Thesis & Main Ideas
This type of statement expresses the central argument or main point of a passage.
What is a thesis statement?
These numbers or measurements provide empirical support for an argument.
What are statistics?
This type of sentence has one independent clause.
What is a simple sentence?
"Furthermore," "moreover," and "additionally" serve this function in a paragraph.
What is addition/to add information?
Words like "really," "very," and "actually" often create this problem in writing.
What is wordiness?
Thesis statements are often found at the beginning or _ of a passage.
What is the end?
This phrase often signals that statistical evidence will follow.
What is "according to" or "studies show"?
This type of sentence has two independent clauses connected by a coordinating conjunction or semicolon.
What is a compound sentence?
"Therefore," "consequently," and "as a result" indicate this relationship between ideas.
What is cause and effect?
"Due to the fact that" can be replaced with this shorter phrase.
What is "because"?
A strong thesis statement should be this rather than just stating a fact.
What is debatable/arguable?
Unlike evidence, commentary often uses words that show your opinion or judgment, like "important" or "unfair."
What are opinion words?
This punctuation mark can connect two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.
What is a semicolon?
"However," "nevertheless," and "conversely" signal this relationship between ideas.
What is contrast/contradiction?
This punctuation mark can add emphasis to an important idea.
What is a dash?
In a persuasive essay, this is the viewpoint that goes against your main argument — good writers mention it to strengthen their case.
What is a counterargument?
"Scientists warn that without significant reduction in carbon emissions, many species could face extinction by the end of the century." This statement is this type of evidence.
What is expert opinion/authority?
"When faced with too many options, people tend to experience decision paralysis." This is an example of this type of sentence.
What is a complex sentence?
"Historically," "subsequently," and "meanwhile" refer to this aspect of ideas.
What is time/chronology?
"Modern documentary filmmakers using techniques previously reserved for fictional films to create compelling narratives." What's wrong with this sentence?
What is a missing verb/missing "are" before "using"?
A thesis like “While technology has undoubtedly made many aspects of our lives more convenient, we must consider whether these benefits outweigh the costs” shows depth of thought and considers multiple perspectives, making it this kind of thesis.
What is a sophisticated thesis?
"The presence of these synthetic materials in marine food webs represents an ecological disaster that we are only beginning to understand." This statement contains both factual information and this.
What is commentary/interpretation?
"Although the novel was published in 1925, it wasn't well-received until years later, and the author died believing his work was a failure." This is an example of this type of sentence.
What is a compound-complex sentence?
This transition would best connect: "Many students prefer online learning for its flexibility. _, traditional classroom settings offer more direct interaction."
What is "However" or "Nevertheless"?
"The aesthetic damage to once-pristine beaches and coral reefs is equally devastating, turning natural paradises into literal garbage dumps." This revision uses these two techniques to create emphasis.
What are emotional language and contrast/juxtaposition?