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Why Thesis Statements Are Important for Kids

Should you teach thesis statements? If so, in what grade should you teach thesis statements? Hey, are thesis statements even important?

Most people don’t really understand what a thesis statement is, and even the people who do understand what a thesis statement is don’t really understand why it is important. Until a few years ago, I didn’t really get them. I didn’t think they were important. I always thought a thesis statement was just a word that English majors liked to use.

When getting my teaching credential I did get straight A’s, and I can honestly say that I never once thought about the term thesis statement . When getting my undergraduate degree, getting good grades was just one of my many interests, so I am quite sure that I cared even less about thesis statements back then. Don’t worry—I did just fine. So, how important are thesis statements if all of this is possible? Do thesis statements really help create good writing? Are thesis statements really an essential element of good writing?

Do We Really Need to Teach Thesis Statements in Elementary School and Middle School?

The California State Writing Standards for 5th grade states this:

Grade 5 Writing Strategies 1.0 – Students write clear, coherent, and focused essays.

Technically, and by definition, an essay has a thesis statement. Okay, so thesis statements may be important. However, when elementary and middle school students are struggling with paragraphs and grammar, thesis statements can SEEM quite unimportant.

In fact, when one considers Piaget’s constructivist learning theory , thesis statements can seem like a waste of time for students who still struggle with a variety of simple writing concepts. Do you want to spend valuable class time teaching students concepts that may not help them just yet? And surely you don’t want students to become so overwhelmed with writing that they think, “Okay, I admit it—I don’t understand writing… and I never will.” Thesis statements can have that effect. So should you or shouldn’t you teach them?

THESIS THINKING: The Real Reason Thesis Statements are Important

What I have now come to see is that you can use thesis statements as a tool for achieving many different writing and reading comprehension results.

Thesis statements have become a coat rack on which I hang many concepts. I’ve come to the conclusion that the most important thing about thesis statements is the THESIS THINKING that goes along with them.

John Truby, a screenwriting teacher, had this to say about story premises. The way he uses the term premise is what I have learned to teach my students about thesis statements.

The very first step in creating a good script is to figure out a great premise. Your premise is your story stated in a single line. It’s probably the most important element in any script, because if it’s not a good premise, there is very little that you can do to make the overall script work—make the overall script something that people will want to read. So it’s very important that you start with a good core idea. –– John Truby –– Screenwriting Teacher

Thesis is very closely related to premise. Let’s substitute thesis for premise and essay for script and see how it reads.

The very first step in creating a good essay is to figure out a great thesis. Your thesis is your essay stated in a single line. It’s probably the most important element in any essay, because if it’s not a good thesis, there is very little that you can do to make the overall essay work—make the overall essay something that people will want to read. So it’s very important that you start with a good core idea.

Put simply, THESIS THINKING is important in all kinds of writing. THESIS THINKING also helps with reading comprehension. In fact, thesis statements and THESIS THINKING help students in all these areas:

• Write powerful topic sentences that put forth important main ideas. • Find main ideas in text. • Write whole compositions with a purpose. • Master the different modes of writing. • Summarize a text. • Narrow or broaden a topic. • Develop clear and concise thinking and clear and concise writing. • Understand the purpose behind each of the different types of essays. • Write and read stories that contain a larger meaning and that communicate a larger message—i.e., stories that have a premise. • And many more!

Back to Piaget—Do Students Really Need to Understand Thesis Statements?

Beginning writers and struggling writers do need to understand thesis statements. However, they are not going to really understand them until they master a variety of foundational skills—skills that will make the concept of thesis statements have real meaning. Piaget certainly would not approve of demanding that students include thesis statements when students don’t understand the following basic concepts and when students don’t possess the following foundational writing skills:

Writing Foundation A: Students must understand and internalize two levels of beginning, middle, and ending:

1. Beginning, middle, and ending in paragraphs. 2. Beginning, middle, and ending in whole compositions.

Writing Foundation B: Students must be able to write basic whole compositions (essays, reports, narratives etc.) quickly and easily. They must own a method for breaking down writing topics and writing prompts and for organizing their thoughts. They must have a method for getting to work and finishing their work.

Writing Foundation C: Students must be in complete control over the paragraph and how paragraphs connect together within an essay. Students must also to be in complete control over the relationship that paragraphs have with the introduction and conclusion.

Parts to Whole: Create a True Foundation for Thesis Statements

As discussed before, thesis statements are, in one sense, the entire essay stated in a single sentence. The thesis statement represents the whole .

Unfortunately, students are taught parts—parts, parts, parts. Students learn that they must be able to write just one good sentence—then just one good paragraph. Then all of a sudden, completely out of the blue, some teacher jumps to the top-down approach. This teacher starts with the whole—i.e., thesis statements.

