Verbs to Avoid!

In order to make our writing stronger, it is important that we avoid passive verbs and choose active onesverbs that illustrate action. In a thesis statement especially, we must use active verbs after the specific topic. Remember: Specific Topic + Active Verb + Point you are Proving = Strong Thesis Statement

Do NOT Use After Specific Topic:

is are were was has have had will be could should can These imply uncertainty. We want thesis statements to be confident!

Instead, consider these:

employs portrays possesses exhibits manifests exemplifies intensifies writes illustrates argues claims insists reveals questions responds reports admits answers explains suggests hints implies reveals disputes exposes distinguishes

So why shouldnt we use passive verbs, or verbs of being? Action verbs add to the color and passion of nearly any type of writing. For some unknown reason, new writers almost [involuntarily] tend toward verbs of being. These verbs are inert and slow down description. For example:
Johnny is in bed. That tells the reader the basics of Johnny's situation, but Johnny is essentially static. Instead, how about: Johnny collapses into the bed. Isn't the second sentence much more compelling?