English 10 Practice on Thesis Statement writing

Thesis statements are concise statements that give direction to a paper. A reader should clearly understand the main idea of an essay without reading anything else – the prompt, the beginning, etc.

Thesis statements should be an opinion. They should be arguable. (should have two definite sides to the topic.)

A successful thesis sentence must also be a correct sentence. Sentence fragments and run-on sentences are incorrect, even if they express a thesis.

Directions:

1. write a thesis statement for each item on a separate sheet of paper.
2. select your favorite thesis statement of the five, then write a paragraph in support of that one thesis statement.

Your paragraph should have four parts:

1. state your reason in support of the thesis statement.

2. explain the reason fully.

3. elaborate by telling a story, giving an example, using a quote from the book.

(if using a quote, explain what the quote means.)

4. commentary

1. The novel has a very strong emphasis on animals – mice, rabbits, dogs, etc. In fact, there is an importance and function of animals in relation to Lennie. Take note of how he is described in chapter 1 when he drinks from the river (p. 3). Note how he responds to George and how George interacts with him throughout. Some people believe Lennie to be little more than an animal himself; while others disagree with this opinion. Take a side on this and write a thesis statement that gives direction to an essay.

2. Candy’s dog is important in relation to the understanding of the novel as a whole. Consider the condition of the dog, what occurs in the scene, how everyone reacts, and how it relates to the situation of the humans. Sometimes people argue about this. Some believe we should put animals out of their misery when they are old. Some disagree since we really can’t determine the degree of an animal’s feelings. Take a position and express it with a strong thesis statement.

3. Loneliness is one of the central themes in the novel. Virtually every character suffers from it. Write a thesis statement telling which character is the worst off one because of loneliness.

4. Tragedy has been defined as the fall of an essentially good person due to a flaw or limitation within their personality. Does the novel’s outcome result from the individual’s flaws, or is it society conspires against the individuals? If George is the main character in this novel, how does he fit the definition of a tragic hero? Write a thesis statement taking a position on this.

5. Some people are shocked at the end of the novel. Some see the end as a natural consequence of actions. Take into consideration Slim’s comments at the end, as well as Slim and Candy’s comments in chapter 3 regarding Candy’s dog. Write a thesis statement that takes a strong stand about the George’s decision at the end of the novel.