Virginia SOL 7.W.2.A.i
The Standard
Composing a thesis statement that states a position or explains the purpose.
Virginia Standards of Learning for English
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students choose a clear position or purpose before drafting. They write a focused thesis and organize supporting ideas into a logical multi-paragraph plan.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student writes a focused thesis that clearly states a position or explains the text's purpose. The student plans multiple paragraphs, each tied directly to that thesis.
Common Misconceptions
- Students often write a broad topic instead of a clear position or purpose. They may list several ideas without connecting them, or plan body paragraphs that do not support the thesis.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Write one thesis arguing whether students should have homework, then list two body paragraph ideas that support it.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups claim, reason, and detail cards to sort, then have each group write one thesis that matches its organized plan.
Ask students to compare two thesis statements and write which one gives a clearer position or purpose, citing the exact words.
Play Thesis Match: students pair sample thesis statements with outlines, earning a point when every planned paragraph supports the thesis.
Have students draft a thesis for a school lunch proposal aimed at convincing the principal to make one specific change.
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Printable 7.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.
- 8.W.2.A.i
The 8th Grade version of this standard.
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