7.2 Developing a Clear and Defensible Thesis

• What is a thesis statement?

  Central argument of an essay
• The scope of a strong thesis statement should be specific and manageable.

  True
• Arrange the key components of a strong thesis statement:

  1️⃣ Main Claim

  2️⃣ Supporting Reasons

  3️⃣ Scope
• Supporting reasons in a thesis statement are key justifications for the main claim
• Match the element of a strong thesis with its description:

  Main Claim ↔️ Central argument of the essay

  Supporting Reasons ↔️ Justifications for the claim

  Scope ↔️ Specific focus area of the topic
• The scope of a thesis statement must be broad to cover all possible arguments.

  False
• Match the component of a strong thesis with its function:

  Main Claim ↔️ States the central argument

  Supporting Reasons ↔️ Defend the main claim

  Scope ↔️ Narrows the focus area
• The scope of a strong thesis statement ensures that the argument is manageable.


  True
• An argumentative thesis statement provides supporting reasons
• What is an example of an argumentative thesis statement?

  Government regulation is necessary
• What is the primary purpose of an argumentative thesis statement?

  Make a clear claim
• Argumentative thesis statements provide justifications for the writer's position.
• What is the first strategy for developing a clear thesis?

  Narrow the scope
• Supporting reasons form the foundation of an essay.
• Avoid vague or abstract language in your thesis; use concrete language instead.
• What is the main function of a thesis statement in an essay?

  Outline the central argument
• Steps for developing a clear thesis:

  1️⃣ Start with a broad topic

  2️⃣ Narrow the scope

  3️⃣ Make a clear, arguable claim

  4️⃣ Identify key supporting reasons

  5️⃣ Use specific, concrete language

  6️⃣ Test your thesis with questions
• The main claim in a thesis statement is the central argument or position
• What is the main claim in the strong thesis statement: "Government regulation is necessary to protect consumer health"?

  Government regulation is necessary
• A strong thesis statement should have a manageable scope.


  True
• The main claim in a thesis statement states the central argument or position
• An informative thesis statement presents a specific argument or claim.

  False
• A thesis statement outlines the main claim and key supporting reasons
• Match the element of a strong thesis with its description:

  Main Claim ↔️ The central argument you are making

  Supporting Reasons ↔️ Key justifications for your claim

  Scope ↔️ The specific focus area of your argument
• What is the purpose of a main claim in a thesis statement?

  States the central argument
• The scope of a thesis statement narrows down the focus area of the argument.


  True
• What is the purpose of a thesis statement in an essay?

  Summarizes the central argument
• A thesis statement acts as a roadmap for the reader
• What are the three essential components of a strong thesis statement?

  Main claim, supporting reasons, scope
• Supporting reasons in a thesis statement provide evidence to justify the main claim
• What is the primary purpose of an argumentative thesis statement?

  Makes a clear claim or argument
• An informative thesis statement takes a position on an issue.

  False
• Argumentative thesis statements allow the reader to understand the writer's position
• An informative thesis statement takes a position on an issue.

  False
• Match the type of thesis statement with its purpose:

  Argumentative Thesis ↔️ Makes a clear claim

  Informative Thesis ↔️ Outlines the main topic
• A thesis statement should state a position that can be supported with evidence.


  True
• What question should you ask to test your thesis?

  So what?
• A strong thesis provides supporting reasons for the main claim.


  True
• Match the essential element of a thesis statement with its definition:

  Main Claim ↔️ Central argument of the essay

  Supporting Reasons ↔️ Evidence to defend the claim

  Scope ↔️ Specific focus area
• What is a thesis statement in an essay?

  A concise, one-sentence summary