Thesis Exercises

Below are some thesis sentences that are not very good. They are either not limited, not specific, or lack an argumentative/ demonstrable edge. Place an L, S, or A/D next to each one to identify its problem. If the thesis has more than one problem, put two letters next to it. Then rewrite the thesis to make it as effective as you can. One of the thesis sentences is good; mark it o.k.

1. Star Wars is a very interesting movie.

2. Male-female relationships can be very complex.

3. My paper is about my home carpentry, which is my favorite hobby.

4. The team's lack of coaching and dissension among the players contribute to its poor performances this season.

5. Drunken drivers can cause many problems.

Below are six subject areas. Come up with a good thesis sentence for each one.

Dating

Holidays

Teachers

Your hometown (or neighborhood)

Indiana St.

Fashion

Here are examples for each catagory. Now try your own.

1. Group dates are a good way to get to know a new partner.

2. To be a good teacher, one has to be part scholar, part preacher, and part ham.

3. Prices at the ISU bookstore are inflated.

4. Thanksgiving is one holiday where family tradition is more important than commerciality.

5. The Lakeview section of Paterson, N.J., is a model of ethnic diversity.

6. Preppy clothes are smart looking, comfortable, and durable.