teach How to Write a Thesis Statement in High School

1. Differentiate Between Strong and Weak Thesis Statements

Writing a thesis statement might be a new skill for your students. Thesis statements are often taught as a topic sentence or the “whole essay boiled down into one sentence.” This can be a challenging concept for your students to grasp.

To teach how to write a thesis statement, have a discussion about what makes a strong thesis statement. You can turn this into a collaborative lesson by brainstorming clarifying statements ; these statements dictate what a thesis is and is not.

For example: “ A proper thesis statement is written in one sentence ,” or “ a proper thesis statement is directly related to the rest of the essay .” This is a great opportunity to teach students the difference between concepts like a “topic sentence” or a “hook.”

Your students can use this free bookmark to differentiate between a strong thesis statement and a weak one. This slideshow lesson also explores clarifying statements with detailed examples.

How to scaffold thesis statements: the ultimate guide

2. Evaluate Thesis Statement Examples

Now that students have plenty of guidelines, challenge their understanding by evaluating thesis statement examples . You can use thesis statement examples from past students’ essays. You can even write your own examples based on the clarifying statements you create with your class.

If you’re open to your students receiving constructive, anonymous criticism , you can even have them write a thesis statement and evaluate each one as a class. I’ve had success with providing students with a thesis statement topic and having them write a thesis statement. Then, I prompt them to swap with their elbow partner to offer feedback.

If you’d rather provide a comprehensive list of thesis statements that reflect the common errors you would typically see in students’ essays, there are several student examples in this introductory lesson on how to write a thesis statement – this is one of my favourite activities for teaching thesis statement writing!

Scaffolding How to Write Thesis Statements

3. Provide a Thesis Statement Template

One of the easiest ways to teach how to write a thesis statement is to offer a thesis statement template . There are a variety of thesis statement templates that students can use as a framework for their essays. I start with a basic template that involves the three parts of a thesis statement: a topic, position, and evidence . I then demonstrate to students how they can create variations of this template, depending on which order they introduce each part. You can find examples for each template in these thesis statement handouts .

You can also introduce a few sentence styles to your students. These styles scaffold eloquent thesis statements. They also offer students the space to articulate their thoughts without exceeding the one-sentence limit.

Sentence Styles for the Three Parts of a Thesis Statement

Here are a few sentence styles that incorporate the three parts of a thesis statement. Each style also includes an example written by a real student:

  • Style A : “Noun phrase; Noun phrase; Noun phrase – Independent Clause” Example: “The promotion of hygiene; the presence of medical professionals; the prevention of death – these are all reasons why supervised injection services are an important facet of public health.”
  • Style B : If (subject + verb + object phrase), if (subject + verb + object phrase ), if (subject + verb + object phrase ), then (independent clause) Example: “If taxpayers do not wish to have their money allocated to cruelty, if more than 100 million animals die from animal testing a year, if alternatives to animal testing exist, then governments should ban the practice of testing on animals.”
  • Style C : Independent clause: subject + verb, subject + verb, subject + verb Example: “College education should be entirely funded by the government: student debt would be eliminated, education would not be commodified, and access to education would not be exclusive to privileged people.”

All of these sentence styles are outlined in these practice worksheets for how to write a thesis statement, with writing prompts to reinforce each thesis statement template through repeated practice.

Thesis Statement Templates for Teaching Writing in ELA

4. Daily Practice Activities to Teach How to Write a Thesis Statement

One of the most effective ways to teach how to write a thesis statement is through repeated practice. You can do this by incorporating daily bell ringers into your persuasive writing unit. To assign this activity, I provide students with three topics to choose from. I then prompt them to develop an opinion and write a thesis statement for one.

I’ll also include bell ringers that provide a thesis statement that students need to evaluate. Students really enjoy these drills! They get the opportunity to develop opinions on interesting topics, and many of them choose to explore these ideas as the subject of their final research paper.

If you’re looking for pre-made worksheets with thesis statement activities, these daily thesis statement bell ringers include one month’s worth of thesis statement prompts, graphic organizers, and templates in both digital and ready-to-print format.

