Thesis Statement

Directions: Carefully read the writing prompt and the Bad Thesis Statement below. Then, explain why the thesis is bad in the space provided. Finally, rewrite the thesis to make it a Good Thesis Statement. Remember that a thesis should be an opinion, not a fact ,and it should provide readers with the overall claim of the essay and the direction of the essay.

For help, see the example below:

Example:

Writing Prompt: Describe how television commercials influence children.

• Bad Thesis:
• Why is this thesis bad? :
• Rewrite to Make it Good:
• Bad Thesis:
• Why is this thesis bad?
• Rewrite to Make it Good:
• Bad Thesis:
• Why is this thesis bad?
• Rewrite to Make it Good:
• Bad thesis:
• Why is this thesis bad?
• Rewrite to Make it Good:

Television commercials have an influence on children.

This thesis is bad because it is too broad. It does not provide the reader with direction and it is close to a fact rather than the writer?s clear opinion.

Televesion has a negative influence on children because it suppresses their imagination and it is harmful to their eyesight.

Now, you try it with the examples below:

• Writing Prompt: Explain why young people especially enjoy hobbies.
• Writing Prompt: Discuss the benefits of playing team sports.
• Writing Prompt: Persuade the school board to lengthen summer vacation.

One hobby many young people especially enjoy is reading.

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Playing team sports has many benefits.

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Many people think that summer vacation should be extended.

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