Virginia SOL 10.W.2.A.i
The Standard
Composing a thesis statement that clearly communicates the writer’s position or assertion.
Virginia Standards of Learning for English
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students identify who will read the piece and what the writing should accomplish. They develop a clear, arguable thesis that states their position. They use that thesis to guide planning, drafting, and revision.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student writes one focused sentence that states a clear, arguable position. The thesis fits the intended audience and purpose. Each planned body paragraph connects directly to the claim.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may write a topic or fact instead of an arguable position. They may list reasons without making one clear claim. Some write for a general reader and ignore the assigned audience or purpose.
How to Assess It
- Use this exit ticket: “Write a thesis convincing the principal to change one school policy.” Students underline the position and circle two supporting reasons.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups claim, audience, and reason cards, then have them arrange the cards into a clear thesis for a chosen audience.
Ask students to rewrite one claim for a principal, a classmate, and a parent, then explain which words changed and why.
Play Thesis Sort by having pairs classify sample statements as topic, fact, weak claim, or strong thesis, then revise the weak examples.
Use a real school issue, such as phone rules or lunch choices, and write a thesis for an email to the principal.
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