practicing thesis statement

Thesis Statements
A THESIS STATEMENT is a one-sentence statement that expresses the central claim or argument that you seek to prove. It typically falls at the end of the introductory paragraph. A good thesis statement makes the difference between a thoughtful research project and a simple retelling of facts.
The thesis should contain two parts –
(1) identification of the topic
(2) an explanation of what your speech will prove/demonstrate about that topic.
A thesis is often an arguable statement. There is no point in proving something that is obviously true. A strong thesis takes a stand and justifies the discussion you will present.
A strong thesis is specific and focused.
A thesis should never contain “be” verbs (am, are, is, was, were, be, been, being), and it should be written in the active voice.
NEVER use “I think,” “I believe,” “I will prove,” or any “I” (first-person) statement within your thesis.
A thesis should never contain summary.
A strong thesis passes the So what? and Who cares? Tests.
To check these tests, ask yourself, “Would my most honest friend ask why s/he should care about this? Would they respond to my thesis statement with, “Yeah… but everybody knows that.”
EXAMPLE: “People should avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.” – Is anyone REALLY going to oppose this statement?
Sample Thesis Statements
Universities should require high school graduates to take a year off to pursue community service projects before entering college in order to increase their maturity and global awareness.
This essay should:
Present the argument that students should pursue community projects before entering college
Present evidence to support the claim that community projects increases maturity and global awareness.
Present evidence that increased maturity and global awareness benefit students before entering college.
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s tireless efforts to promote equality for all and his instrumental role in the Civil Rights Movement make him an integral and noteworthy part of America’s history.
This essay should:
Present evidence that MLK, Jr. promoted equality for all and was instrumental in the Civil Rights movement
Present an argument and evidence that these contributions allow us to say that he led a “life worth knowing.”
Prompt
Below is a list of general topics. Some topics already state a definite position/stance and some are more broad where you can pick your own position.
I would like for you to come up with a strong thesis statement for each topic. Remember that thesis statements are usually one sentence and they are very specific and detailed. By listening to or reading a thesis statement, your audience should get a general idea of what your main points for that particular speech are going to be.
Fast food is bad
California is the best state to live in
School uniforms
Smoking is bad

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