5. Use a Self-Assessment Thesis Statement Anchor Chart

You can provide students with a thesis statement anchor chart to reference the guidelines and rules they’ve learned. A personalized anchor chart is best – like this free thesis statement bookmark – so that students can have it on hand while they are reading and writing.

You can distribute the anchor chart at the beginning of your research paper unit. Students can refer to it while evaluating thesis statement examples or completing daily practice activities. A thesis statement anchor chart has been a complete game-changer in my classroom, and I’m pleased to learn that many of my students have held on to these after completing my course.

Teaching thesis statements in high school ELA

6. Provide Engaging Thesis Statement Topics

You can collaborate with your students to generate an engaging list of good topics for thesis statements. Start by writing down every topic that your students suggest. Then, you can narrow this list down to avoid broad, far-reaching thesis statements that lead to a watered-down essay. When I make this list with my students, we end up with topics that are truly engaging for them. I also have the opportunity to clarify which topics might be a little too vague or broad for an exceptional essay.

For example, students often suggest topics like “racism” or “the problem with school.” These are learning opportunities to demonstrate to students that a great thesis statement is the essential starting point for an even greater essay.

To elaborate, a topic like racism has different implications all over the world. It is far too complex to explore in a single, 750-word essay. Instead, we work together to narrow this topic down to something like “racism in the media,” or even better, “representation in Hollywood.”

Additionally, a topic like “the problem with school” is more of a conclusion. To solve this, we work backward to identify some of the aspects of our school that make it an obstacle . This can include uniforms, early starts, or cell phone policies. This process leads students to a more concise topic, like “cell phone policies in twenty-first-century schools.”

If you’re looking for engaging thesis statement topics to inspire your students, I’ve included a list of 75 argumentative essay topics in this practice unit for how to write a thesis statement .

Tying it All Together

There are plenty of fun thesis statement activities and practice lessons that you can incorporate into your curriculum. Give thesis statements the love and attention they deserve in the classroom – after all, they truly are the most important part of a research essay.

All of the worksheets, lessons, and activities explored in this blog post are included in Mondays Made Easy’s unit for teaching how to write a thesis statement . This bundle has everything you need to teach your students how to master their thesis statements and apply these essential literacy skills to their writing.

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How to Teach Middle School Students to Write a Thesis Sentence

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A lesson teaching middle school students how to write a thesis statement should use a simple step-by-step process that teaches them exactly what a thesis statement is, explains the difference between argumentative statements and facts, and encourages the class to become an active part of the learning process through collaboration and discussion. By the end of your lesson, students should be able to write their own thesis statements at home.

Write a factual statement on the board, such as "The sky is blue." Then write an argumentative statement, such as "The sky is bluest in the summer." Show the students the difference between the two statements and explain that a thesis must an arguable statement.

Write a broad question on the board, such as "What would make school less boring?" Call on students to offer answers, and list some of the best on the board.

Turn the answers into arguments by combining them with the question to form a single thesis sentence, such as "School would be less boring if group work was maximized in the classroom."

Assign a separate topic and instruct students to brainstorm and develop their own thesis statements at home.

  • Pick topics that are of interest to middle schoolers, such as school or aspects of pop culture.
  • Create a collaborative atmosphere by inviting students to interject their own opinions and beliefs, thus personalizing the learning process.
  • Limit the amount of time you spend talking "at" students. Format your lecture like a conversation in order to stave off classroom boredom and torpor.

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  • Purdue Online: Purdue Online Writing Lab: Thesis Writing, Elyssa Tardiff/Allen Brizee, 2/24/2011
  • www.Dummies.com: How-To: Forming a Thesis, Copyright 2011 Wiley Publishing

Neil Richter began his writing career in 2007. He has served as a writing tutor and published reviews in the local Illinois newspaper "The Zephyr." Richter holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in English literature and film from Knox College in Galesburg, Ill.

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How to Write a Thesis Statement in Four Easy Steps

Everyone knows that a good thesis statement is clear, specific, and focused. It draws the reader’s attention to your topic and announces your perspective on the topic.

But while teachers often tell you what to put in your thesis statement, they don’t always tell you how to write a thesis statement. The four steps below will show you how to write thesis statements quickly and effectively.

