Thesis & Claims
What must a thesis for FRQ 3 include to earn the thesis point?
It must take a position and introduce the writer's line of reasoning.
What does CHORES stand for?
Current events, history, observations, reading, entertainment, sports/science
What should commentary explain immediately after evidence?
It should explain how the evidence represents the major idea from the sub-claim.
What is a line of reasoning?
The logical progression of claims and reasoning that develops and supports an argument.
Revise this thesis: 'There are many reasons why people should read.'
Example: Reading should remain a daily habit because it develops critical thinking and exposes readers to perspectives beyond their own.
What is the difference between a topic and a claim?
A topic is one major idea; a claim presents a defensible position relevant to the topic.
True or False: you must quote and cite evidence in an argument essay?
False - you can't, nothing is provided
A student writes, “The school’s recycling program reduced waste by 40%.” What question should the student answer next to explain how this evidence supports the claim that schools should prioritize environmental responsibility?
Why does reducing waste by 40% demonstrate the importance or impact of environmental responsibility in schools?
What should each body paragraph's claim do?
Make a distinct point that supports and develops the thesis.
Improve this evidence: 'Many successful people have worked hard.'
Name a specific person or event, describe the relevant actions, and explain the outcome that supports the claim.
Is competition beneficial? Write a defensible thesis that acknowledges a nuance.
Although competition can create unnecessary pressure, it often encourages growth when success is measured by improvement rather than superiority.
A student claims that perseverance matters and describes an athlete practicing for months after losing a competition. What makes this relevant evidence?
It illustrates how sustained effort after a setback can lead to improvement.
A student writes, 'This proves that hard work is important.' What should the student explain next?
How the example demonstrates the effects of hard work and why those effects support the claim.
Why should body paragraphs be arranged purposefully instead of in random order?
Each point should build on, extend, or qualify earlier reasoning to strengthen the argument.
Proved the writer of "This example shows that determination is good" with a question that offers them an opportunity to build commentary. DO NOT JUST ASK HOW?
Why is 'Competition has both advantages and disadvantages' a weak thesis?
It does not take a specific position and is not defensible.
Why is naming a famous person without explaining their actions or significance weak evidence?
The name alone does not substantiate the claim; it's what they did, how they performed, etc that ties the person back to the claim.
Evidence: A student who fails a test changes study strategies and improves. Write one sentence of commentary
The improvement suggests that setbacks can become productive when students use them to identify weaknesses and change their approach.
Thesis: Schools should teach financial literacy. Paragraph 1 discusses budgeting; Paragraph 2 discusses avoiding debt. Explain how the second paragraph builds on the first.
Budgeting helps people manage money day to day, while understanding debt helps them evaluate the long-term consequences of financial decisions.
A student uses three examples in a single paragraph but explains none of them. If this student was running out of time, what would you recommend they do to salvage the most amount of points?
Focus on explaining how ONE of the examples connects to the topic sentence and, ultimately, the thesis.
Write a thesis that qualifies this claim: 'Failure is necessary for success.'
Although disheartening for many, failure is necessary for success because it can promote success when people reflect on mistakes and adapt, but repeated setbacks without support may discourage progress.
A student argues that technology improves education and only discusses students using AI to finish homework faster. What is one limitation the student should consider when thinking about the real-world implications?
How does commentary connect a specific example to the essay's overall thesis?
It explains the example's broader significance and shows how the reasoning supports the central position.
A paragraph contains relevant evidence and commentary, but it supports a different claim from the thesis. What must the writer fix?
The writer must reconnect the paragraph to the thesis, revise its claim, or explain the missing logical connection.
Prompt: Is being comfortable an obstacle to personal growth? Create a thesis and two distinct body-paragraph claims that form a logical progression.
Example thesis: Comfort can limit growth when it discourages risk, but stability can also provide the security needed to pursue meaningful challenges. Claims: 1. Avoiding discomfort can prevent people from developing new skills. 2. Productive growth requires distinguishing between limiting comfort and the stability that enables risk-taking.