Drafting a Thesis Statement for an Argumentative Essay

This video tutorial guides viewers on drafting a thesis statement for an argumentative essay. It covers the importance of stating a clear position, common mistakes to avoid, and steps to develop a strong thesis by combining claims and supporting reasons. The tutorial also provides examples and criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of a thesis statement, emphasizing the need for clarity and relevance to the audience.

What is a common mistake writers make when drafting an argumentative essay?

• Writing too few paragraphs

• Using too many complex words

• Failing to state a clear position

• Choosing a topic that is too broad

What is the major claim discussed in the example about clean drinking water?

• More people need access to clean drinking water

• Clean drinking water is expensive

• Bottled water is better than tap water

• Water pollution is decreasing

Which of the following is NOT a reason mentioned for the lack of clean water in Africa?

• Economic damage

• Political instability

• Environmental concerns

• Health issues

What should you ask to determine if your thesis statement is effective?

• Does it include a quote?

• Is it longer than one sentence?

• Does it state the argument clearly?

• Does it use complex vocabulary?

What is the final step in refining a thesis statement?

• Adding more reasons

• Revising the draft

• Including a personal opinion

• Checking for grammatical errors