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5 Tips for Teaching How to Write A Thesis Statement

5 Tips for Teaching How to Write A Thesis Statement

The first time I had students write a thesis, I assumed they knew how to do it. After all, I learned all about the five-paragraph essay myself in middle school in the same school district. To my disappointment, not a single student knew how to write an adequate thesis statement. I realized it was a skill I was going to have to teach myself. After several papers and many years, here are my tips for teaching how to write a thesis statement. 

Image of students in a classroom writing with text overlay that says,

Tips for Teaching How to Write a Thesis Statement #1: Teach Directly

You need a whole lesson around the thesis statement. 

how to write a thesis for middle school

It can be ten minutes or a whole class period with note-taking and an activity. 

But you have to spend some time directly teaching the thesis statement. You can’t expect students–even seniors in high school–to know what a thesis statement is, its purpose, or where it’s supposed to go. 

If you’re teaching an essay writing unit, go ahead and explain the whole essay structure. But make sure you plan some time to specifically touch on the thesis statement and its role. 

Don’t have a thesis-specific lesson? Check out my five-paragraph essay mini-lessons here , which include some thesis-specific slides. 

Tips for Teaching How to Write a Thesis Statement #2: Explain The Role of a Thesis

I think it’s easy for students to grasp the concept of a thesis. It states what the essay is going to be about. They can get that.

But I think it’s much harder for students to understand how the thesis also guides and outlines the rest of the essay.  

how to write a thesis for middle school

By the time they’re writing the conclusion statements for their body paragraphs, they’ve forgotten their own thesis and rarely reference it. Instead of letting their thesis dictate the topic of their body paragraphs, they get stuck trying to come up with something new.

Don’t just tell students what a thesis is. Spend some time showing them how the thesis continues to be referenced in every following paragraph. Show them how the ideas presented in their thesis statement will guide the following paragraphs. 

Not sure how? This Unscramble the 5-Paragraph Essay Activity is a great start . Students will have to put the sentences in an essay in order, which can lead to some great discussions about how a strong thesis statement adds clarity to the rest of the essay’s structure.

Tips for Teaching How to Write a Thesis Statement #3: Give Students A Framework 

If your students are struggling with writing strong thesis statements, give them a framework. 

I know as teachers, it can get really boring to read “W is true because X, Y, Z.” But the structure does work, and it’s a great place for struggling writers to start. 

If you’ve used other writing frameworks in class (such as claim, evidence, and reasoning or C-E-R ), your students will be familiar with having a structure for their writing. They’ll be familiar with the concept already and a lot more confident producing their own thesis statements. 

how to write a thesis for middle school

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Tips for Teaching How to Write a Thesis Statement #4: Provide Lots of Examples

As with teaching all new skills, you can never have enough examples. 

how to write a thesis for middle school

If your students are writing essays, provide them with examples for the topic they’re covering. But also provide lots of examples for other essay topics.

Give them examples that are both strong and weak, and let them discuss why each is which. 

Let them peer-edit one another’s thesis statements. 

You can do this in a note-taking style lesson, sit and get discussions, or, my personal favorite, a gallery walk. 

If this last idea is interesting to you, check out my Writing Strong Thesis Statements Activity . You’ll place examples of both strong and weak thesis statements around the room. Then, students will have to walk around the room, identifying which statements are strong and which are weak. It’s a great jumping off point for deeper discussions around effective theses. 

Tips for Teaching How to Write a Thesis Statement #5: Give Sentence Starters for More Scaffolding

If your students are still struggling, give them sentence starters. 

Provide students with the thesis statement itself. Leave a blank for their overall argument and their three supporting reasons (if that’s the structure you expect from them). 

Even if your students do alright with writing thesis statements, it might be nice to offer a variety of sentence starters to encourage them to try a new structure for their thesis. 

Image of a student writing with text overlay that says,

Bonus Tip: Teach the Plural Form

This is a little silly, but I thought I would add it. Teach students that the plural of “thesis” is “theses.”

Every time I use the word “theses” in my classroom, students are tickled by it. I’m not sure why they find the plural version so odd, but it’s an interesting tidbit you can casually share with your students during one of your essay-writing lessons.

Image of a student writing with text overlay that says,

Like all good teaching, taking it slow and offering multiple forms of scaffolding is the key to teaching how to write a thesis statement. 

