Virginia SOL 6.W.2.A.i
The Standard
Composing a thesis statement that focuses the topic and introduces the piece clearly.
Virginia Standards of Learning for English
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students narrow a broad topic and write a clear thesis that states the central point of the piece. They use that thesis to plan connected body paragraphs and revise it when the draft changes.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student writes a specific thesis that clearly states the topic and central point. Each body paragraph connects directly to that thesis.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may write only a topic, a question, or an announcement such as, “My essay is about recycling.” They may also write a thesis that is too broad or does not match the body paragraphs.
How to Assess It
- Use this exit ticket: “Write a focused thesis about improving school lunches, then list three paragraph ideas that support it.”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Sort sentence cards into broad topics, focused thesis statements, and supporting details, then build three matching essay sets.
Compare two thesis statements about school uniforms, choose the clearer one, and explain which words sharpen its focus.
Play Thesis Tune-Up: draw a vague thesis card and rewrite it with a precise topic and central point in 60 seconds.
Read a short school news article, identify its main focus, then write a thesis for a related student editorial.
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Printable 6.W.2.A.i Worksheet
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Related Standards
- 12.W.2.A.i
Composing a thesis statement that clearly communicates the writer’s position or assertion.
- 11.W.2.A.i
Composing a thesis statement that clearly communicates the writer’s position or assertion.
- 10.W.2.A.i
Composing a thesis statement that clearly communicates the writer’s position or assertion.
- 9.W.2.A.i
Composing a thesis statement that clearly communicates the writer’s position or assertion.
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