Thesis Types
What is the difference between an opinion and a thesis?
An opinion is what someone thinks. A thesis is a full claim with a topic, an opinion, and support such as reasons.
(Daily Double) What four parts must a regular thesis have?
Topic, opinion, reason one, and reason two.
(Daily Double) What are the three parts of Source Check 3?
Who wrote it, when it was published, and where it was published.
What does WHAT explain in a paragraph?
WHAT explains what the evidence shows or means.
What does the Link sentence do in a TEAL paragraph?
It connects the paragraph back to the main claim or bigger idea.
Why is this sentence only an opinion, not a full thesis: “School lunches are good”? Make it into an argumentative thesis. (Daily Triple)
It is only an opinion because it gives a judgment but no clear reasons.
(Daily Double) Turn this into a full thesis: topic = bike lanes, opinion = cities should add them, reasons = ?
Reasons - Cities should add more bike lanes because they improve safety and reduce traffic.
(Daily Double) Why is a source with no author, no date, and many ads usually weak?
It is weak because it is hard to trust, hard to verify, and may not be reliable; It has no author, no date, or where. Plus, it has pop-up ads like a spam website.
What does WHY explain in a paragraph?
WHY explains why the evidence matters to the argument.
Why is “This is important” a weak Link or weak analysis line?
Because it is too general and does not explain why the point matters.
What makes a thesis regular instead of argumentative?
A regular thesis states a main idea or position, while an argumentative thesis makes a claim that must be defended with reasons and evidence.
Which thesis is stronger, and why: “Homework is bad” or “Homework should be limited because too much homework increases stress and reduces sleep”?
The second thesis is stronger because it gives a clear claim and two specific reasons.
Which is stronger evidence for “Phones distract students”: “Everyone knows phones are bad” or “A district report found students checked phones 10+ times per class”?
The district report is stronger because it gives a source and specific data.
Why is summary not the same as analysis?
Summary repeats information, but analysis explains meaning and importance.
What is the difference between Evidence and Link in a paragraph?
Evidence gives proof, and Link connects the proof back to the argument.
(Daily Double) Why is “School lunches are good” weaker than “Schools should improve lunches because healthy food helps students focus and saves money on snacks”?
The second sentence is stronger because it gives a clear claim and two specific reasons.
(Daily Double) Fix this thesis so it has two real reasons, and a counterpoint at the begining for an argumentative thesis: “Schools should have clubs because clubs are good.”
Although some say schools don't have the budget for this, I think chools should have clubs because they help students build teamwork and explore new interests.
Why is “many schools do this” usually weaker evidence than a study, report, or data point?
"Many Schools" it is vague and does not prove the claim with clear evidence. It's also called a bandwagon fallacy, "Arguing that a thought or action is correct simply because a large number of people are doing it." -Ad Populum
Write a WHAT sentence for this evidence: “A school survey found 68% of students need quiet time to finish assignments.”
This shows that many students need a quiet place to complete their work.
(Daily Double) In annotation, what is the difference between marking something with a star and underlining it?
A star usually marks an important device or key moment, while underlining often marks the main idea or theme.
Why is this a strong argumentative thesis: “Although, some may say it takes nightly activities away, Schools should add a weekly study hall because it gives students structured work time and reduces avoidable stress”?
It is strong because it has counterpoint, it makes a clear arguable claim, and includes two specific, relevant reasons.
Write one better thesis for this prompt: “What school change would most improve student life?”
Example: Schools should start later because students need more sleep and better rest improves focus.
A source has an author and a date, but the claim is very emotional and gives no proof. What should a careful reader question?
The reader should question whether the claim is supported by evidence and whether the source is credible.
Write a WHY sentence for the same evidence.
This matters because students may do better when they have time and space to focus.
(Daily Double) Bonus: What literary device is used in this sentence: “Tiger's name is tiger, but he is fast like a cheetah.”
Situational Irony