If you’re looking for thesis or general essay-writing resources, check out my 5-Paragraph Essay Writing Resources Bundle!

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Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements

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Tips for Writing Your Thesis Statement

1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing:

  • An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.
  • An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.
  • An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.

If you are writing a text that does not fall under these three categories (e.g., a narrative), a thesis statement somewhere in the first paragraph could still be helpful to your reader.

2. Your thesis statement should be specific—it should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and should be supported with specific evidence.

3. The thesis statement usually appears at the end of the first paragraph of a paper.

4. Your topic may change as you write, so you may need to revise your thesis statement to reflect exactly what you have discussed in the paper.

Thesis Statement Examples

Example of an analytical thesis statement:

The paper that follows should:

  • Explain the analysis of the college admission process
  • Explain the challenge facing admissions counselors

Example of an expository (explanatory) thesis statement:

  • Explain how students spend their time studying, attending class, and socializing with peers

Example of an argumentative thesis statement:

  • Present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community projects before entering college

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Writing a Thesis Statement

Writing a Thesis Statement Free Lesson Plan

Here is a guided writing workshop to teach students how to brainstorm and draft a thesis statement. This activity provides students an opportunity to consider their prompt and develop a claim that is effective and arguable. Three handouts are included in each download, with the teacher version also containing instructions on how to conduct the workshop.

This lesson plan can be used with any persuasive, argumentative, or research-based essay.

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Forming a Thesis Statement

Minilesson print.

Forming a Thesis

The whole purpose of writing is to transfer an idea from your head into someone else's. If you can state your idea in a single, clear sentence, your reader can easily grasp it.

Use this simple formula to craft an effective thesis statement (for an essay) or topic sentence (for a paragraph).

Topic (who or what am I writing about? )

+ Focus (what specific thought or feeling do I have about my topic?)

_________________________________

= Thesis Statement (or Topic Sentence)

Here are some examples of the formula in action with different forms of writing.

Explanatory

Antibiotic resistance (topic) creates superbugs through the misuse of modern medicine (focus).

Sex and gender (topic) are related but different, one defined by biology and the other by culture (focus).

Narrative Writing

My hectic senior year of high school (topic) embodied the word overcommitment (focus) .

Your Turn Use the formula to create thesis statements for the following topics. Note: The focus is up to you.

  • Career opportunities
  • Community involvement
  • Generational differences
  • The search for colleges
  • Lasting lessons of high school

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  • How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

Published on January 11, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on August 15, 2023 by Eoghan Ryan.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . It usually comes near the end of your introduction .

Your thesis will look a bit different depending on the type of essay you’re writing. But the thesis statement should always clearly state the main idea you want to get across. Everything else in your essay should relate back to this idea.

You can write your thesis statement by following four simple steps:

  • Start with a question
  • Write your initial answer
  • Develop your answer
  • Refine your thesis statement

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Table of contents

What is a thesis statement, placement of the thesis statement, step 1: start with a question, step 2: write your initial answer, step 3: develop your answer, step 4: refine your thesis statement, types of thesis statements, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about thesis statements.

A thesis statement summarizes the central points of your essay. It is a signpost telling the reader what the essay will argue and why.

The best thesis statements are:

  • Concise: A good thesis statement is short and sweet—don’t use more words than necessary. State your point clearly and directly in one or two sentences.
  • Contentious: Your thesis shouldn’t be a simple statement of fact that everyone already knows. A good thesis statement is a claim that requires further evidence or analysis to back it up.
  • Coherent: Everything mentioned in your thesis statement must be supported and explained in the rest of your paper.

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See an example

how to write a thesis for middle school

The thesis statement generally appears at the end of your essay introduction or research paper introduction .

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts and among young people more generally is hotly debated. For many who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education: the internet facilitates easier access to information, exposure to different perspectives, and a flexible learning environment for both students and teachers.

You should come up with an initial thesis, sometimes called a working thesis , early in the writing process . As soon as you’ve decided on your essay topic , you need to work out what you want to say about it—a clear thesis will give your essay direction and structure.

You might already have a question in your assignment, but if not, try to come up with your own. What would you like to find out or decide about your topic?

For example, you might ask:

After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process .

