Recognizing the claim (topic sentence) WHILE THE STATEMENT MAY BE A SHORT OVERVIEW OF THE CONTENT TO COME, EFFECTIVE THESIS STATEMENTS SHOULD IDENTIFY THE KEY POINTS DISCUSSED IN THE ESSAY.
What Is a Claim? - often located in the introductory paragraph or the first sentence of a paragraph - The claim is usually rewritten in the conclusion paragraph or conclusion sentence. - explains the purpose of an essay, research paper, or other body of writing - can be considered a road map for reader - Because it is a road map, the statement should stick to the essay’s topic - be neither too broad nor too narrow.