{"id":85,"date":"2021-09-13T15:06:15","date_gmt":"2021-09-13T19:06:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/professionalwriting\/chapter\/developing-a-strong-clear-thesis-statement\/"},"modified":"2022-11-11T04:24:52","modified_gmt":"2022-11-11T09:24:52","slug":"developing-a-strong-clear-thesis-statement","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/professionalwriting\/chapter\/developing-a-strong-clear-thesis-statement\/","title":{"raw":"5.2\u00a0Developing a Strong, Clear Thesis Statement","rendered":"5.2\u00a0Developing a Strong, Clear Thesis Statement"},"content":{"raw":"
\n

Learning Objectives<\/p>\n\n<\/header>\n

\n
    \n \t
  • Develop a strong, clear thesis statement with the proper elements<\/li>\n \t
  • Revise your thesis statement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHave you ever known someone who was not very good at telling stories? You probably had trouble following the train of thought as the storyteller jumped from point to point, either being too brief in places that needed further explanation or providing too many details on a meaningless element. Maybe the person told the end of the story first, then moved to the beginning and later added details to the middle. The ideas were probably scattered, and the story did not flow very well. When the story was over, you probably had many questions.\n\nJust as a personal anecdote can be a disorganized mess, an essay can fall into the same trap of being out of order and confusing. That is why writers need a thesis\u00a0statement<\/strong>\u00a0to provide a specific focus for their essay and to organize what they are about to discuss in the body.\n\nJust like a topic sentence summarizes a single paragraph, the thesis statement summarizes an entire essay. It tells the reader the point you want to make in your essay, while the essay itself supports that point. It is like a signpost that signals the essay\u2019s destination. You should form your thesis before you begin to organize an essay, but you may find that it needs revision as the essay develops.\n

    Elements of a Thesis Statement<\/h1>\nFor every essay you write, you must focus on a central idea. This idea stems from a topic you have chosen or been assigned or from a question your teacher has asked. It is not enough merely to discuss a general topic or simply answer a question with a yes or no. You have to form a specific opinion, and then articulate that into a\u00a0controlling\u00a0idea<\/strong>\u2014the main idea upon which you build your thesis.\n\nRemember that a thesis is not the topic itself, but rather your interpretation of the question or subject. For whatever topic your instructor gives you, you must ask yourself, \u201cWhat do I want to say about it?\u201d Asking and then answering this question is vital to forming a thesis that is precise, forceful, and confident.\n\nA thesis is one sentence long and appears toward the end of your introduction. It is specific and focuses on one to three points of a single idea\u2014points that are able to be demonstrated in the body. It forecasts the content of the essay and suggests how you will organize your information. Remember that a thesis statement does not summarize an issue but rather dissects it.\n

    A Strong Thesis Statement<\/h1>\nA strong thesis<\/strong> statement contains the following qualities:\n\nSpecificity:\u00a0A thesis statement must concentrate on a specific area of a general topic. As you may recall, the creation of a thesis statement begins when you choose a broad subject and then narrow down its parts until you pinpoint a specific aspect of that topic. For example, health care is a broad topic, but a proper thesis statement would focus on a specific area of that topic, such as options for individuals without health care coverage.\n\nPrecision:\u00a0A strong thesis statement must be precise enough to allow for a coherent argument and to remain focused on the topic. If the specific topic is options for individuals without health care coverage, then your precise thesis statement must make an exact claim about it, such as that limited options exist for those who are uninsured by their employers. You must further pinpoint what you are going to discuss regarding these limited effects, such as whom they affect and what the cause is.\n\nArguability:\u00a0A thesis statement must present a relevant and specific argument. A factual statement often is not considered arguable. Be sure your thesis statement contains a point of view that can be supported with evidence.\n\nDemonstrability:\u00a0For any claim you make in your thesis, you must be able to provide reasons and examples for your opinion. You can rely on personal observations in order to do this, or you can consult outside sources to demonstrate that what you assert is valid. A worthy argument is backed by examples and details.\n\nForcefulness\/Assertiveness:\u00a0A thesis statement that is forceful shows readers that you are, in fact, making an argument. The tone is assertive and takes a stance that others might oppose.\n\nConfidence:\u00a0In addition to using force in your thesis statement, you must also use confidence in your claim. Phrases such as\u00a0I feel\u00a0or\u00a0I believe\u00a0actually weaken the readers\u2019 sense of your confidence because these phrases imply that you are the only person who feels the way you do. In other words, your stance has insufficient backing. Taking an authoritative stance on the matter persuades your readers to have faith in your argument and open their minds to what you have to say.\n
    Tip:\u00a0Even in a personal essay that allows the use of first person, your thesis should not contain phrases such as\u00a0in my opinion\u00a0or\u00a0I believe. These statements reduce your credibility and weaken your argument. Your opinion is more convincing when you use a firm attitude.<\/div>\n
    \n

