B2 Lesson 1: Developing a Clear Thesis Statement
Welcome to B2 Argumentative Writing! To write a convincing essay, you need more than just an opinion; you need a strong, clear argument. The foundation of every great essay is one powerful sentence: the thesis statement1.
A thesis statement is a single sentence, usually at the end of your introduction, that presents your main argument and provides a "roadmap" for your entire essay.
The Three Qualities of a Strong Thesis
A weak thesis leads to a weak essay. A strong thesis must have these three qualities.
- It must be arguable. A thesis cannot be a simple fact. It must be a claim2 that a reasonable person could disagree with.
- It must be specific. It should not be too broad or vague. It should focus on a narrow point that you can support in a short essay.
- It must be a roadmap. It should introduce the main points that you will discuss in your body paragraphs.
Weak vs. Strong Thesis Statements
Let's see the difference between a weak thesis and a strong one.
| Weak Thesis ❌ | Why it's weak | Strong Thesis ✅ |
|---|---|---|
| Many tourists visit Cambodia. | This is a fact, not an arguable claim. | To boost its economy, Cambodia should focus on developing sustainable ecotourism rather than just relying on its famous historical sites. |
| Smartphones are bad for you. | This is too broad and not specific. How are they bad? | The overuse of smartphones negatively impacts young people's ability to concentrate and their social skills. |
A Formula for a Strong Thesis
A good way to structure a thesis is to acknowledge the other side, state your claim, and list your reasons.
Formula: Although [counter-argument], [your main claim] because of [Reason 1] and [Reason 2].
Example Deconstructed:
Although some people prefer the convenience of cars, motorcycles are a superior mode of transport for Cambodian cities because they are more affordable and can navigate heavy traffic more effectively.
- Main Claim: Motorcycles are a superior mode of transport.
- Reason 1: They are more affordable. (→ Body Paragraph 1)
- Reason 2: They can navigate traffic more effectively. (→ Body Paragraph 2)
✍️ B2 Thesis Statement Checklist
- ✔️ Is my thesis statement a single, clear sentence?
- ✔️ Is it an arguable claim, not a simple fact?
- ✔️ Is it specific enough to be covered in my essay?
- ✔️ Does it provide a roadmap for the body paragraphs?
🧠 Practice Quiz: Fact or Arguable Thesis?
Read the sentences below. Which one is a strong, arguable thesis statement?
- The Mekong River flows through six countries.
- I think the Mekong River is very important.
- Protecting the health of the Mekong River is essential for Cambodia's future because it supports both the nation's food supply and its unique biodiversity.
Answer: C. This is a strong thesis. It makes a clear, specific, and arguable claim, and it provides a roadmap (food supply, biodiversity) for the rest of the essay. A is a fact. B is a weak opinion that is not specific.
📝 Homework: Craft Your Own Thesis
Your homework is to practice writing strong, arguable thesis statements.
Choose TWO of the general topics below:
- Online Learning
- Tourism in your hometown
- The use of plastic
For each topic you chose, write one strong, specific, and arguable thesis statement in your notebook. Your thesis should make a clear claim and preview at least two supporting points.
Vocabulary Glossary
- Thesis Statement: (Noun Phrase) - ប្រយោគនិក្ខេបបទ - A single sentence that presents the main argument of an essay. ↩
- Claim / Argument: (Noun) - ការអះអាង / ការជជែកវែកញែក - A statement that asserts something to be true, which can be argued or debated. ↩
- Arguable / Debatable: (Adjective) - ដែលអាចប្រកែកបាន - Not a fact; something that people could have different opinions about. ↩
- Roadmap (for an essay): (Noun, Metaphor) - ផែនទីបង្ហាញផ្លូវ - An outline of the main points that your essay will cover, contained within the thesis. ↩
- Specific: (Adjective) - ជាក់លាក់ - Clearly defined or identified; not general or vague.