Thesis Statement Builder

Instructions: A strong argument starts with a strong thesis statement. Use this worksheet to brainstorm and develop clear, arguable, and specific thesis statements for various topics.

Part 1: Identifying Strong vs. Weak Thesis Statements

Read each statement below. Mark if it is a Strong Thesis (ST) or a Weak Thesis (WT). If it's weak, explain why and suggest how to make it stronger.

1. Statement: Recycling is good for the environment.
   
   
   
   ST/WT:
   
   
   Why/How to Improve:
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Statement: Public libraries should receive increased funding because they provide essential community resources and promote literacy across all age groups.
   
   
   
   ST/WT:
   
   
   Why/How to Improve:
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Statement: Social media has problems.
   
   
   
   ST/WT:
   
   
   Why/How to Improve:
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Statement: While some argue that year-round schooling reduces summer learning loss, the extended school year also places undue financial burden on families and limits opportunities for extracurricular development.
   
   
   
   ST/WT:
   
   
   Why/How to Improve:
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Crafting Your Own Thesis Statements

For each topic below, develop one strong, arguable, and specific thesis statement. Remember to consider different perspectives.

Topic 1: The Impact of Technology on Education

Brainstorm Ideas: (e.g., online learning, access to information, distractions, digital literacy)

My Thesis Statement:

Topic 2: Should School Start Later for Teenagers?

Brainstorm Ideas: (e.g., sleep cycles, academic performance, extracurriculars, transportation)

My Thesis Statement:

Topic 3: A topic of your choice!

My Chosen Topic:

Brainstorm Ideas:

My Thesis Statement:

Debate Your Claim: Mini-Debate Activity

Instructions: In your small groups, choose one of the thesis statements you developed (or select one of the prompts below). Your goal is to have a short, informal debate where each person practices presenting a claim and supporting it with reasons and potential evidence. Remember to listen actively and respond respectfully!

Choose ONE of the following prompts to debate within your group:

Option 1: Technology in Schools

Prompt: Should all high school students be required to have a laptop or tablet for classroom use?

• Consider: What are the benefits? What are the drawbacks? How does it affect learning or equity?

Option 2: Extracurricular Activities

Prompt: Participation in extracurricular activities is more important for college admissions than a high GPA.

• Consider: What kind of experiences do extracurriculars offer? How do colleges weigh different factors?

Option 3: Year-Round Schooling

Prompt: Implementing year-round schooling would significantly improve student academic performance.

• Consider: What are the arguments for and against? What impact would it have on students, teachers, and families?

Option 4: Your Own Thesis Statement

Prompt: Use one of the strong thesis statements your group developed during the Thesis Statement Builder activity.

Group Discussion Guidelines:

• Presenter 1: State your chosen thesis/claim clearly.
• Presenter 2: Offer a supporting reason or piece of evidence for the claim.
• Presenter 3: Acknowledge a potential counterclaim and offer a brief rebuttal.
• Everyone: Ask clarifying questions, challenge ideas respectfully, and offer additional support or counter-arguments.

Reflection Questions for your group (discuss orally):

1. What was the strongest claim or piece of evidence presented in your debate?
   
   
   
2. Was it easy or difficult to think of counterclaims? Why?
   
   
   
3. What did you learn about the importance of evidence in making an argument?
   
   
   
4. How can practicing debates like this help you with your writing?
   
   
   

Argument Essay Rubric

Instructions: This rubric will be used to evaluate your argument essays. It outlines the criteria for success in constructing a compelling and well-supported argument.