Students learn parts—and then students learn wholes. But they never have the entire process constructed for them in a way that makes sense. Pattern Based Writing: Quick & Easy Essay is the foundation that makes sense. You will create Writing Foundation A, B, and C, all of them, quickly and easily.

One homeschooling parent had this to say when she found the Pattern Based Writing: Quick & Easy Essay program:

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A 7th grade teacher had this to say:

I was describing it to a colleague a little while ago as, ‘the basics made clearer.’ I have taught many of these ideas but not as an organized structure. I had no formal way of getting the ideas to be part of my students’ natural writing process. Thank you for this opportunity to enjoy teaching my students writing.

Pattern Based Writing: Quick & Easy Essay is the only writing program I know of that is truly constructivist parts-to-whole essay teaching. That’s why it works! That’s why it makes sense to students, parents, and teachers! If you teach elementary school, or if you have a few struggling middle school writers, be sure to take a serious look at the program on the homepage!

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Middle School Thesis Statement

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In middle school, students begin to familiarize themselves with the concept of thesis statements , laying the groundwork for more complex writing tasks in the future. Crafting a thesis statement at this level is crucial for developing strong writing skills and analytical thinking. This guide provides middle schoolers with essential examples, a step-by-step approach to writing, and helpful tips to ensure they create compelling and clear thesis statements to elevate their essays and reports.

What is a thesis statement for middle schoolers? – Definition

A thesis statement for middle schoolers is a concise sentence or two that clearly presents the main idea or argument of a piece of writing. It serves as a roadmap for readers, helping them understand what the writer intends to convey or prove. For middle school students, a thesis statement often takes a simpler form than in more advanced academic writing but remains essential for guiding the direction of their essays, reports, or projects.

What is a good thesis statement Example for Middle School?

“Despite its reputation for being an aggressive breed, with proper training and socialization, pit bulls can be loyal and gentle family pets.”

A Good thesis statement provides a clear stance on the topic (the nature of pit bulls) and gives a hint about the supporting points the essay might discuss (training and socialization). It’s straightforward and suitable for the middle school level.

100 Thesis Statement Example for Middle School

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Crafting a clear and compelling thesis statement in middle school lays the foundation for advanced essay writing in high school and beyond. These statements are simpler than their high school thesis statement counterparts but serve the crucial role of guiding the direction of an argument or analysis. Here, we provide a selection of examples tailored for the budding middle school writer.

Recycling is vital for preserving our planet for future generations.
School uniforms promote a sense of community among students.
Homework should be limited to ensure students have enough time for extracurricular activities.
Solar energy is an eco-friendly alternative that should be explored more.
Physical education should be mandatory in every grade.
Reading books enhances creativity more than watching TV.
Social media platforms should have age restrictions.
Zoos do more harm than good by imprisoning animals.
Students should have the option to learn a musical instrument in school.
Public libraries are essential resources for communities.
Bullying in schools needs stricter policies and consequences.
Technology in classrooms enhances the learning experience.
The Harry Potter series has revolutionized children’s literature.
Parents should limit video game hours for children.
Field trips provide a unique and invaluable learning experience.
Cursive writing is a skill that should still be taught in schools.
Schools should offer more foreign language options from an early age.
Year-round schooling is beneficial for student retention.
Team sports teach valuable life skills like teamwork and leadership.
The school cafeteria should prioritize healthy food options.
Art and music classes are as essential as science and math.
Volunteering should be encouraged in middle school.
Outdoor learning can be a valuable addition to traditional classrooms.
History lessons should cover diverse cultures and perspectives.
Summer vacations are essential for students’ mental well-being.
Pets in school can aid in stress reduction and emotional learning.
Teachers should integrate more modern literature into the curriculum.
Learning a second language benefits cognitive development.
Excessive testing can put undue stress on students.
Schools should have programs that teach financial literacy.
Mobile phones in schools are more distracting than beneficial.
Gardening programs teach students about sustainability and biology.
Early bedtimes benefit students’ concentration and health.
Schools should incorporate more hands-on experiments in science classes.
The study of mythology offers insights into various cultures.
Students should learn about global current events in addition to history.
Virtual reality can revolutionize classroom learning.
Longer recess breaks benefit students’ concentration.
Online learning platforms are vital tools for modern education.
Schools should encourage students to read newspapers.
Space exploration should be a part of the school curriculum.
Schools should host annual events celebrating cultural diversity.
Students should be educated about internet safety.
Math can be made fun through interactive learning tools.
Public speaking lessons can boost students’ confidence.
Schools should teach students about healthy eating habits.
Parents and teachers need to collaborate for students’ success.
Peer mentoring can help students adjust to middle school.
Schools should have counselors to address students’ mental health.
Writing in journals can improve students’ writing skills.
Students should be taught the importance of voting from an early age.
Environmental education is crucial for a sustainable future.
Ancient civilizations offer valuable lessons for the modern world.
Students benefit from learning through documentaries and films.
Creative writing boosts imagination and communication skills.
Schools should emphasize the importance of critical thinking.
Robotics clubs can foster interest in science and technology.
The education system should prioritize experiential learning.
Schools should have programs that promote kindness and empathy.
Learning about world religions fosters tolerance and understanding.
Digital literacy is as important as traditional literacy.
Daily reading time in schools can enhance vocabulary and comprehension.
Parent-teacher meetings should be held regularly.
Schools should reduce the emphasis on grades.
Education on climate change is essential for younger generations.
Schools should offer classes on basic life skills.
Celebrating achievements, big or small, boosts students’ morale.
Schools should have workshops on time management.
Middle schoolers benefit from learning about careers and professions.
Setting personal goals can drive academic success.
Debates in school foster analytical and critical thinking.
Learning about entrepreneurship encourages innovation.
Schools should prioritize classes on ethics and morality.
Students should be exposed to various forms of art.
Science clubs can inspire future scientists and researchers.
Middle schoolers should be educated on digital privacy.
Learning through games makes education more engaging.
Schools should encourage independent research projects.
Students benefit from understanding different political systems.
Physical activity breaks can enhance classroom focus.
Schools should have a broader range of extracurricular activities.
Peer feedback sessions can improve writing skills.
Astronomy should be introduced to middle schoolers.
Community service projects instill a sense of responsibility.
Middle schools should offer classes on logic and reasoning.
Real-world math problems make learning more applicable.
Schools should provide resources for learning beyond textbooks.
Geography lessons should include current world events.
Middle schoolers should be educated about online scams and fraud.
Schools should promote creativity over rote learning.
Workshops on effective communication benefit students in the long run.
Learning about local history connects students to their community.
Schools should educate students on the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
Teaching negotiation skills can be beneficial in everyday life.
Outdoor adventure programs can boost teamwork and leadership.
Schools should foster a love for lifelong learning.
Middle schoolers benefit from understanding basic economics.
Drama and theater can enhance students’ expressive skills.
Schools should have more guest speakers from various professions.
Learning about nutrition can promote lifelong healthy habits.