    Self-Practice Exercise 5.4<\/p>\n\n<\/header>\n

    \n\n[h5p id=\"66\"]\n
    \n\nH5P:<\/strong> Drafting Thesis StatementsWrite a clear, confident thesis statement for an essay on the following topic:\n
      \n \t
    • Texting while driving.<\/li>\n \t
    • The legal drinking age in different provinces of Canada.<\/li>\n \t
    • Steroid use among professional athletes.<\/li>\n \t
    • Abortion.<\/li>\n \t
    • Racism.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

      Examples of Appropriate Thesis Statements<\/h1>\nEach of the following thesis statements meets several of the qualities discussed above: specificity, precision, arguability, demonstrability, forcefulness\/assertiveness, and confidence.\n
        \n \t
      • The societal and personal struggles of Floyd in the play\u00a0Where the Blood Mixes, by Kevin Loring,<\/em> symbolize the challenge of First Nations people of Canada who lived through segregation and placement into residential schools.<\/li>\n \t
      • Closing all American borders for a period of five years is one solution that will tackle illegal immigration.<\/li>\n \t
      • Shakespeare\u2019s use of dramatic irony in\u00a0Romeo and Juliet\u00a0spoils the outcome for the audience and weakens the plot.<\/li>\n \t
      • J. D. Salinger\u2019s character in\u00a0Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield, is a confused rebel who voices his disgust with phonies, yet in an effort to protect himself, he acts like a phony on many occasions.<\/li>\n \t
      • Compared to an absolute divorce, no-fault divorce is less expensive, promotes fairer settlements, and reflects a more realistic view of the causes for marital breakdown.<\/li>\n \t
      • Exposing children from an early age to the dangers of drug abuse is a sure method of preventing future drug addicts.<\/li>\n \t
      • In today\u2019s crumbling job market, a high school diploma is not significant enough education to land a stable, lucrative job.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
        Tip:\u00a0You can find thesis statements in many places, such as in the news; in the opinions of friends, co-workers or teachers; and even in songs you hear on the radio. Become aware of thesis statements in everyday life by paying attention to people\u2019s opinions and their reasons for those opinions. Pay attention to your own everyday thesis statements as well, as these can become material for future essays.<\/div>\nNow that you have read about the contents of a good thesis statement and have seen examples, take a look four pitfalls to avoid when composing your own thesis.\n
          \n \t
        • A thesis is weak when it is simply a declaration of your subject or a description of what you will discuss in your essay. Weak thesis statement:\u00a0My paper will explain why imagination is more important than knowledge.<\/li>\n \t
        • A thesis is weak when it makes an unreasonable or outrageous claim or insults the opposing side. Weak thesis statement:\u00a0Religious radicals across the country are trying to legislate their puritanical beliefs by banning required high school books.<\/li>\n \t
        • A thesis is weak when it contains an obvious fact or something that no one can disagree with or provides a dead end. Weak thesis statement:\u00a0Advertising companies use sex to sell their products.<\/li>\n \t
        • A thesis is weak when the statement is too broad. Weak thesis statement:<\/strong>\u00a0The life of Pierre Trudeau was long and accomplished.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
          \n

