If the writer disagrees with the prompt, they should use negative phrases with language from the prompt or antonyms of words in the prompt. This immediately tells the reader that the writer's essay addresses what the test asks. Note how the writer here makes a direct statement about uniforms and reuses the word 'valuable' to connect their claim to the prompt. A thesis that makes a relevant claim might look something like this: Uniforms are valuable in school because they reduce distracting differences, minimize bullying, and instill traditional values in students. To respond, writers would have to state whether or not uniforms are valuable and summarize why. They can do this by using similar language to the language in the prompt and then creating a defensible claim.įor example, imagine a prompt asking test-takers to write an essay arguing for or against the value of uniforms in schools. To write an essay that is on topic, test-takers have to craft a claim that responds directly to the prompt.
Crafting a clear claim and supporting claims is especially important for exams.
