Can you show a worked example?

Improve: 'Social media is used by many teenagers.' A specific claim plus reasons that the body paragraphs will prove.

Writing an arguable thesis statement

A thesis makes a claim someone could disagree with, and says why.

Stating a fact or a topic ('This essay is about climate change') instead of a claim.

Instead: Take a position + give your main reasons: 'X is true because A, B and C.'

Improve: 'Social media is used by many teenagers.'

Sugar · Could anyone disagree with that?
Student · Not really, it's a fact.
Sugar · What do you think about it?
Student · It hurts sleep and focus.
Sugar · Turn that into a claim with reasons.
Student · Schools should limit phone use because social media cuts sleep and focus.

Answer: A specific claim plus reasons that the body paragraphs will prove.

1. Is 'Shakespeare wrote Macbeth' a thesis?
Show answer
No — it's a fact
2. What two parts does a strong thesis have?
Show answer
A claim and the reasons for it
3. Where does the thesis usually go?
Show answer
End of the introduction

What is the most common mistake with writing an arguable thesis statement?: Stating a fact or a topic ('This essay is about climate change') instead of a claim.
How do I get writing an arguable thesis statement right?: Take a position + give your main reasons: 'X is true because A, B and C.'
Can you show a worked example?: Improve: 'Social media is used by many teenagers.' A specific claim plus reasons that the body paragraphs will prove.

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