- Identify strong thesis statements
- Identify topic sentences in paragraphs
Is it a Strong Thesis?
A thesis statement expresses the main point of your essay and sets the direction for your ideas. Whether you’re writing to inform, analyze, or argue, your thesis helps readers understand your purpose—and helps you stay focused while writing.
In college, you’ll be expected to create strong thesis statements across many types of assignments, so let’s practice identifying a strong thesis statement.
A strong thesis statement:
- Identifies a clear topic (what you’re writing about)
- Includes a specific angle (your claim, insight, or position)
Below, you’ll evaluate a series of thesis statements. Some are strong and well-developed; others are vague, general, or simply introduce a topic without making a claim.
Which of the following are strong thesis statements? (Select all that apply)
-
Because poor time management leads to stress and low grades, colleges should teach students how to plan their schedules*
~feedback: Correct. This thesis presents a clear topic—college time management—and takes a specific position by recommending instruction in planning to reduce stress and poor performance. -
Video games affect the learning of children who play them.
~feedback: Incorrect. This sentence simply introduces a topic without taking a position or offering a specific perspective. A strong thesis would reflect your insight or claim about how video games affect learning. -
To improve public health, cities should ban sugary drinks larger than 16 ounces.*
~feedback: Correct. This is a strong, arguable thesis. It identifies a clear topic—public health—and takes a specific position by advocating for a policy change. -
The internet has changed our lives in many ways.
~feedback: Incorrect. This is too broad and general. To strengthen it, you could focus on a particular impact of the internet and explain why it matters. -
Fast food is unhealthy.
~feedback: Incorrect. This is a broad statement of fact rather than a focused claim. To improve it, you could add reasoning or propose a specific action or consequence related to fast food’s health effects. -
Grading on a curve increases student competition and anxiety*
~feedback: Correct. This thesis clearly identifies the topic (grading on a curve) and makes a specific, arguable claim (it increases competition and anxiety). Though brief, it reflects a personal perspective and sets up an essay’s direction. -
This essay will explore the reasons people enjoy true crime podcasts.
~feedback: Incorrect. This sentence simply states a topic, not a claim. A stronger thesis would take a position or make a claim about why people enjoy true crime podcasts. -
Museums are places that store and display historical items.
~feedback: Incorrect. This is a definition rather than a thesis. A strong thesis would make a point about the value, accessibility, or purpose of museums. -
Hosting international exchange students in high school promotes cultural awareness and empathy in American teens.*
~feedback: Correct. This thesis clearly identifies a topic (hosting exchange students) and presents a specific, arguable claim about its benefits. - Small farms should receive more government subsidies than large agricultural corporations because they support local economies and biodiversity*
~feedback: Correct. This is a strong thesis. It clearly takes a position and outlines two supporting reasons, showing both topic and angle.
Now that you’ve practiced identifying strong thesis statements, let’s take your skills a step further.
Being able to recognize the difference between a general statement and a well-developed claim will make planning and drafting your essays much easier. This is a skill that improves with practice—don’t worry if it doesn’t feel easy yet. The more you refine your ability to express a specific point of view, the more confident and effective your writing will become.