Thesis Homework

A. Indicate whether the following sentences would be acceptable thesis statements. If not, state why.


1. My commute to SCSU adds one hour each way onto my daily school schedule. 
This sentence is not considered a thesis statement. It does not state an argument. It also does not have a position on how the students feels about commuting. 

2. Students who must commute a long way to school are at a disadvantage compared to those who live nearby. 
This is a good thesis statement because it states the writers position.

3. In this paper, I will discuss why living on campus is the best option for college students.
This can be considered a thesis statement but it's a bad one. A thesis statement should be an interesting way to introduce the topic you're discussing. This thesis statement is too straight to the point. It's more like an announcement.

4. Schools should do more to encourage students to live on campus.
This thesis statement has potential. The student needs to say what schools can do to encourage students to live on campus. Giving a specific reason will make it better.

5. Alcohol and drug use are major problems among college students. 
This is not a good thesis statement. The writer needs to specify why drug and alcohol use is a major problem among college students.

6. Colleges have a lot of rules regarding drug and alcohol use.  
This thesis had potential but needs to elaborate on what rules they want to discuss. Also you do not know the writers position on the rules regarding drug and alcohol use.

7. Resident halls must take steps to enforce the rules regarding alcohol use in order to ensure the safety of their residents. 
This is a good thesis statement. The writer states their position on they think resident halls should do about alcohol use. They also state why they need to enforce the rules.

8. The New York Times has shown that underage drinking directly relates to lowered GPAs for college students, and therefore colleges should not allow this type of behavior on their campuses. 
This a good thesis statement

9. My essay will prove how detrimental underage drinking is for college students. 
This is a bad thesis statement. You shouldn't say that you're going to prove something but to just try and convince your audience.

B. Now write two good thesis statements, one on the topic of commuting vs. living on campus, one on the topic of drugs or alcohol and college students.

1. Southern should show students that living on campus let's you have a better college experience. Living on campus allows you to take advantage of more opportunities.

2. Colleges are too strict on drug and alcohol rules. In college students are finding themselves and are going to experiment although they are aware of the consequences.