Thesis Statement Examples for 6th Grade Students

At this age, students begin to form stronger opinions and arguments. The thesis statements are simple, clear, and easy to support with evidence.

Dogs make better pets than cats because they are more loyal and trainable.
Reading books helps improve imagination more than watching TV.
Video games can teach important life skills if played in moderation.
Homework should be limited on weekends to encourage outdoor activities.
Solar energy is better than fossil fuels for preserving the environment.
Field trips are essential for hands-on learning in schools.
Eating vegetables is crucial for growing kids as they provide essential nutrients.
Winter is the best season because it brings holidays and snow sports.
Recycling should be made compulsory in all schools.
Swimming is the most beneficial sport for overall health in kids.

Thesis Statement Examples for 7th Grade Students

As students mature, their thesis statements can tackle more complex issues, yet remain concise and debatable.

Online schooling can be just as effective as traditional schooling when implemented correctly.
Cursive writing should still be taught in schools despite the rise of technology.
Social media has more negative effects than positive ones for teenagers.
Schools should start later in the morning to ensure students get enough sleep.
Zoos do more harm than good by keeping animals in captivity.
All students should learn a second language from a young age.
Students should wear uniforms to promote equality and reduce distractions.
Fast food consumption leads to severe health problems in young individuals.
Art and music classes are as important as core subjects in middle school.
Bullying in schools can have long-term mental effects on victims.

Thesis Statement Examples for 8th Grade Students

At this stage, students delve deeper into societal issues and controversies, offering a nuanced perspective in their statements.

Climate change is the most pressing issue of our generation and requires immediate action.
Genetic modification in food can be beneficial if regulated properly.
Animal testing for cosmetics should be banned worldwide.
The age for acquiring a driver’s license should be raised to 18.
Reality TV promotes unhealthy stereotypes and should be viewed with skepticism.
Technology addiction in teenagers is leading to decreased physical activity.
Students should be educated about the dangers of tobacco and alcohol from a younger age.
The internet, though beneficial, has also given rise to increasing cyberbullying cases.
Schools should actively promote STEM subjects for girls.
Historical monuments representing controversial figures should be preserved with context.

Middle School Thesis Statement Examples for Persuasive Essay

Persuasive essays aim to convince readers to adopt a particular viewpoint. The persuasive essay thesis statement should be compelling and offer a clear stance.

