TDA Claim and Argument Development

Question 1

In a TDA essay, what is the primary purpose of the thesis statement?

Accepted Answer

To state the central claim or argument that the entire response will support

Answer

The thesis presents the writer's central arguable claim, which every body paragraph must support with text-based evidence.

Question 2

What makes a claim in a TDA response 'arguable'?

Accepted Answer

It takes a specific position that requires evidence to support and could be reasonably disputed

Answer

An arguable claim presents an interpretive position—not an obvious fact—that must be supported with evidence and reasoning.

Question 3

Which of the following is the STRONGEST thesis for a TDA response about a passage on climate change?

Accepted Answer

The author argues that climate change requires immediate action by using alarming statistics and urgent language to motivate readers.

Answer

The strongest thesis makes a specific claim about both the author's argument and the craft choices used to convey it, inviting analysis.

Question 4

What is the function of a 'counterclaim' in a TDA argumentative essay?

Accepted Answer

To acknowledge an opposing viewpoint and then refute it to strengthen your own argument

Answer

Addressing and refuting a counterclaim demonstrates critical thinking and makes your argument more persuasive and credible.

Question 5

In developing an argument in a TDA response, what must always follow a piece of textual evidence?

Accepted Answer

An explanation of how the evidence supports your claim

Answer

Evidence alone does not make an argument—analysis explaining how and why the evidence supports the claim is essential.

TDA - Text Dependent Analysis Practice Test