          Self-Practice Exercise 5.5<\/p>\n\n<\/header>\n

          \n\n[h5p id=\"67\"]\n
          \n\nH5P:<\/strong> Read the following thesis statements and identify each as weak or strong.\n
            \n \t
          1. \"The subject of this paper is my experience with ferrets as pets.\"<\/li>\n \t
          2. \"The government must expand its funding for research on renewable energy resources in order to prepare for the impending end of oil.\"<\/li>\n \t
          3. \"Edgar Allan Poe was a poet who lived in Baltimore during the 19th century.\"<\/li>\n \t
          4. \"In this essay, I will give you a lot of reasons why marijuana should not be legalized in British Columbia.\"<\/li>\n \t
          5. \"Because many children\u2019s toys have potential safety hazards that could lead to injury, it is clear that not all children\u2019s toys are safe.\"<\/li>\n \t
          6. \"My experience with young children has taught me that I want to be a disciplinary parent because I believe that a child without discipline can be a parent\u2019s worst nightmare.\"<\/li>\n<\/ol>\nAnswer Key<\/strong>\n
              \n \t
            1. Weak<\/li>\n \t
            2. Strong<\/li>\n \t
            3. Weak<\/li>\n \t
            4. Weak<\/li>\n \t
            5. Strong<\/li>\n \t
            6. Weak<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

              Writing at Work<\/h2>\nOften in your career, you will need to ask your boss for something through an email. Just as a thesis statement organizes an essay, it can also organize your email request. While your email will be shorter than an essay, using a thesis statement in your first paragraph quickly lets your boss know what you are asking for, why it is necessary, and what the benefits are. In short body paragraphs, you can provide the essential information needed to expand upon your request.\n

              Writing a Thesis Statement<\/h1>\nOne legitimate question readers always ask about a piece of writing is \u201cWhat is the big idea?\u201d (You may even ask this question when you are the reader, critically reading an assignment or another document.) Every nonfiction writing task\u2014from the short essay to the 10-page term paper to the lengthy senior thesis\u2014needs a big idea, or a controlling idea, as the \u201cspine\u201d for the work. The controlling idea is the main idea that you want to present and develop.\n
              Tip:\u00a0For a longer piece of writing, the main idea should be broader than the main idea for a shorter piece of writing. Be sure to frame a main idea that is appropriate for the length of the assignment. Ask yourself how many pages it will take to explain and explore the main idea in detail? Be reasonable with your estimate. Then expand or trim it to fit the required length.<\/div>\nThe big idea, or controlling idea, you want to present in an essay is expressed in your\u00a0thesis\u00a0statement. Remember that a thesis statement is often one sentence long, and it states your point of view. The thesis statement is not the topic of the piece of writing but rather what you have to say about that topic and what is important to tell readers.\n\nLook at Table 5.1: Topics and Thesis Statements<\/strong>\u00a0for a comparison of topics and thesis statements.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
              Table 5.1\u00a0Topics and Thesis Statements: A Comparison<\/caption>\n
              Topic<\/th>\nThesis Statement<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
              Music piracy<\/td>\nThe recording industry fears that so-called music piracy will diminish profits and destroy markets, but it cannot be more wrong.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              The number of consumer choices available in media gear<\/td>\nEveryone wants the newest and the best digital technology, but the choices are extensive, and the specifications are often confusing.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              E-books and online newspapers increasing their share of the market<\/td>\nE-books and online newspapers will bring an end to print media as we know it.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Online education and the new media<\/td>\nSomeday, students and teachers will send avatars to their online classrooms.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nThe first thesis statement you write will be a preliminary thesis statement<\/strong>, or a working\u00a0thesis\u00a0statement<\/strong>. You will need it when you begin to outline your assignment as a way to organize it. As you continue to develop the arrangement, you can limit your working thesis statement if it is too broad or expand it if it proves too narrow for what you want to say.\n
              \n

