Your Turn

Now it’s your turn to evaluate the strength of some thesis statements. Read each statement below. Using your notes, write whether you think the thesis is strong or weak and explain why. When you are finished, check your understanding to see possible responses.

1. In this paper, I will discuss the negative impact of cigarettes on our society.
2. Most environmental issues are related to overpopulation.
3. Many teenagers suffer from unhealthy body images due to overemphasis on underweight models by the media and the fashion industry.
4. Since the beginning of formal education, plagiarism has been a problem.
5. Single-sex education for middle school boys improves their behavior, academic achievement, and leadership skills.
6. Watching too much TV is bad for you.

Check Your Understanding

Sample Responses:

1. Weak – Too broad and uses the “In this paper . . .” construction
2. Weak – Broad, not specific about which environmental issues will be discussed
3. Strong – Specific, manageable, and takes a stand
4. Weak – Uses a broad generalization, is not specific
5. Strong – Specific, takes a stand, and sets out three points to be discussed
6. Weak – Makes an obvious claim

Close