Ethical Thesis Statements

Name:

Date:

Students writing and analyzing thesis statements

📚 Part 1: Identifying Strong Thesis Statements

I can identify the characteristics of a strong thesis statement in persuasive writing.

1. Which of these is a characteristic of a strong thesis statement? (Circle all that apply)

States a clear position or claim

Is very general and broad

Is specific and focused

Avoids taking any stance

Addresses an ethical issue

2. Read these thesis statements about the Henrietta Lacks case. Circle the STRONGER thesis statement:

3. What makes the stronger thesis statement better? Explain in 1-2 sentences:

4. A weak thesis statement about Henrietta Lacks might say: "Henrietta Lacks was important." Rewrite this to make it stronger and more specific:

✏️ Part 2: Analyzing Ethical Thesis Examples

I can analyze thesis statements related to ethical issues in the Henrietta Lacks case.

5. Read this thesis statement: "Scientists should have obtained proper consent from Henrietta Lacks before using her cells, but their research has saved millions of lives, creating a complex ethical dilemma that requires balancing individual rights with scientific progress."

Underline the main claim and circle the ethical complexity mentioned in this thesis.

6. What ethical issue from the Henrietta Lacks case does this thesis address?

Racial inequity in healthcare

Informed consent in medical research

Profit from medical discoveries

Access to healthcare

7. Write two supporting reasons that could back up the thesis statement in question 5:

Reason 1: _________________________________________________

Reason 2: _________________________________________________

🎯 Part 3: Creating Your Own Ethical Thesis

I can write a clear, specific thesis statement that reflects my stance on an ethical issue.

8. Choose ONE ethical issue from the Henrietta Lacks case to focus on:

Informed consent in medical research

Racial inequality in healthcare

Commercialization of human tissue

Family rights to medical information

9. Draft your thesis statement on the ethical issue you selected:

10. Peer Review Checklist - Exchange papers with a partner and check their thesis:

Does it state a clear position?

Is it specific (not too general)?

Does it address an ethical issue?

Could you write a whole essay supporting this thesis?

Is it clear and easy to understand?

11. Based on peer feedback, revise your thesis statement here:

12. How will this thesis statement guide your persuasive essay? Explain in 2-3 sentences:

Ethical Thesis Statements

Ethical Thesis Statements

📚 Part 1: Identifying Strong Thesis Statements

✏️ Part 2: Analyzing Ethical Thesis Examples

🎯 Part 3: Creating Your Own Ethical Thesis

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