Which of the following would be the best thesis statement for a fifteen-minute speech on preserving the environment? The speech will take place at a town council meeting.

In order to begin reducing pollution, the United States needs to reduce fossil fuel levels by 20 percent in the next five years.
The trees in the park are forty-five years old and provide shade in summer and protection from the elements in winter.
Our town can reduce the need for landfills if we start a recycling program.
Why is preserving the environment important?

Question

Which of the following would be the best thesis statement for a fifteen-minute speech on preserving the environment? The speech will take place at a town council meeting.

In order to begin reducing pollution, the United States needs to reduce fossil fuel levels by 20 percent in the next five years.
The trees in the park are forty-five years old and provide shade in summer and protection from the elements in winter.
Our town can reduce the need for landfills if we start a recycling program.
Why is preserving the environment important?

AP · Answer

I would say "Our town can reduce the need for landfills if we start a recycling program." is the best thesis statement in this context, in that the first two options are too specific and narrow for explanation in a 15-minute speech, whilst the last option (the question) is too broad for the same given time. It's also more of an introduction to the topic and would hardly classify as a thesis statement.