Question

Kelly is writing a research report for social studies class about the Salem witch trials. She wants to revise the introductory paragraph to include a clear
thesis statement. Read Kelly's draft introductory paragraph and answer the question that follows.

The Salem witch trials took place in 1692. Several women in a Massachusetts village were accused of witchcraft by some children: The adults did not brush these claims off as kids' make-believe stories, though. The cases against these women were heard in a special court. By the time the trials came to an end, well over 100 people had been accused of witchcraft. To most people today, it seems unbelievable that the trials ever took place, but that time people really did believe in, and fear, witches. Life was difficult for the people of Salem Village, and there was also a lot of tension among neighbors.

Which sentence would be the best thesis statement that Kelly should add to complete her introductory paragraph?

A.The key to understanding the Salem witch trials lied in understanding the time period in which they took place, including such important factors as: 1) common religious beliefs and superstitions of the era; 2) hardships in life which caused people to seek solutions and scapegoats; and 3) the rigid and highly stratified society of colonial New England in which people may have tempted to take out personal grudges against more privileged neighbors in unusual ways.

B.Today, it is still not clear whether there really were witches in Salem. We simply don't have the archeological or written evidence to say if it is true or not. However, some ghost-hunters, psychics, and mystics have explored the geographic area for "psychic vibes", and they report unusual supernatural forces.

C.The Salem witch trials show why it is important to question what kids say. Children can come up with all sorts of random and fanciful ideas. Some children even believe they have invisible companions!

D.Several centuries later, sad events like the Salem witch trials are still taking place all around the world: For example, in some parts
of the world, such as the mountain villages of Switzerland or the highlands of Scotland, pagan celebrations take place around New Year's Eve in which a straw effigy of a person is ritually burned under a full moon

Answer 1

I think the answer is B. Answer choice C is unprofessional. Answer choice D goes off topic and shouldn't be included in the thesis. Answer choice A is based, it has options in it. When you are writing a research report, you want to have facts only, not your opinion. Hope that helps.