              Self-Practice Exercise 5.6<\/p>\n\n<\/header>\n

              \n\n[h5p id=\"68\"]\n
              \n\nH5P:<\/strong> Working Toward a Working Thesis\n\nWe're going to use that free writing strategy again. This time, try to write for ten minutes, and write down anything you know right now about your newly narrowed thesis statement. Don't worry about looking material up or whether you're getting everything exactly right. Instead, just focus on getting words on the screen. This is rough work to help you approach an answer to a question, not the final essay. So just keep writing.\n\nCan you find something in your freewriting that looks like a \"controlling idea\"? Something that might centre your argument, something you can structure your argument around? We'll call that your working thesis. Draft a working thesis below.\n\n<\/div>\nCollaboration: Please share with a classmate and compare your answers.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
              Tip:\u00a0You will make several attempts before you devise a working thesis statement that you think is effective. Each draft of the thesis statement will bring you closer to the wording that expresses your meaning exactly.<\/div>\n

              Revising a Thesis Statement<\/h2>\nYour thesis will probably change as you write, so you will need to modify it to reflect exactly what you have discussed in your essay. Remember, you begin with a working\u00a0thesis\u00a0statement, an indefinite statement that you make about your topic early in the writing process for the purpose of planning and guiding your writing.\n\nWorking thesis statements often become stronger as you gather information and form new opinions and reasons for those opinions. Revision helps you strengthen your thesis so that it matches what you have expressed in the body of the paper.\n
              Tip:\u00a0The best way to revise your thesis statement is to ask questions about it and then examine the answers to those questions. By challenging your own ideas and forming definite reasons for those ideas, you grow closer to a more precise point of view, which you can then incorporate into your thesis statement.<\/div>\nYou can cut down on irrelevant aspects and revise your thesis by taking the following steps:\n
                \n \t
              1. Pinpoint and replace all nonspecific words, such as\u00a0people,\u00a0everything, society, or\u00a0life, with more precise words in order to reduce any vagueness.\n
                  \n \t
                • Working thesis:\u00a0Young people have to work hard to succeed in life.<\/li>\n \t
                • Revised thesis:\u00a0Recent college graduates must have discipline and persistence in order to find and maintain a stable job in which they can use and be appreciated for their talents.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThe revised thesis makes a more specific statement about success and what it means to work hard. The original includes too broad a range of people and does not define exactly what success entails. By replacing the general words like\u00a0people\u00a0and\u00a0work hard, the writer can better focus his or her research and gain more direction in his or her writing.<\/li>\n \t
                • Clarify ideas that need explanation by asking yourself questions that narrow your thesis.\n
                    \n \t
                  • Working thesis:\u00a0The welfare system is a joke.<\/li>\n \t
                  • Revised thesis: The welfare system keeps a socioeconomic class from gaining employment by alluring members of that class with unearned income, instead of programs to improve their education and skill sets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nJoke means many things to many people. Readers bring all sorts of backgrounds and perspectives to the reading process and would need clarification for a word so vague. This expression may also be too informal for the selected audience. By asking questions, the writer can devise a more precise and appropriate explanation for joke. The writer should ask questions similar to the 5WH questions. By incorporating the answers to these questions into a thesis statement, the writer more accurately defines his or her stance, which will better guide the writing of the essay.<\/li>\n \t
                  • Replace any linking verbs with action verbs. Linking verbs gives information about the subject, such as a condition or relationship (is, appear, smell, sound), but they do not show any action. The most common linking verb is any forms of the verb to be, a verb that simply states that a situation exists.\n
                      \n \t
                    • Working thesis:\u00a0British Columbian schoolteachers are not paid enough.<\/li>\n \t
                    • Revised thesis:\u00a0The legislature of British Columbia cannot afford to pay its educators, resulting in job cuts and resignations in a district that sorely needs highly qualified and dedicated teachers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThe linking verb in this working thesis statement is the word\u00a0are. Linking verbs often make thesis statements weak because they do not express action. Reading the original thesis statement above, readers might wonder why teachers are not paid enough, but the statement does not compel them to ask many more questions. The writer should ask him- or herself questions in order to replace the linking verb with an action verb, thus forming a stronger thesis statement, one that takes a more definitive stance on the issue. For example, the writer could ask:\n
                        \n \t
                      1. Who is not paying the teachers enough?<\/li>\n \t
                      2. What is considered \u201cenough\u201d?<\/li>\n \t
                      3. What is the problem?<\/li>\n \t
                      4. What are the results<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n \t
                      5. Omit any general claims that are hard to support.\n
                          \n \t
                        • Working thesis:\u00a0Today\u2019s teenage girls are too sexualized.<\/li>\n \t
                        • Revised thesis:\u00a0Teenage girls who are captivated by the sexual images on MTV are conditioned to believe that a woman\u2019s worth depends on her sensuality, a feeling that harms their self-esteem and behaviour.\nIt is true that some young women in today\u2019s society are more sexualized than in the past, but that is not true for all girls. Many girls have strict parents, dress appropriately, and do not engage in sexual activity while in middle school and high school. The writer of this thesis should ask the following questions:\n
                            \n \t
                          • Which teenage girls?<\/li>\n \t
                          • What constitutes \u201ctoo\u201d sexualized?<\/li>\n \t
                          • Why are they behaving that way?<\/li>\n \t
                          • Where does this behaviour show up?<\/li>\n \t
                          • What are the repercussions?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                            \n

