Identify Primary Supporting
Be detailed. Remember that your thesis, while specific, should not be very detailed. The body
paragraphs are where you develop the discussion that a thorough essay requires. Using detailed
support shows readers that you have considered all the facts and chosen only the most precise details
to enhance your point of view.
Prewrite to Identify Primary Supporting Points for a Thesis Statement
Recall that when you prewrite you essentially make a list of examples or reasons why you support your
stance. Stemming from each point, you further provide details to support those reasons. After prewriting,
you are then able to look back at the information and choose the most compelling pieces you will use in
your body paragraphs.
E X E R C I S E 1
Choose one of the following working thesis statements. On a separate sheet of paper, write for at least
five minutes using one of the prewriting techniques you learned in Chapter 8 “The Writing Process: How
Do I Begin?”.
1. Unleashed dogs on city streets are a dangerous nuisance.
2. Students cheat for many different reasons.
3. Drug use among teens and young adults is a problem.
4. The most important change that should occur at my college or university is
____________________________________________.
Select the Most Effective Primary Supporting Points for a Thesis Statement
After you have prewritten about your working thesis statement, you may have generated a lot of
information, which may be edited out later. Remember that your primary support must be relevant to
your thesis. Remind yourself of your main argument, and delete any ideas that do not directly relate to it.
Omitting unrelated ideas ensures that you will use only the most convincing information in your body
paragraphs. Choose at least three of only the most compelling points. These will serve as the topic
sentences for your body paragraphs.