Thesis Statements and Topic Sentences

Example: Louis Zamperini Intro- Louis Zamperini, a WWII veteran and an author has shared his inspiring story with thousands of people. 1- Thesis: Louis Zamperini’s impact on history was marked by resilience, persistence and a positive attitude. 2- A challenging childhood, defined by poverty, created a strong and resilient Louis Zamperini. (Do not write; This paragraph is about history) 3- If it wasn’t for Zamperini’s perservering attitude, he would never have survived the terrible things that happened to him during the war. (Do not write; This paragraph is about struggles) 4- A positive outlook provided Louis with a second chance at life after WWII had ended. (Do not write; This paragraph is about accomplishments) 5- Restate thesis: A positive outlook, a resilient attitude and the ability to persevere made it possible for Louis Zamperini to inspire thousands of people to never loose hope.

Example: Wildlife refuges Animals and Humans living together can sometimes cause problems (for both the animals and the humans) Thesis) One answer to saving millions of animals that might otherwise perish is to create wildlife refuges. 2) Over the past century many such wildlife sanctuaries have been created in the United States. 3) Many American wildlife refuges have been set aside specifically to help preserve endangered species. 4) European sanctuaries for animals have some ideas that refuges around the world might benefit from. Restate thesis) Wildlife refuges are an important part of the solution to how humans and animals can live in harmony.

Example: Thomas Edison 1) Thesis: Edison’s curiosity and determination led him to invent the electric light bulb, the phonograph, and one of the first machines for motion pictures. 2) The invention of the electric light bulb is one of Edison’s most memorable contributions to the world, and it has been labeled his greatest invention. 3)The creation of the phonograph, later called the record player, came more easily for Edison and this machine was his favorite invention. 4) A third major contribution of Edison’s was helping to invent one of the first successful machines for viewing motion pictures. 5) Restate thesis) We owe a great deal to Mr. Thomas Edison for his inventions. It’s difficult to imagine what our world would be like without electric light bulbs, phonographs and motion pictures.

You Try! Copy down your current thesis and topic sentences. Do they all go together? No??? Then try again!