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

To summarize the plot of the passage in one sentence

Answer

To introduce all the characters or topics mentioned in the text

Answer

To restate the prompt question word for word

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

It is a fact that everyone already knows and agrees on

Answer

It summarizes both sides of an issue equally without taking a position

Answer

It is copied directly from the text without any rewording

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

Climate change is an important topic that many people care about today.

Answer

The passage talks about climate change and how it affects the environment.

Answer

Climate change is real and has been proven by scientists around the world.

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

To replace your thesis with a new argument in the conclusion

Answer

To summarize the opposing side without addressing it

Answer

To list additional evidence that supports the counterclaim instead of your claim

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

Another quote from a different part of the text

Answer

A restatement of the quote in your own words only

Answer

A transition to the next body paragraph immediately

Question 6

Why should every body paragraph in a TDA essay connect back to the thesis?

Accepted Answer

To maintain coherence and show that all evidence supports the central argument

Answer

To repeat the thesis statement multiple times for emphasis

Answer

To show that the writer memorized the thesis

Answer

To earn points for mentioning the thesis in each paragraph