How To Convert A Question Prompt Into A Thesis Statement

1. Read the Question Prompt.

2. Change the Prompt from a question into a firm statement.

Example:
Question Prompt: Why do you like vanilla ice cream?
Thesis: Many reasons exist for me to like vanilla ice cream.

Question Prompt: Do you agree that the United States should avoid raising taxes?
Thesis: I completely disagree with the idea that the United States should avoid raising taxes.

3. Use this converted statement as the basis for your thesis.

More examples:

Question: Considering that most teenage driving fatalities occur after dark, do you believe that teenage drivers should be banned from driving at night?
Converted to Thesis Statement: Because most teenage driving fatalities occur after dark, I believe teenagers should not be allowed to drive their cars after the sun sets.

Question: If at the age of eighteen a person can join the military and die for their country, do you feel that they should then also be allowed to go into a bar and be served an alcoholic beverage?
Converted to Thesis Statement: If a person can join the military and die for their country, they should definitely be able to enter a bar and be served an alcoholic beverage.

Tips to Remember about Thesis Statements:

• They need to be direct and focused.
• They need to serve as an umbrella which can be used for the entire essay.
• They must address a specific topic and put forth a clear main idea.