Concept 1

Present a clear, relevant thesis that addresses the issue.

Write a thesis that answers the prompt with a real claim.

Core Idea

A clear thesis answers the issue and gives the essay direction. It should make a claim a reader could debate, not just announce the topic.

Understanding

A scorer should be able to underline one sentence and say, that is the claim this essay will prove. If the opening only names the topic or says the issue is complicated, the essay still has not taken control.

  • Weak thesis: repeats the subject, lists both sides, or stays so broad that any prompt about schools or technology could use it.
  • Stronger thesis: takes a position and previews the reason, priority, or condition that will organize the body paragraphs.
  • Revision move: finish the sentence stem "Schools should ... because ..." or "Although some people argue ..., the stronger priority is ...". That usually forces the claim to become arguable instead of descriptive.

If the body paragraphs could not be predicted from the thesis, tighten the thesis before drafting anything else.

Step by Step

  1. Name the exact issue the prompt asks you to judge.
  2. Choose the position you can defend most clearly.
  3. Add the main reason or condition that will organize the body paragraphs.

Misconceptions

  • Writing a neutral observation instead of a claim.
  • Packing several unrelated reasons into one sentence until the position becomes blurry.
Question

Worked Example

Which thesis would best strengthen an ACT essay about classroom cell-phone rules?

Select an answer to see the explanation