THESIS STATEMENTS - Level #1 Identification Practice

Writing thesis statements for history essays follows the same guidelines as thesis statements for personal
essays. A thesis statement must:
1. Clearly state your argument (your stance or side) as fact
2. Answer the question or prompt
3. Be the main idea supported by evidence in your essay

HISTORICAL THESIS EXAMPLES:

1. Subject: Mansa Musa

Thesis Statement: Mansa Musa brought positive attention to the Malian empire with his pilgrimage to
Mecca.

2. Subject: Geography and the Arabian Peninsula

Thesis Statement: The location on the Arabian Peninsula helped establish the early Islamic empires
through trade and travel.

3. Subject: Contributions of the Roman Empire

Thesis Statement: The Roman Empire made great contributions to Western society.

Practice #2:​ Write YES next to each sentence below that satisfies the requirements of a thesis. Write NO
beside each sentence that is​ not​ a thesis statement. Remember that a thesis statement must have an
argument.

1. _____ The Dark Ages lasted from 400 to 1400.

2. _____ Cultural decline and lack of advancements were two reasons the Middle Ages have been called
the Dark Age.
3. _____ The Crusades were a series of religious wars between Christian forces and the Muslims over
control of Palestine.
4. _____ Ultimately, the Crusades were a complete failure.
5. _____ Pope Urban II’s promise of immediate salvation if killed in the Crusades influenced many to fight.
6. _____ Mansa Musa was the richest person ever.
7. _____ The Black Plague killed over ⅓ of the population.
8. _____ The Roman Empire was too large to sustain its power.
9. _____ In 476, The Western Roman Empire fell.

10. _____ Muslim scholars made great advancements in science and philosophy.