Thesis Statement Lesson

Name: __________________________________________ Global Studies ______
Recognizing, Analyzing, and Writing Thesis Statements

Purpose: The purpose of this lesson is to learn to identify thesis statements, analyze the
components of good thesis statement, and practice writing strong thesis statements. Ultimately,
you will be developing your effective written communication skills.
Soon, you will use this skill to express your theory as to how Otzi the Iceman died.
Step 1: Chunk the following information about thesis statements and answer the questions
below.
In Global Studies, and other Social Studies courses that you will take at LCHS, your
writing assignments will not simply just list facts. Typically, your writing assignments will
answer some sort of question or prompt. The thesis statement is your initial answer to that
question. It states your opinion and the rest of your essay or assignment must support that
opinion with well-explained evidence.
A Thesis Statement:
Makes a claim that others might dispute
Is a road map for your writing, tells the reader what they can expect from the rest
of your essay
Is usually a single sentence in the first paragraph of your essay; the body of the
essay organizes evidence to support that thesis statement
Directly answers the question
IS NOT a restatement of the question
A Good Thesis Statement:
Is short and simple; should be no longer than 1-2 sentences.
o Good example: Success is the result of working consistently.
o Bad example: In world of success gurus, it becomes ever more important
to decide one trait that ultimately determines success; doing work
consistently.
Has one main idea
o Good example: The key to successful dieting is focusing on a specific
goal.
o Bad example: The key to successful dieting is focusing on a specific goal,
which is also the key to successfully running a business and coaching a
football team.
Is declarative with no qualifiers (might, maybe, perhaps)
o Good example: Lebron James ability to score, pass, and rebound makes
him the most valuable player in the league.
o Bad example: Lebron James' ability to score, pass, and rebound just might
make him the league's most valuable player.`
1. In your own words, define thesis statement.

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Describe what a good thesis statement should do.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Step 2: Identifying Thesis Statements
This activity will help you determine the difference between a thesis and statement and how it
differs from other types of statements. Read the types of statements below and match them to the
statements following.
A. A heading of a broad theme. Not a thesis statement.
B. A descriptive statement, but no claim or opinion is stated. There is nothing to prove to the
reader.
C. A thesis statement, but one that is vague or broad.
D. A statement that merely restates the prompt. Not a thesis statement.
E. A good thesis statement that address the prompt and makes a claim.
Prompt: Should September 11th become a National Holiday?
1. September 11th should be a National Holiday. ________
2. Heroism and Number of Deaths. _______
3. Some people have debated the idea that 9/11 should become a National Holiday. Should
it? ________
4. On September 11th, four planes hijacked by members of Al-Qaeda crashed into various
places in the United States as an act of terror. ______
5. September 11th should be a National Holiday due to the heroic acts made and out of
respect for the people who lost family members on that tragic day. ________
Step 3: Identifying Strong Thesis Statements

This activity will help you determine strong and weak thesis statements. Consider the things that
make a good thesis statement. Use the checklist below to determine whether or not the following
thesis statements are STRONG or WEAK.
YES
NO
Does the thesis statement answer the question?

Has it stated a claim that others could agree or
disagree with?
Is it specific?
Is it a strong statement with no qualifiers?
Prompt: Is Lakes Community High School the best high school in the area?
1. Lakes Community High School is the best high school. STRONG or WEAK
2. Lakes Community High School is the best high school in the area due to its smart and
dedicated teachers.
STRONG or WEAK
3. Lakes Community High School is the best high school because the culture and
environment promotes effective learning environments. STRONG or WEAK
4. The best high school in the area is LCHS because it integrates technology into
classrooms, creates a safe environment for learning, and stresses respect and pride.
STRONG or WEAK
5. Lakes Community High School is possibly the best high school in the area.
STRONG or WEAK
Step 4: Practice Writing Thesis Statements
This activity will allow you to practice writing strong thesis statements before jumping into
writing your thesis statement on Iceman.
Work with your group members to write thesis statements to the following prompts. Remember
the purpose of this activity is NOT to argue with group members.
1. Is Subway the best place to eat sub sandwiches?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Which sport is the most exciting sport to watch?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Should public schools have school uniforms?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Does the thesis statement answer the question?

Has it stated a claim that others could agree or
disagree with?
Does it provide 3 reasons?
Is it specific?
Is it a strong statement with no qualifiers?
Lesson Plan for Observation: Tuesday October 7th, 2014

Randie Lynn Bullock
Randie.Bullock@chsd117.org
YES
NO
Bellringer: Get out your Global Studies notebooks. Answer the following question: Do you have
a theory as to how Otzi the Iceman died? Write it down here.
What is your theory? How should you properly write this theory? As a thesis statement. Today
we are going to learn how to identify, analyze, and construct thesis statements. You will be
writing thesis statements for Otzis death as part of your project and your future writing
assignment. (5 min)
Students will be getting a handout that discusses what a thesis statement is. They should chunk
and summarize the reading. Also consider the questions: What is a thesis statement? What does a
thesis statement do? Where does it belong in a paper? (15 min)
Students practice recognizing thesis statements alone and then with their group. (7 min)
Discuss as a class.
Students practice recognizing strong and weak thesis statements alone and then again with their
group. Discuss as a class (7 min)
Students respond to prompts and create thesis statements with their group (5 min)
Groups share their thesis statements by writing them on the board. Discuss the strengths and
weaknesses of the thesis statements. Using the checklist (10 min)
Homework: Students construct a thesis statement about how Otzi the Iceman died and be ready
to share with their groups on Wednesday.

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Name: ____________________________________ Global Studies

Recognizing, Analyzing, and Writing Thesis Statements

1. In your own words, define thesis statement.

Step 3: Identifying Strong Thesis Statements

Does the thesis statement answer the question?

Step 4: Practice Writing Thesis Statements

Does the thesis statement answer the question?

Lesson Plan for Observation: Tuesday October 7th, 2014

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