Final answer:
The thesis statement provided is not wordy, as it is clear and succinct without unnecessary language. Effective writing involves cutting needless words to enhance clarity, but the length of a sentence should suit its context and intended impact.
Step-by-step explanation:
The thesis statement in question doesn't contain extraneous words that make it overly wordy; rather, it is concise and to the point. The goal in effective writing is to eliminate unnecessary words, which can detract from the clarity and impact of a statement. In this example, the statement 'The success of Harry as a Seeker depends more on his teammates' skills than his own' is already concise, focusing on the essential elements without repetition or redundancy. When reducing wordiness, it is crucial to preserve key information and meaning, as with the edited sentence from a wordy 49-word version to a sleek 11-word version, cutting out needless words while maintaining the core message.
Not every short sentence is automatically more effective than a longer one; the task requires judgment and attention to the specific purpose of the sentence. For instance, a concise sentence is usually more desirable in academic writing to enhance comprehension and readability. However, in narrative writing or when a certain tone or style is needed, longer sentences might be preferable. It's always essential to consider the context and the intended effect when editing for conciseness.