Thesis Statement Quiz
Thesis statement Quiz
📝 Thesis Statement Identification Practice
Read the given essay prompts carefully. For each question, select the best thesis statement that clearly answers the prompt, takes a stance, and presents an arguable point. Click an option to see if you're correct and read the explanation.
1. Analyze how modern technology affects human relationships.
a. Social media allows people to connect instantly, but sometimes people use it too much in their daily lives.
❌ Incorrect. This is vague and doesn’t clearly explain how relationships are affected.
b. Technology has become more advanced, and now people can talk or text from anywhere in the world.
❌ Incorrect. This is factual and lacks a claim — it doesn’t argue or analyze impact on relationships.
c. While technology offers new ways to stay in touch, it also reduces meaningful in-person communication in many relationships.
✅ Correct! This statement is specific, debatable, and balanced — it addresses both benefits and drawbacks of technology on relationships.
2. Should university education be free for all students?
a. Education is important for everyone, and free university would help people become smarter and more successful.
❌ Incorrect. Too vague and subjective — it lacks a critical or balanced argument.
b. While free university education would reduce student debt, it may also create pressure on governments to raise taxes or cut spending.
✅ Correct! This statement presents both sides and is clearly debatable, which makes it a strong thesis.
c. Many countries already offer free education, and students in those places do not have to pay tuition fees.
❌ Incorrect. Factual and descriptive — it doesn’t make an argument.
3. Evaluate the effects of globalization on local cultures.
a. Many local cultures now include foreign products and media, and people have more access to global goods.
❌ Incorrect. Descriptive but not evaluative — doesn’t take a stance.
b. Globalization brings economic benefits but often weakens cultural traditions and promotes homogenization.
✅ Correct! This thesis evaluates both positive and negative effects clearly and is argumentative.
c. Globalization has allowed countries to share resources and build stronger economies across the world.
❌ Incorrect. Focuses on economics, not local cultures — doesn’t answer the prompt.
4. Should governments limit screen time for children under 12?
a. Some children play games too much, so parents need to watch what they are doing on their devices.
❌ Incorrect. Focuses only on parents and lacks a government argument.
b. Limiting screen time may be helpful, but it depends on what children are watching and how long they use the devices.
❌ Incorrect. Too vague — lacks a definite stance or solution.
c. While parents should guide screen use, government regulations can help reduce overuse and protect children’s mental and physical health.
✅ Correct! Balanced and arguable — takes a clear position with reasoning.
5. To what extent should schools teach financial literacy?
a. Including financial literacy in the curriculum prepares students for real-life decisions about budgeting, saving, and using money wisely.
✅ Correct! This clearly answers the question and provides specific justification for the importance of the topic.
b. Teaching about money is helpful, but schools are already full of subjects and do not have enough time.
❌ Incorrect. Offers a problem but not a strong stance or solution.
c. Many students today do not know how to manage money, so financial education should be part of school subjects.
❌ Incorrect. Decent start but too vague — lacks clarity and strong justification.
IELTS Focus Practice
1. Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes (for example working for a charity, improving the neighbourhood or teaching sports to younger children).
2. In some countries, owning a home rather than renting one is very important for people.
3. Some people say that advertising encourages us to buy things we do not need. Others say that advertisements tell us about new products that may improve our lives.
4. Nowadays many people choose to be self-employed, rather than to work for a company or organisation.
5. Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others, however, believe there are better ways to reduce crime.
📝 IELTS Thesis Statement Identification Practice (Real Past Paper Prompts)
Read the exact IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Choose the best thesis statement for each. Click to check your choice and view explanations.
1. Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes (for example working for a charity, improving the neighbourhood or teaching sports to younger children).
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
a. Volunteering includes helping in libraries, cleaning parks, or working with children.
❌ Incorrect. Descriptive only. Doesn’t answer the question or take a position on whether it should be compulsory.
b. Unpaid community service can provide high school students with essential life skills and a sense of social responsibility; however, making it mandatory could reduce their motivation and turn it into a burden rather than a meaningful experience.
✅ Correct! This is a well-developed thesis that takes a stance and anticipates counterarguments, ideal for a high-scoring essay.
c. High school students are busy with academics and extracurriculars, so adding more responsibilities might stress them out.
