Section #3 - Parts of an Essay: Thesis Statement

Did you get it?

Test yourself on the concepts discussed in the video above by using the self-grading quiz questions below.

Analyze Some Examples

We want to give you examples of students’ writing processes, so you can see what they look like. Read the situation; then, read each example, and answer the questions that follow it.

The Situation

Dr. Downey is interested in finding out how students feel about the state legislature removing public colleges from the list of “gun-free” zones. He also wants students to justify why they feel the way they do. He has asked students to write potential thesis statements that include reasons they can support with details in a paragraph or so.     

Cyd's Response to the Writing Situation from Dr. Downey

Campuses should stay gun-free zones because having fewer guns on campus will keep students and faculty safer and likely prevent unnecessary deaths from gun violence.

Questions about Cyd's Response to the Writing Situation from Dr. Downey

Toni’s Response to the Writing Situation from Dr. Downey

Students should be allowed to carry guns on campus because it will create sense of safety, and it will give students the opportunity to stop an attack when it happens.

Questions about Toni's Response to the Writing Situation from Dr. Downey