Classroom Activity Using Thesis

A good thesis statement identifies the topic and makes an assertion

about it. Evaluate each of the following sentences, and explain why

each one either works or doesn’t work as a thesis statement.

1. Americans are suffering from overwork.

2. Life is indeed precious, and I believe the death penalty helps to

affirm this fact.

3. Birthday parties are loads of fun.

4. New York is a city of sounds: muted sounds and shrill sounds,

shattering sounds and soothing sounds, urgent sounds and aim-

less sounds.

5. Everyone is talking about the level of violence in American society.