❌ Incorrect. Presents only one side and lacks structure or insight into the benefits of service.
2. In some countries, owning a home rather than renting one is very important for people.
Why might this be the case? Do you think this is a positive or negative situation?
a. Some people rent and others buy depending on their personal goals, jobs, and economic backgrounds.
❌ Incorrect. Too general and neutral. Doesn’t answer why owning is so important or evaluate the situation.
b. Owning a home is important in many places because it means you have a permanent place to live and don't need to pay rent.
❌ Incorrect. Simplistic and repetitive. Lacks evaluation or development of ideas.
c. In many cultures, home ownership is associated with success, stability, and long-term financial security, which explains its popularity; this is generally positive, though it can pressure individuals to take on unaffordable loans.
✅ Correct! Explains both the cause and opinion clearly, offering complexity and balance.
3. Some people say that advertising encourages us to buy things we do not need. Others say that advertisements tell us about new products that may improve our lives.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
a. Advertising is everywhere, including on TV, online platforms, and in magazines, making it one of the most visible industries today.
❌ Incorrect. Descriptive, not analytical. No comparison or opinion is presented.
b. While advertising may persuade people to purchase unnecessary items, it also introduces helpful innovations; however, in my view, its persuasive tactics often outweigh its informative value.
✅ Correct! Clearly addresses both views and gives a reasoned opinion — a textbook IELTS Band 9 thesis.
c. Many advertisements are annoying and interrupt YouTube videos or mobile games.
❌ Incorrect. Too informal and emotionally based — not suitable for academic writing.
4. Nowadays many people choose to be self-employed, rather than to work for a company or organisation.
Why might this be the case? What could be the disadvantages of being self-employed?
a. The rise of digital platforms and flexible work culture has made self-employment more appealing, although it often lacks job security, stable income, and benefits, which are major disadvantages.
✅ Correct! Directly answers both parts of the prompt and uses strong structure and vocabulary.
b. Self-employed people use the internet to work from home and promote their businesses.
❌ Incorrect. Factual and descriptive — lacks analytical content or stance.
c. Working for a company means having a boss, while self-employed people are their own boss.
❌ Incorrect. Oversimplified. Doesn’t address the question or reflect academic standards.
5. Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others, however, believe there are better ways to reduce crime.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
a. Although longer prison sentences may deter some criminals, I believe that community programs, education, and rehabilitation are more sustainable ways to reduce crime.
✅ Correct! Balanced and thoughtful — discusses both views and gives a well-justified opinion.
b. Prisons are useful because they take dangerous people off the streets, but sometimes people don't stay in prison for long.
❌ Incorrect. Lacks structure and analytical depth.
c. Crime can be reduced in many ways, and it is a major concern in most cities today.
❌ Incorrect. Too general and vague — fails to engage with either side of the issue.
TOEFL Thesis Statement Practice
1. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
2. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
3. Some people believe that it is better to live in a small town. Others prefer to live in a big city.
4. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
5. Some people think it's better to take a gap year between high school and university. Others think students should start university immediately.
📝 TOEFL Thesis Statement Identification Practice
Read each official-style TOEFL Independent Writing prompt. Choose the best thesis statement. Click a choice to check your answer and read the explanation.
1. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
It is better to work in a team than to work alone.
a. People often work in teams or by themselves depending on their job.
❌ Incorrect. Too neutral — does not present an argument or express a preference.
b. I have worked alone and in groups before, and both can be fun or frustrating depending on the people.
❌ Incorrect. Informal and anecdotal — lacks academic tone and thesis structure.
c. Working in a team is beneficial because it allows individuals to share ideas, solve problems collaboratively, and develop communication skills.
✅ Correct! Clear position + structured support — strong academic thesis for TOEFL.
2. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
Students should be required to take physical education classes, even if they do not plan to play sports.
a. In some countries, students take PE classes while others don’t, depending on the curriculum.
❌ Incorrect. Descriptive only — doesn’t answer whether it should be required.
b. PE is a subject that some students like, but others would rather skip it.