Planting trees in urban areas is vital for maintaining air quality and community health.
Junk food in school cafeterias contributes to childhood obesity and should be replaced.
Digital textbooks are more efficient and eco-friendly than paper ones.
Physical education classes should be mandatory throughout middle school.
Restricting screen time for children encourages better sleep and healthier habits.
Volunteering should be integrated into the school curriculum for character development.
Parents should monitor their children’s online activities to ensure safety.
Students should have more say in designing the school curriculum.
Reward systems in schools can boost motivation and performance.
Local communities should invest more in public libraries.

Middle School Thesis Statement Examples for Argumentative Essay

Argumentative essays thesis statement present arguments on both sides. The thesis states a clear position on a contentious issue.

Animal experimentation is unjustifiable, regardless of its potential benefits to humans.
Introducing foreign languages in early grades leads to better cognitive development.
Surveillance cameras in schools infringe on student privacy rights.
The benefits of space exploration far outweigh the associated costs.
All middle schools should adopt a vegetarian menu for environmental and health reasons.
The grading system in schools stifles creativity and individualism.
Strict parental controls on the internet are a necessity in today’s digital age.
Public transportation should be free for students to encourage its use.
Corporal punishment in schools does more harm than good.
Modern educational technology tools enhance learning more than traditional methods.

Middle School Thesis Statement Examples for Informational Essay

Informational essays present factual information. The thesis sets the stage for the topic to be explored.

The water cycle is an essential natural process that supports life on Earth.
Ancient Egyptian pyramids were architectural marvels and had significant cultural importance.
Photosynthesis is the process through which plants produce their food and release oxygen.
The Great Wall of China, built over centuries, served as protection and a symbol of power.
Hurricanes are powerful storms that arise from specific atmospheric conditions.
The life cycle of a butterfly consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
The human skeletal system provides structure and supports bodily movements.
Mars, often called the “Red Planet,” has intrigued scientists for potential signs of life.
The Amazon Rainforest, the world’s largest tropical rainforest, hosts unparalleled biodiversity.
The Internet’s invention has revolutionized communication, information access, and business.

How do you write a thesis statement for middle schoolers? – Step by Step Guide

Understand the Purpose of a Thesis Statement : Begin by explaining to middle schoolers that a thesis statement expresses the main point of their essay and serves to guide the ideas within it. It tells the reader what to expect.
Select a Topic : Encourage students to choose a topic they are passionate about or one they’d like to explore. The more interest they have in a topic, the easier it will be to write about.
Ask a Question About the Topic : After selecting a topic, have them phrase it as a question. For example, if the topic is “recycling,” the question could be, “Why is recycling important for our environment?”
Answer the Question : The answer to this question can form the basis of the thesis statement. Using the above example, an answer might be: “Recycling is essential for our environment because it reduces waste, conserves resources, and minimizes the impact on landfills.”
Keep It Specific : Ensure that the thesis is not too vague. A good thesis provides a clear and specific point. Instead of writing, “Books are good,” they might write, “Reading books enhances vocabulary, improves concentration, and encourages empathy.”
Limit to One or Two Sentences : A thesis should be concise. Middle schoolers should be taught to express their main idea succinctly.
Avoid Opinion Phrases : Teach them to avoid starting their thesis with phrases like “I think” or “I believe.” The thesis should assert a fact or a stance, not merely present an opinion.
Revise and Refine : Encourage rewriting the thesis a few times to make it stronger and clearer. As they gather more information for their essay, their thesis might need adjustments.
Seek Feedback : Have students share their thesis statements with peers or teachers for feedback. Others can provide insight into whether the statement is clear and convincing.
Practice Makes Perfect : Provide ample opportunities for middle schoolers to practice writing thesis statements on various topics. Over time, the process will become more intuitive.

Tips for Writing a Thesis Statement for Middle School Students

Start Simple : Especially for younger middle school students, starting with a simple and straightforward topic can make the process less intimidating.
Use Templates : Offering a template can be beneficial. For instance: “[Topic] is essential because of [Reason 1], [Reason 2], and [Reason 3].”
Always Back it Up : Remind students that whatever claim they make in their thesis, they should have evidence or reasons to back it up in the essay.
Stay Flexible : Let students know it’s okay to change their thesis as they delve deeper into a topic. Research might lead them to a different perspective.
Be Clear and Direct : Encourage students to avoid jargon or overly complex words. Their thesis should be easily understood.
Avoid Being Too Broad : A common mistake is making a thesis too broad. For instance, instead of saying “Pollution is bad,” they could specify, “Plastic waste harms marine life.”
Practice Debates : Allow students to practice debating on various topics. This helps them learn to form arguments, which can translate into stronger thesis statements.
Use Real-World Examples : Relating the thesis statement to current events or real-world issues can make the process more engaging and relevant for students.
Stay Organized : Teach students the importance of outlining their essays. This can help them see where their thesis fits and how their arguments should be structured.
Encourage Creativity : While the structure of a thesis has a specific format, students can still be creative in how they present their main ideas.