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Now you need to consider why this is your answer and how you will convince your reader to agree with you. As you read more about your topic and begin writing, your answer should get more detailed.

In your essay about the internet and education, the thesis states your position and sketches out the key arguments you’ll use to support it.

The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education because it facilitates easier access to information.

In your essay about braille, the thesis statement summarizes the key historical development that you’ll explain.

The invention of braille in the 19th century transformed the lives of blind people, allowing them to participate more actively in public life.

A strong thesis statement should tell the reader:

  • Why you hold this position
  • What they’ll learn from your essay
  • The key points of your argument or narrative

The final thesis statement doesn’t just state your position, but summarizes your overall argument or the entire topic you’re going to explain. To strengthen a weak thesis statement, it can help to consider the broader context of your topic.

These examples are more specific and show that you’ll explore your topic in depth.

Your thesis statement should match the goals of your essay, which vary depending on the type of essay you’re writing:

  • In an argumentative essay , your thesis statement should take a strong position. Your aim in the essay is to convince your reader of this thesis based on evidence and logical reasoning.
  • In an expository essay , you’ll aim to explain the facts of a topic or process. Your thesis statement doesn’t have to include a strong opinion in this case, but it should clearly state the central point you want to make, and mention the key elements you’ll explain.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

  • It gives your writing direction and focus.
  • It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

Follow these four steps to come up with a thesis statement :

  • Ask a question about your topic .
  • Write your initial answer.
  • Develop your answer by including reasons.
  • Refine your answer, adding more detail and nuance.

The thesis statement should be placed at the end of your essay introduction .

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

McCombes, S. (2023, August 15). How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved September 23, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/thesis-statement/

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Tips on Writing a Good Thesis Statement at the Middle School Level

Jennifer brozak, 26 sep 2017.

When learning how to write thesis statements, be as specific as possible.

By the time you reach middle school, your teachers will assign an essay that requires you to write and support a thesis statement. Learning how to develop a clear and concise thesis statement is one of the fundamental skills of successful writing, as a solid thesis statement provides a paper with direction and lays the foundation for what you plan to argue and support.

Explore this article

  • Use Specific Language
  • Answer a Question
  • Pass the "So What?" Test
  • Pass the "How?" or "Why?" Test

1 Use Specific Language

Your thesis statement should be as specific as possible. Because it provides a “road map” for your paper, it should be very direct regarding what you plan to address in your essay. Try to avoid using vague words like “good” or “bad" or "same" or "different" in your thesis statement; instead, use synonyms for those words that shed light on what you mean by "good.” For instance, if you're writing a compare/contrast essay about the similarities and difference in characters between two novels, don't simply write, "Character A and Character B were alike and different in many ways." Instead, be as specific as possible about the shared and contrasting qualities the characters possessed.

2 Answer a Question

To be effective, your thesis statement must answer a question. Sometimes this is easy, because your teacher will provide you with a question to answer, and you can formulate your thesis from the question. For instance, your teacher may ask a question such as, “Should cellphones be banned in school? Why or why not?” Your thesis could then begin with “Cell phones should (or should not) be banned in school because…” and then, depending on your paper's length requirements, you'll want to briefly state two or three reasons in your thesis statement as to why they should or should not be banned. If your teacher hasn't asked a specific question, try writing your own topic question. For instance, if your topic is healthy school lunches, you could ask yourself, "Why are healthy lunches so important in schools?" to begin formulating your thesis statement.

3 Pass the "So What?" Test

A useful way to determine whether your thesis is effective is to ask whether it passes the "So what?" test. In other words, if your reader wonders "So what?" after you state your thesis — meaning that your reader doesn't understand the broader issue you're attempting to address — you'll want to revise it to make it more clear and descriptive.

4 Pass the "How?" or "Why?" Test

Another way to test the efficacy of your thesis is to ask whether it passes the "How?" or "Why?" test. For instance, if, after reading your thesis, your reader needs to ask how or why you're stating your position, chances are that you need to revise to make it more inclusive. For example, if you use the thesis "Martin Luther King Jr. was a good leader," your reader might wonder how or why you feel this way. Adding a "because" to this statement will help, as will avoiding the vague word "good." For example, writing "Martin Luther King Jr. was an effective leader because of reason A, reason B, and reason C" is much clearer and more direct than just saying he was a "good" leader.