❌ Incorrect. Lacks development and argument — doesn’t show a clear stance.
c. Although not all students enjoy sports, physical education helps improve health, reduce stress, and build teamwork, so it should be a required part of school.
✅ Correct! Takes a strong position with well-developed reasoning — ideal TOEFL response.
3. Some people believe that it is better to live in a small town. Others prefer to live in a big city.
Which do you prefer and why?
a. Cities are bigger than towns and have more buildings, traffic, and people.
❌ Incorrect. Factual only — no preference or reasons are given.
b. I lived in a small town when I was younger, and then I moved to a city.
❌ Incorrect. Narrative, not a thesis. No opinion or structured reasoning.
c. While both small towns and big cities have benefits, I prefer city life because it offers more career opportunities, entertainment options, and access to healthcare.
✅ Correct! Clear preference, balanced introduction, and strong academic phrasing.
4. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
Technology has made children’s lives better.
a. Many children play video games, use tablets, and watch shows online.
❌ Incorrect. Only describes — does not evaluate or take a side.
b. While technology provides learning tools and entertainment, I believe it has also reduced physical activity and face-to-face interaction, making children’s lives worse overall.
✅ Correct! Balanced, evaluative, and well-developed — perfect for TOEFL scoring.
c. Some kids love technology and others don’t like using devices.
❌ Incorrect. Too informal and vague — no thesis or reasoning.
5. Some people think it's better to take a gap year between high school and university. Others think students should start university immediately.
Which do you prefer and why?
a. A gap year is when you take a year off from school and travel or work.
❌ Incorrect. Defines the term — does not take a position or present reasoning.
b. Not everyone can afford to take a gap year, so it depends on the person.
❌ Incorrect. Too conditional and neutral — avoids a clear opinion.
c. Taking a gap year helps students gain life experience, improve focus, and avoid academic burnout, so I believe it is a better option than immediately entering university.
✅ Correct! Clear preference and reasoning — strong independent writing thesis.
Dulingo Thesis Statement Practice (DET)
1. People today have more ways to communicate than ever before (email, texting, social media, etc.).
2. Some people think students should wear school uniforms, while others believe they should choose their own clothes.
📝 Duolingo Thesis Statement Identification Practice
Read each Duolingo-style writing prompt. Select the best thesis statement. Click to check if it's correct and view the explanation.
1. People today have more ways to communicate than ever before (email, texting, social media, etc.).
Do you think modern communication makes relationships stronger or weaker?
a. People use phones and computers to talk to each other, so communication is definitely better now.
❌ Incorrect. Too casual and vague — lacks depth and argumentative quality.
b. I always talk to my friends on my phone or on social media, and we never have problems.
❌ Incorrect. Informal, personal anecdote — not suitable for academic writing.
c. Modern communication helps people stay connected across distances, but it can also weaken deep relationships by reducing face-to-face time and emotional bonding.
✅ Correct! Balanced, academic, and acknowledges complexity — excellent thesis statement.
2. Some people think students should wear school uniforms, while others believe they should choose their own clothes.
Which do you think is better and why?
a. School uniforms look nice on students, but they are often uncomfortable and boring.
❌ Incorrect. Lacks structure and academic tone — sounds like opinion without reasoning.
b. In some countries, students wear uniforms, and in others, they do not.
❌ Incorrect. Descriptive — does not take a stance or address the question directly.
c. Although school uniforms reduce distractions and bullying, I believe students should wear what they like because it allows them to express their identity and feel comfortable.
✅ Correct! Clear opinion with two well-developed reasons — suitable for high-scoring Duolingo writing.
3. Do you agree or disagree with the statement: “Children should help with household chores”?
a. I hated doing chores when I was a kid, so I don’t think children should have to do them.
❌ Incorrect. Personal and emotional, not an academic thesis.
b. Chores include doing the dishes, cleaning, laundry, and more.
❌ Incorrect. Defines chores — no opinion or argument is presented.
c. I think children should help around the house because it teaches responsibility, builds teamwork, and reduces pressure on parents.
✅ Correct! Strong structure, clear reasoning, academic phrasing — good DET-style response.
