You've taught how to write a good thesis statement. You've spent time writing a good thesis statement or helping others understand how to write effective thesis statements. In short, you've spent valuable classroom time teaching thesis statements. Wouldn't it make sense to learn and teach how to evaluate thesis statements? Instruct students to use the following questions after writing a thesis statement:
- Have you answered the question or merely restated it? The following examples are based on this question: Does Romeo's prior feelings for Rosaline diminish the credibility of his love for Juliet?
- Good example: Romeo's prior feelings for Rosaline diminishes the credibility of his love for Juliet.
- Bad example: This essay examines whether or not Romeo's prior feelings for Rosaline diminishes his love for Juliet.
- Have you tried to argue both sides of the case? It is important to acknowledge the other side and address the other position. That does not, however, excuse you from choosing a side.
- Good example: Juliet was not the first woman to capture Romeo's fancy; she was, however, the one who affected him the most.
- Bad example: Romeo loved Juliet with all his heart, but he loved Rosaline too; It could be argued they were both his favorite.
- Have you prejudged the issue by using loaded language? Immature writers manipulate readers through emotionally-charged language.
- Bad example: Immature, whiny, male-pig Romeo, a male harlot, ruined precious Juliet whom he loved no more than Rosaline.
Teaching thesis statements should involve reiforcement activities. Try the following:
- Have students create thesis statements on a slice of paper. Collect the paper and read them to the class. Have the class vote on them.
- Do the same activity, but use individualized white boards to record judgments.
- Read the thesis statements anonymously. The ones that do not qualify get tossed in the garbage can (visualizing what happens to bad thesis statements is powerful). Give students chances to rewrite the thesis statement until they get it right.
- Write random topics on the board and have groups of students brainstorm good ones.
- Make the thesis statements part of a writing challenge.
- Require students get thesis statements approved before writing an essay.