Breaking It Down

Worksheet Description

The Thesis Statements worksheet is a brainstorming tool designed to assist students in developing a thesis statement for their writing. It breaks down the process into four steps: identifying the topic, formulating a question related to that topic, providing an answer to the question, and stating a personal opinion on the matter. This structured format allows students to methodically build the foundation of their thesis statement. At the bottom of the worksheet, there is space for students to write out their working thesis statement, synthesizing the elements they’ve outlined above.

The worksheet’s goal is to teach students the process of creating a thesis statement that is clear, concise, and argumentative. By separating the process into discrete steps, students are encouraged to think critically about their topic and the argument they wish to present. The activity helps students understand how a thesis statement is developed from a general subject area to a specific perspective that they will argue in their essay. Completing this worksheet equips students with the skills to craft a thesis statement that effectively sets the stage for their written arguments.