Acknowledge what the other side believes before stating your position. This shows academic maturity and sets up your argument.
"Although some claim yoga is a sport activity, ..."
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2
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Topic
The broad subject of your essay. What is the essay about in general? Keep it specific enough to write about.
"... electric cars ..."
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3
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Controlling Idea
The specific angle you will focus on. This limits what your essay covers and tells the reader exactly what aspect you're arguing about.
"... help the environment ..."
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4
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Your Position
What do you believe? Your stance on the issue. Never use "I think" or "In my opinion" — your position should be clear from the structure itself.
Often embedded in the controlling idea: "help the environment" = your position
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5
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"News Headlines" — 3 Reasons
List your 3 reasons/arguments — these are the "headlines" that tell your reader what your essay will focus on.
"... by slowing climate change, reducing air pollution, and decreasing waste."
Complete Thesis Statement Example
Although some claim electric cars cause more harm than regular cars, electric cars help the environment by slowing climate change, reducing air pollution, and decreasing waste.
Opposing Claim
Topic
Controlling Idea / Position
"News Headlines" (3 Reasons)
Power Tips
📰
News Headlines = Your Main ReasonsEach reason should be clear, specific, and connected to your controlling idea.
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Never Say "I Think"Don't write "I believe" or "In my opinion." Your position is clear from your word choices. Say it confidently.
✅
Test: Is It Arguable?If everyone agrees with your thesis, it's not a thesis — it's a fact. A good thesis should have a counter-argument.
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Revise It — TwiceYour thesis will likely change after you draft the body. Revisit it in Stage 3 (Revising) and refine the wording.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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"This essay will talk about electric cars." → Not a claim — just a topic statement.
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Only listing 1 or 2 reasons instead of 3 → Your thesis may not give the reader enough direction.
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"I think electric cars are good." → Too vague — no controlling idea, no reasons.
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Using "because" twice in a row → Use commas and parallel structure for your 3 reasons.
✂️ Cut-Out Bookmarks — Print & Keep at Your Desk
Transformative Writing Skills
Thesis Formula
1
Opposing ClaimOptional · Argumentative essays
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2
TopicYour general subject
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3
Controlling IdeaThe specific angle you're arguing
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4
Your PositionWhat you believe (no "I think")
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5
"News Headlines"3 clear reasons
Transformative Writing Skills
Thesis Checklist
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Is it arguable?Someone could disagree with it
☐
Is it specific?Not just a topic — a real claim
☐
3 reasons listed?Clear reasons that support the claim