1. The TEM-4 Exam Making a Claim in Your Essay

2. Thesis Statement The first paragraph of your essay must include a thesis statement, which is the equivalent of a topic sentence for an argumentative essay. How can we further define a thesis statement? Thesis = a Claim + 1 or more Reasons

3. The Claim Synonyms – Assertion, Proposition The claim is the core of your argument. It is what you want your readers to believe by the end of the essay. A claim is an opinion – not a fact.

4. Reason(s) Reasons provide support for your claim. They answer the question “Why is this true” or “Why should this be done”. The Thesis Statement (Claim + Reasons) fulfills the reader’s need for a logical foundation and roadmap – where the essay is going.

5. Example Thesis Statement Sports benefit your overall health because they relieve stress in your muscles, they work your cardiovascular system, and they provide your brain with needed oxygen.

6. My View on Private Cars Nowadays, with improving living standards, more people are buying their own cars and enjoying the benefits of ownership. In my opinion, however, the disadvantages to Chinese society of an ever-increasing number of cars outweigh any advantages. Because of environmental issues, traffic problems, and shrinking land resources, I believe we must limit the growth of private car ownership.

7. My View on Private Cars Nowadays, with improving living standards, more people are buying their own cars and enjoying the benefits of ownership. However, the disadvantages to Chinese society of an ever- increasing number of cars outweigh any advantages. Consequently, the government must pass laws to limit the growth of private car ownership because of environmental issues, traffic problems, and shrinking land resources.

8. Practice Change each claim into a thesis statement: Mobile phones have improved our society. Parents should limit their child’s TV viewing. Sports are essential for teaching young people life skills. Rice should be served with every meal. Homework is overrated.

9. 1. Discuss the advantages / disadvantages of part-time jobs for college students. 2. Suggest a solution to the problem of vehicles causing air pollution. 3. Is TV good or bad? 4. Travel broadens the mind. 5. Will phones kill letter writing? 6. Is it wise to make friends online? 7. What is the best way to stay healthy? 8. My idea of a university arts festival. Sample Essay Topics

10. 1. The main difference between college and high school life. 2. More pressure from academic studies is / is not good. 3. My view on reading extensively. 4. My idea of becoming a teacher. 5. The benefits of volunteering. 6. The advantages of saving money. 7. Will tourism harm the environment? 8. Does TV advertising bring us benefits? 9. The importance of keeping a good mood. 10. The importance of extracurricular activities. Sample Essay Topics