Thesis Statement Worksheet

Instructions: Write a basic thesis statement and a revised thesis statement in response to the writing prompt.

Writing Prompt

What makes King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail" powerful and effective? After reading King's letter, answer the question by analyzing how he uses structure and language purposefully in his text. Provide specific examples from the text to support your analysis.

1. Write your Basic Thesis Statement in the space below.

2. Go through the Thesis Statement Essentials Checklist below. It is okay if you are not able to check off some of these characteristics.

•	Is your thesis statement one sentence?
•	Does it answer the question?
•	Does it use specific words?
•	Does it take a stand? Could someone have a different interpretation? 
•	Does it answer “Why does this matter?” or “So what?”

3. Based on the checklist above, revise your thesis statement so that it has all of the above qualities and include it here.