Guided_Practice_Activity

Guided Practice 2.3 B1:Developing Thesis Statements

Instructions

Practice identifying thesis statements by choosing which is the better thesis statement in each of the pairs below. Remember, a thesis statement is a form of opinion, not simply a fact. A thesis statement takes a position, and the multi-paragraph composition explains or defends the position.

1 a. Dolphins are mammals.

b. Dolphins are the smartest mammals in the ocean.

**Answer**
b. Dolphins are the smartest mammals in the ocean.

2. a. Arson is a hideous crime, as it harms people and homes.

b. The arsonist started the fire in the basement.

**Answer**
a. Arson is a hideous crime, as it harms people and homes.

3 a. Schools should enforce strict dress codes to help eliminate discrepancy between social classes.

b. Some schools have strict dress codes.

**Answer**
a. Schools should enforce strict dress codes to help eliminate discrepancy between social classes.

4. Write a thesis statement for each of the following topics. Make sure that each of your answers takes a position (good or bad for example) about the topic.

Rap Music

**Answer**
Teenagers relate to rap music because of the lifestyle and issues presented in the lyrics. This example takes the position that teenagers like rap music, and is a divided thesis: they like rap music because of the lifestyle, and the issues presented in the lyrics.

Snowboarding

**Answer**
Snowboarding is easier to learn and more enjoyable for beginners than downhill skiing. This example takes the position that snowboarding is a better sport for beginners because it is easier to learn, and more enjoyable at the beginner level.

Hybrid (fuel/battery combination) automobiles

**Answer**
Hybrid automobiles will provide a helpful link between commonly accepted fuel driven cars, and the alternatively driven cars of the future. This example takes the position that hybrid cars are useful, and that they will be a link, though maybe not be a long-lasting solution, to the need for alternatively fueled cars.