Writing Focus #1: Thesis Statements/Claims
Overview
What is a thesis statement?
The main point of the essay, it explains what will be the essay about.
Are the terms “thesis statement” and “claim” interchangeable?
Yes
Complete the sliding scale below:
Fact
A debatable Claim
Opinion/personal preference
Example of a claim that is pure fact: COVID-19 vaccine exists
Example of a claim that is purely opinion/personal preference: Young people don´t need the
vaccine.
Example of a debatable claim:
The COVID-19 vaccine should be mandated.
What is an antithesis
Opposition to a thesis
Types of Claims
Define and give an example of each of the following:
Claim of fact:
Argues that something is theoretical is fact. Ex.: The dinosaurs died from a meteor.
Claim of definition:
Argues a definition is wrong or a new definition should be right. Ex.: The term necessary
measures.
Claim of evaluation:
A claim based on ethics, morals, and values. Ex.: The death penalty is morally wrong.
Claim of cause:
Proves one thing is caused by another. Example: The decrease in graduation rate is due the
legalization of marihuana.
Problem-based claim:
Seeks to propose a solution to a problem. Ex.: Bringing donuts to a staff meeting to increase
attendance.
Revising a Claim for Clarity
Choose more specific nouns!
Choose more active verbs!
Examples:
Original: This law will be bad for local businesses.
Revised: The parking law will reduce profits for local businesses.
Original: People should be more careful with their personal information.
Revised: Teenagers shouldn´t fill out all forms which they receive in emails.
Original: Learning new things is hard.
Revised: Cooking is really difficult to learn.