4. Do you think it's better to learn from books or from real-life experience?
a. Many people say they learn best by doing things themselves.
❌ Incorrect. Too vague and observational — no strong position.
b. Reading books is important, but life experience is the real teacher.
❌ Incorrect. Lacks reasoning and structure — too casual for an academic thesis.
c. Although books give us theoretical knowledge, I believe real-life experiences teach lessons more deeply because they involve emotions, mistakes, and personal growth.
✅ Correct! Balanced, thoughtful, and clearly structured — excellent thesis for DET.
5. Some people prefer to live in big cities, while others prefer rural areas. Which do you prefer and why?
a. I live in the countryside and enjoy the quiet.
❌ Incorrect. Personal anecdote, not a formal thesis.
b. Cities have more buildings, people, and places to go, but they are also noisy.
❌ Incorrect. Descriptive — no stance or structure.
c. Living in rural areas offers more peace, closer communities, and a better connection with nature, which is why I prefer it over crowded cities.
✅ Correct! Clear stance with 3 solid points — well-structured for DET writing.
University Assignments Thesis Statement Practice
🎓 University Thesis Statement Identification
Read each academic essay prompt from a different university major. Click the best thesis statement. Check your answer and read the explanation.
1. Psychology: Discuss the impact of early childhood experiences on adult behavior. Use relevant theories and research.
a. Childhood is the time when people grow and learn many things.
❌ Incorrect. Too general and vague — lacks academic depth or reference to theories.
b. My parents were very supportive during my childhood, and I think that’s why I’m confident now.
❌ Incorrect. Personal anecdote — inappropriate for a university essay assignment.
c. Many psychologists believe that early childhood plays an important role in shaping adult personalities and behaviors, particularly through attachment patterns and developmental stages.
✅ Correct! Academic, theory-based, and well-aligned with the assignment requirements.
2. Business: Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of remote work for organizations.
a. Remote work is becoming more popular in the business world, and some companies use Zoom and Slack to communicate.
❌ Incorrect. Descriptive only — no evaluation or argument presented.
b. Although remote work increases flexibility and reduces overhead costs, it can also lead to decreased collaboration and employee disengagement if not managed properly.
✅ Correct! Balanced, analytical, and meets the academic requirement for evaluation.
c. I enjoy working from home because I can wear pajamas and work from bed.
❌ Incorrect. Informal and personal — not appropriate for academic analysis.
3. Environmental Science: Analyze the impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems.
a. Plastic pollution affects sea life in many ways, like turtles eating plastic bags.
❌ Incorrect. Too simplistic and informal — lacks scope and academic tone.
b. I watched a documentary about a whale that had plastic in its stomach.
❌ Incorrect. Anecdotal — not academically framed or analytical.
c. Plastic pollution has disrupted food chains, damaged coral reefs, and contributed to biodiversity loss, making it one of the most urgent environmental issues for marine ecosystems.
✅ Correct! Strong argument with academic structure and consequences clearly stated.
4. English Literature: Compare the role of fate in Shakespeare's Macbeth and Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex.
a. *Oedipus Rex* is a Greek tragedy, and *Macbeth* is an English play.
❌ Incorrect. Factual only — no comparative or analytical element.
b. I like *Macbeth* more because it’s about witches and ambition.
❌ Incorrect. Personal preference — lacks academic focus or textual analysis.
c. Both *Macbeth* and *Oedipus Rex* explore the tension between free will and destiny, but each play portrays fate’s role differently—Macbeth actively pursues prophecy, while Oedipus unknowingly fulfills his.
✅ Correct! Comparative, analytical, and properly framed for a literature paper.
5. Computer Science: Will AI create more jobs than it replaces in the next 20 years?
a. AI is a popular topic in tech conferences and computer science classes.
❌ Incorrect. Descriptive and vague — doesn’t take a position or offer reasoning.
b. I once used AI to write code, and it was cool.
❌ Incorrect. Informal anecdote — not suitable for academic writing.
c. While AI will automate many routine tasks, it is likely to create new roles in data analysis, robotics maintenance, and ethical oversight, ultimately generating more jobs than it eliminates.
✅ Correct! Strong, forward-looking thesis with structured reasoning.