  • 1 The University fo North Carolina at Chapel Hill: The Writing Center: Thesis Statements
  • 2 Purdue Online Writing Lab: Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements

About the Author

As a mother, wife and recovering English teacher, Jennifer Brozak is passionate about all things parenting and education. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and St. Vincent College, Jennifer writes features for the IN Community magazine network and shares her daily escapades on her blog, One Committed Mama.

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How to Write a Solid Thesis Statement

The important sentence expresses your central assertion or argument

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A thesis statement provides the foundation for your entire research paper or essay. This statement is the central assertion that you want to express in your essay. A successful thesis statement is one that is made up of one or two sentences clearly laying out your central idea and expressing an informed, reasoned answer to your research question.

Usually, the thesis statement will appear at the end of the first paragraph of your paper. There are a few different types, and the content of your thesis statement will depend upon the type of paper you’re writing.

Key Takeaways: Writing a Thesis Statement

  • A thesis statement gives your reader a preview of your paper's content by laying out your central idea and expressing an informed, reasoned answer to your research question.
  • Thesis statements will vary depending on the type of paper you are writing, such as an expository essay, argument paper, or analytical essay.
  • Before creating a thesis statement, determine whether you are defending a stance, giving an overview of an event, object, or process, or analyzing your subject

Expository Essay Thesis Statement Examples

An expository essay "exposes" the reader to a new topic; it informs the reader with details, descriptions, or explanations of a subject. If you are writing an expository essay , your thesis statement should explain to the reader what she will learn in your essay. For example:

  • The United States spends more money on its military budget than all the industrialized nations combined.
  • Gun-related homicides and suicides are increasing after years of decline.
  • Hate crimes have increased three years in a row, according to the FBI.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases the risk of stroke and arterial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat).

These statements provide a statement of fact about the topic (not just opinion) but leave the door open for you to elaborate with plenty of details. In an expository essay, you don't need to develop an argument or prove anything; you only need to understand your topic and present it in a logical manner. A good thesis statement in an expository essay always leaves the reader wanting more details.

Types of Thesis Statements

Before creating a thesis statement, it's important to ask a few basic questions, which will help you determine the kind of essay or paper you plan to create:

  • Are you defending a stance in a controversial essay ?
  • Are you simply giving an overview or describing an event, object, or process?
  • Are you conducting an analysis of an event, object, or process?

In every thesis statement , you will give the reader a preview of your paper's content, but the message will differ a little depending on the essay type .

Argument Thesis Statement Examples

If you have been instructed to take a stance on one side of a controversial issue, you will need to write an argument essay . Your thesis statement should express the stance you are taking and may give the reader a preview or a hint of your evidence. The thesis of an argument essay could look something like the following:

  • Self-driving cars are too dangerous and should be banned from the roadways.
  • The exploration of outer space is a waste of money; instead, funds should go toward solving issues on Earth, such as poverty, hunger, global warming, and traffic congestion.
  • The U.S. must crack down on illegal immigration.
  • Street cameras and street-view maps have led to a total loss of privacy in the United States and elsewhere.

These thesis statements are effective because they offer opinions that can be supported by evidence. If you are writing an argument essay, you can craft your own thesis around the structure of the statements above.

Analytical Essay Thesis Statement Examples

In an analytical essay assignment, you will be expected to break down a topic, process, or object in order to observe and analyze your subject piece by piece. Examples of a thesis statement for an analytical essay include:

  • The criminal justice reform bill passed by the U.S. Senate in late 2018 (" The First Step Act ") aims to reduce prison sentences that disproportionately fall on nonwhite criminal defendants.
  • The rise in populism and nationalism in the U.S. and European democracies has coincided with the decline of moderate and centrist parties that have dominated since WWII.
  • Later-start school days increase student success for a variety of reasons.

Because the role of the thesis statement is to state the central message of your entire paper, it is important to revisit (and maybe rewrite) your thesis statement after the paper is written. In fact, it is quite normal for your message to change as you construct your paper.

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While Sandel argues that pursuing perfection through genetic engineering would decrease our sense of humility, he claims that the sense of solidarity we would lose is also important.