                            Self-practice exercise\u00a0\u00a05.7<\/p>\n\n<\/header>\n

                            \n\n[h5p id=\"69\"]\n
                            \n\nH5P:\u00a0<\/strong>Polishing the Thesis Statement\n\nA working thesis statement is always a work in progress, and we make it stronger by asking questions of it and challenging the first draft. That's the next job you have! It takes many revisions to make your work the best it can be, so try not to get frustrated by the process.\n
                              \n \t
                            • Copy your working thesis statement for reference here.<\/li>\n \t
                            • Pinpoint and replace all nonspecific words, such as people, everything, society, or life, with more precise words in order to reduce any vagueness. Recopy the newly revised thesis below.<\/li>\n \t
                            • Replace any linking verbs with action verbs. Linking verbs gives information about the subject, such as a condition or relationship (is, appear, smell, sound), but they do not show any action. The most common linking verb is any forms of the verb to be, a verb that simply states that a situation exists. Recopy the newly revised thesis below.<\/li>\n \t
                            • Omit any general claims that are hard to support. Recopy the newly revised thesis below.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nJust Asking Questions<\/strong>\n\nClarify ideas that need explanation by asking yourself questions that narrow your thesis. The most straightforward way to do this is to ask yourself the 5WHs again -- who, what, where, when, why, and how -- and see were you can make your thesis statement more specific. List the questions you have about your own thesis below.\n\nNow do your best to answer those questions.\n\nAnd finally, revise your thesis in relation to these points and share it below.\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                              Writing at Work<\/h2>\nIn your career you may have to write a project proposal that focuses on a particular problem in your company, such as reinforcing the tardiness policy. The proposal would aim to fix the problem; using a thesis statement would clearly state the boundaries of the problem and the goals of the project. After writing the proposal, you may find that the thesis needs revising to reflect exactly what is expressed in the body. The techniques from this chapter would apply to revising that thesis.\n
                              \n

                              Key Takeaways<\/p>\n\n<\/header>\n

                              \n
                                \n \t
                              • Proper essays require a thesis statement to provide a specific focus and suggest how the essay will be organized.<\/li>\n \t
                              • A thesis statement is your interpretation of the subject, not the topic itself.<\/li>\n \t
                              • A strong thesis is specific, precise, forceful, confident, and is able to be demonstrated.<\/li>\n \t
                              • A strong thesis challenges readers with a point of view that can be debated and supported with evidence.<\/li>\n \t
                              • A weak thesis is simply a declaration of your topic or contains an obvious fact that cannot be argued.<\/li>\n \t
                              • Depending on your topic, it may or may not be appropriate to use first person point of view.<\/li>\n \t
                              • Revise your thesis by ensuring all words are specific, all ideas are exact, and all verbs express action.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","rendered":"
                                \n
                                \n

                                Learning Objectives<\/p>\n<\/header>\n

                                \n
                                  \n
                                • Develop a strong, clear thesis statement with the proper elements<\/li>\n
                                • Revise your thesis statement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                                  Have you ever known someone who was not very good at telling stories? You probably had trouble following the train of thought as the storyteller jumped from point to point, either being too brief in places that needed further explanation or providing too many details on a meaningless element. Maybe the person told the end of the story first, then moved to the beginning and later added details to the middle. The ideas were probably scattered, and the story did not flow very well. When the story was over, you probably had many questions.<\/p>\n

