THEA Essay Writing Strategies Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of a thesis statement in a THEA essay?

Answer: To state the main argument or position the essay will support

A thesis statement clearly expresses the writer's main argument that the rest of the essay will develop and support.

Which of the following is the best location for the thesis statement in a standard essay?

Answer: The last sentence of the introduction paragraph

Convention places the thesis at the end of the introduction so readers know the essay's argument before encountering the evidence.

What is the purpose of a topic sentence in a body paragraph?

Answer: To introduce the main idea of that specific paragraph

A topic sentence states the main point of a body paragraph and connects it to the overall thesis.

In the THEA Writing essay, scorers primarily evaluate which of the following?

Answer: Effective development of a central idea with supporting details

THEA essay scorers focus on how well the writer develops and supports a central idea with relevant details and examples.

Which organizational strategy presents arguments from least important to most important?

Answer: Order of importance (climactic order)

Climactic order saves the strongest argument for last, leaving the reader with the most persuasive point fresh in mind.

What should the conclusion paragraph of a THEA essay do?

Answer: Restate the thesis in new words and summarize key points

An effective conclusion restates the thesis using different wording and briefly summarizes the main supporting points.