Expository Guided Drafts Rubric: Thesis Lesson

Exp Rubric Thesis

In an expository essay, a strong thesis statement shares the central idea that you want readers to understand about your topic.

A strong central idea doesn’t just state a simple fact or an obvious detail about your topic. Readers will be more engaged if you make a thoughtful and interesting point about the facts and why you’re explaining them.

Thesis Makes an Interesting Point

Soccer has become popular worldwide because it is an inclusive sport.

This thesis makes an interesting point about soccer and why it has become popular.

Thesis Does Not Make an Interesting Point

Soccer is a popular sport worldwide.

Instead of making a thoughtful point about soccer, this thesis states an obvious fact.

Thesis Makes an Interesting Point

Although crocodiles and alligators are often mistaken for each other, they actually have different appearances, habitats, and personalities.

This thesis makes the interesting point that alligators and crocodiles are more different than people think. From this thesis, readers understand why it’s worth comparing the two animals in an essay.

Thesis Does Not Make an Interesting Point

Alligators and crocodiles are similar in some ways and different in others.

This example does not make a thoughtful point about the similarities and differences between these two animals, so readers will be left wondering what they are supposed to think about this comparison.