                                  Just as a personal anecdote can be a disorganized mess, an essay can fall into the same trap of being out of order and confusing. That is why writers need a thesis\u00a0statement<\/strong>\u00a0to provide a specific focus for their essay and to organize what they are about to discuss in the body.<\/p>\n

                                  Just like a topic sentence summarizes a single paragraph, the thesis statement summarizes an entire essay. It tells the reader the point you want to make in your essay, while the essay itself supports that point. It is like a signpost that signals the essay\u2019s destination. You should form your thesis before you begin to organize an essay, but you may find that it needs revision as the essay develops.<\/p>\n

                                  Elements of a Thesis Statement<\/h1>\n

                                  For every essay you write, you must focus on a central idea. This idea stems from a topic you have chosen or been assigned or from a question your teacher has asked. It is not enough merely to discuss a general topic or simply answer a question with a yes or no. You have to form a specific opinion, and then articulate that into a\u00a0controlling\u00a0idea<\/strong>\u2014the main idea upon which you build your thesis.<\/p>\n

                                  Remember that a thesis is not the topic itself, but rather your interpretation of the question or subject. For whatever topic your instructor gives you, you must ask yourself, \u201cWhat do I want to say about it?\u201d Asking and then answering this question is vital to forming a thesis that is precise, forceful, and confident.<\/p>\n

                                  A thesis is one sentence long and appears toward the end of your introduction. It is specific and focuses on one to three points of a single idea\u2014points that are able to be demonstrated in the body. It forecasts the content of the essay and suggests how you will organize your information. Remember that a thesis statement does not summarize an issue but rather dissects it.<\/p>\n

                                  A Strong Thesis Statement<\/h1>\n

                                  A strong thesis<\/strong> statement contains the following qualities:<\/p>\n

                                  Specificity:\u00a0A thesis statement must concentrate on a specific area of a general topic. As you may recall, the creation of a thesis statement begins when you choose a broad subject and then narrow down its parts until you pinpoint a specific aspect of that topic. For example, health care is a broad topic, but a proper thesis statement would focus on a specific area of that topic, such as options for individuals without health care coverage.<\/p>\n

                                  Precision:\u00a0A strong thesis statement must be precise enough to allow for a coherent argument and to remain focused on the topic. If the specific topic is options for individuals without health care coverage, then your precise thesis statement must make an exact claim about it, such as that limited options exist for those who are uninsured by their employers. You must further pinpoint what you are going to discuss regarding these limited effects, such as whom they affect and what the cause is.<\/p>\n

                                  Arguability:\u00a0A thesis statement must present a relevant and specific argument. A factual statement often is not considered arguable. Be sure your thesis statement contains a point of view that can be supported with evidence.<\/p>\n

                                  Demonstrability:\u00a0For any claim you make in your thesis, you must be able to provide reasons and examples for your opinion. You can rely on personal observations in order to do this, or you can consult outside sources to demonstrate that what you assert is valid. A worthy argument is backed by examples and details.<\/p>\n

                                  Forcefulness\/Assertiveness:\u00a0A thesis statement that is forceful shows readers that you are, in fact, making an argument. The tone is assertive and takes a stance that others might oppose.<\/p>\n

                                  Confidence:\u00a0In addition to using force in your thesis statement, you must also use confidence in your claim. Phrases such as\u00a0I feel\u00a0or\u00a0I believe\u00a0actually weaken the readers\u2019 sense of your confidence because these phrases imply that you are the only person who feels the way you do. In other words, your stance has insufficient backing. Taking an authoritative stance on the matter persuades your readers to have faith in your argument and open their minds to what you have to say.<\/p>\n

                                  Tip:\u00a0Even in a personal essay that allows the use of first person, your thesis should not contain phrases such as\u00a0in my opinion\u00a0or\u00a0I believe. These statements reduce your credibility and weaken your argument. Your opinion is more convincing when you use a firm attitude.<\/div>\n
                                  \n
                                  \n

                                  Self-Practice Exercise 5.4<\/p>\n<\/header>\n

                                  \n
                                  \n