Concept 2

Explain how examples connect to the thesis (avoid unsupported assertions).

After an example, explain the bridge back to the thesis so the reader sees why the example matters.

Core Idea

After an example, explain the bridge back to the thesis. The reader should see not just what happened, but why it proves your argument.

Understanding

One of the fastest ways to lose development points is to drop in an example and assume its meaning is obvious. The scorer still needs the bridge back to the thesis.

  • What the bridge does: it tells the reader what the example proves.
  • What weak writing does instead: it narrates the example and stops.
  • Revision move: after any statistic, anecdote, or case, add a sentence beginning with This matters because ... or This example shows .... That extra sentence is often the part that turns evidence into reasoning.

If removing the commentary sentence would not change the paragraph much, the example probably is not being explained enough.

Step by Step

  1. Name the takeaway the example is supposed to prove.
  2. Connect that takeaway to the paragraph claim.
  3. Tie the paragraph claim back to the thesis when the link is not obvious yet.
Question

Worked Example

A student uses a public library's free internet access as evidence in an essay arguing that libraries still matter. Which follow-up sentence best connects that example to the thesis?

Select an answer to see the explanation