Today is rung 4 of 13 on this topic
An essay with a thesis
Can do: Writes a clear thesis statement and structures body paragraphs that each support it.
Why it matters
The thesis is what turns writing from a collection of things-I-know into an argument. Every essay from here to university needs one.
What it looks like when it's wobbly
The introduction announces the topic ("I am going to write about volcanoes") rather than making a claim about it.
⏱️ Two-minute check
"Write one sentence saying what your whole essay will argue."
Solid looks like: A claim someone could disagree with, not a topic announcement.
The full activity for this topic · 20 minutes
Thesis Test
- 1Teach the test: if nobody could disagree with your sentence, it isn't a thesis.
- 2Write three candidate sentences on their topic and apply the test to each.
- 3Pick the best and list three reasons underneath it.
- 4Each reason becomes a body paragraph's first sentence.
- 5At the end, check every paragraph against the thesis and cut anything that doesn't serve it.
If it's too hard
You give two thesis options; they choose and justify.
If it's too easy
Write a thesis that acknowledges the other side: "Although X, Y."
Say this
"Could someone argue with that sentence? If not, it's a topic, not a thesis."