This thesis summarizes several points in Sandel’s argument, but it does not make a claim about how we should understand his argument. A reader who read Sandel’s argument would not also need to read an essay based on this descriptive thesis.  

Broad thesis (arguable, but difficult to support with evidence) 

Michael Sandel’s arguments about genetic engineering do not take into consideration all the relevant issues.

This is an arguable claim because it would be possible to argue against it by saying that Michael Sandel’s arguments do take all of the relevant issues into consideration. But the claim is too broad. Because the thesis does not specify which “issues” it is focused on—or why it matters if they are considered—readers won’t know what the rest of the essay will argue, and the writer won’t know what to focus on. If there is a particular issue that Sandel does not address, then a more specific version of the thesis would include that issue—hand an explanation of why it is important.  

Arguable thesis with analytical claim 

While Sandel argues persuasively that our instinct to “remake” (54) ourselves into something ever more perfect is a problem, his belief that we can always draw a line between what is medically necessary and what makes us simply “better than well” (51) is less convincing.

This is an arguable analytical claim. To argue for this claim, the essay writer will need to show how evidence from the article itself points to this interpretation. It’s also a reasonable scope for a thesis because it can be supported with evidence available in the text and is neither too broad nor too narrow.  

Arguable thesis with normative claim 

Given Sandel’s argument against genetic enhancement, we should not allow parents to decide on using Human Growth Hormone for their children.

This thesis tells us what we should do about a particular issue discussed in Sandel’s article, but it does not tell us how we should understand Sandel’s argument.  

Questions to ask about your thesis 

  • Is the thesis truly arguable? Does it speak to a genuine dilemma in the source, or would most readers automatically agree with it?  
  • Is the thesis too obvious? Again, would most or all readers agree with it without needing to see your argument?  
  • Is the thesis complex enough to require a whole essay's worth of argument?  
  • Is the thesis supportable with evidence from the text rather than with generalizations or outside research?  
  • Would anyone want to read a paper in which this thesis was developed? That is, can you explain what this paper is adding to our understanding of a problem, question, or topic?
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COMMENTS

  1. Middle School Thesis Statement

    Tips for Writing a Thesis Statement for Middle School Students. Start Simple: Especially for younger middle school students, starting with a simple and straightforward topic can make the process less intimidating. Use Templates: Offering a template can be beneficial. For instance: " [Topic] is essential because of [Reason 1], [Reason 2], and ...

  2. 6 Activities to Teach How to Write A Thesis Statement

    Activities to Teach How to Write a Thesis Statement in High School. 1. Differentiate Between Strong and Weak Thesis Statements. Writing a thesis statement might be a new skill for your students. Thesis statements are often taught as a topic sentence or the "whole essay boiled down into one sentence.".

  3. How to Teach Middle School Students to Write a Thesis Sentence

    A lesson teaching middle school students how to write a thesis statement should use a simple step-by-step process that teaches them exactly what a thesis statement is, explains the difference between argumentative statements and facts, and encourages the class to become an active part of the learning process through collaboration and discussion.

  4. How to Write a Thesis Statement in Four Easy Steps

    1. Restate the idea in the prompt or ask yourself the question the prompt asks. Example: Should physical education be mandatory? 2. Adopt a position/state your opinion. Example: Physical education should be mandatory. 3. List three reasons you will use to argue your point. Example: Helps students stay healthy, think clearly, and learn to cooperate.

  5. 5 Tips for Teaching How to Write A Thesis Statement

    Tips for Teaching How to Write a Thesis Statement #3: Give Students A Framework. If your students are struggling with writing strong thesis statements, give them a framework. I know as teachers, it can get really boring to read "W is true because X, Y, Z.". But the structure does work, and it's a great place for struggling writers to start.

  6. Creating a Thesis Statement, Thesis Statement Tips

    An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.; An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.; An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an ...

  7. What is a Thesis Statement: Writing Guide with Examples

    A thesis statement is a sentence in a paper or essay (in the opening paragraph) that introduces the main topic to the reader. As one of the first things your reader sees, your thesis statement is one of the most important sentences in your entire paper—but also one of the hardest to write! In this article, we explain how to write a thesis ...

