The thesis statement belongs at the end of the first paragraph. Use the sentences below to identify which statement would be considered a STRONG thesis statement.

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To stop the alarming rise in the number of violent crimes committed every year, our courts must hand out tougher sentences.
Crime must be stopped.

To stop the alarming rise in the number of violent crimes committed every year, our courts must hand out tougher sentences would be considered a STRONG thesis statement.

The statement "To stop the alarming rise in the number of violent crimes committed every year, our courts must hand out tougher sentences" would be considered a STRONG thesis statement.

To identify a strong thesis statement, we need to look for a clear and focused argument that provides a specific claim or position.

Looking at the two suggested statements:

1. "To stop the alarming rise in the number of violent crimes committed every year, our courts must hand out tougher sentences."

This statement is stronger as it clearly presents an argument about the solution to the rising number of violent crimes - tougher sentences from the courts.

2. "Crime must be stopped."

Although this statement expresses a general goal, it lacks specificity and a clear argument. It does not provide any specific solution or focus on a particular aspect of crime, making it weaker as a thesis statement.

Therefore, the first sentence, "To stop the alarming rise in the number of violent crimes committed every year, our courts must hand out tougher sentences," would be considered a strong thesis statement.