Key Terms
Too broad
"Hospice workers need support." Topic exists; angle is vague. Nothing to actually argue or prove.
Too narrow
"Hospice workers have a 55% turnover rate compared to the general population's 25%." That is a statistic, not an angle.
Strong
"If the evidence from studies on the cause of the disease supports the hypothesis, the evidence from studies on how the
Explicit
Directly stated, usually in the introduction after background or a hook. This is what most instructors want.
Implied
The main idea is never stated outright; the reader infers it from patterns and repeated themes. Advanced technique; risk
Example
"Although many assume [X], [Y] is actually the case because [reason]."
Shortcut
Summarize the text in one or two sentences without looking at it. That summary is likely the thesis.
Weak
"Now we turn to the epidemiological evidence." Introduces the topic but explains nothing. Does not connect to anything.
Example chain
Thesis: A regular exercise regime creates multiple benefits, both physical and emotional. Topic sentence 1: One physical
Point
The claim you are making (should connect to your thesis)
Illustration
Evidence, quote, or example that supports the point
Explanation
Why the evidence proves the point and connects to the thesis
Primary sources
Data or material the author collected directly. Surveys, experiments, interviews, personal experience.
Secondary sources
Material collected by others. Books, journals, articles, statistics, polls.
Logos (logic)
Established facts, statistics, case studies, experiments, analogies, expert citations. Appeals to reason.