  8. Writing a Thesis Statement

    Writing a Thesis Statement Free Lesson Plan. Here is a guided writing workshop to teach students how to brainstorm and draft a thesis statement. This activity provides students an opportunity to consider their prompt and develop a claim that is effective and arguable. Three handouts are included in each download, with the teacher version also ...

  9. How to Write a Thesis Statement Instructional Video Flipped ...

    I hope you enjoyed this introduction to Writing a Thesis Statement. If you would like the entire lesson, click on the links below. I have both a middle sch...

  10. Forming a Thesis Statement

    Forming a Thesis Statement. The whole purpose of writing is to transfer an idea from your head into someone else's. If you can state your idea in a single, clear sentence, your reader can easily grasp it. Use this simple formula to craft an effective thesis statement (for an essay) or topic sentence (for a paragraph).

  11. How to Write a Thesis Statement

    Step 2: Write your initial answer. After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process. The internet has had more of a positive than a negative effect on education.

  12. Thesis Statement Activities for Middle School

    Thesis statements really work as the backbone of students' writing. If your students can master the art of writing a concise, meaningful, and relevant thesis statement in middle school, they will ...

  13. How to Write a Good Thesis Statement

    Mastering the Art of Thesis Statements: a video tutorial for K-12 and College Students. Need to write a thesis statement? Of course you do! Learn what makes ...

  14. Tips on Writing a Good Thesis Statement at the Middle School ...

    A strong thesis statement provides your essay with direction and lays the foundation for what you plan to argue and support.

  15. How to Write a Thesis Statement With Examples

    If you are writing an expository essay, your thesis statement should explain to the reader what she will learn in your essay. For example: The United States spends more money on its military budget than all the industrialized nations combined. Gun-related homicides and suicides are increasing after years of decline.

  16. PDF Easiest Way to Writing a Thesis Statement Powerpoint

    thesis statement should: answer the questions 'how' and/or 'why'; provide the logic of the paper; cover the entire paper. The rest of the paper should: echo a thesis statement in every sentence; prove that the thesis statement is correct; repeat a rephrased thesis statement in the conclusion.

  17. PDF PRACTICE WORKSHEET A Writing a Thesis Statement

    me. citizens when th. Statement (Lesson 21 - Practice Worksheet B) irections: Read each outline for a composition. Then write an appropriate thesis state. ent on the lines for the composition described.1. a composition that discusses th. responsibilities involved in carin. for a pet.Topic: What pet ownership inv.

  18. How to Write a STRONG Thesis Statement

    A good thesis statement sums up the main points of your paper, and keeps you on the right track during the whole writing process. This video will show you ho...

  19. PDF HOW T TEACH STUDENTS T WRIT THESIS STTEMENT

    Step 4. point in support of your main ideaExample:Middle school boys can get energy out of their system while using their brains for strategic thinkin. Step 5. point in support of your main ideaExample:Middle school boys can use football as a structured alternative to fighting or inappropriate. Step 6.

  20. PDF THESIS STATEMENTS

    The reason you write an entire essay is to PROVE your thesis statement. Thesis statement - A thesis statement is a direct statement that explains the topic of your essay, what you believe about that topic, and why you believe it. A thesis statement is made up of three different parts. EVERY THESIS NEEDS THESE THREE THINGS: 1.

  21. Thesis

    Thesis. Your thesis is the central claim in your essay—your main insight or idea about your source or topic. Your thesis should appear early in an academic essay, followed by a logically constructed argument that supports this central claim. A strong thesis is arguable, which means a thoughtful reader could disagree with it and therefore ...

  22. Thesis Statement Throwdown!

    Here's how it works: Step 1: Write an essay prompt on the board. I vary my questions between informative and argumentative topics. KQED's Do Now series is an excellent place to grab writing prompts! Step 2: Put students into small groups and give them 5 minutes to construct a solid thesis statement in response to the essay question.

  23. Thesis statement for Middle School

    This argumentative writing unit for middle and high school. Subjects: English Language Arts, Writing, Writing-Essays. Grades: 8 th - 11 th. Types: Assessment, Graphic Organizers, Research. ... Thesis statements: Writing a thesis statement can seem like an overwhelming task for many students. This packet includes informational handouts with ...