Turn an opinion into an argument

Make a manageable claim

A claim should be precise enough to explain in one paragraph. “Public transport is useful” is broad. “Reliable evening buses can widen access to shift work” gives the paragraph a specific direction.

Explain the connection

Do not jump straight from your claim to an example. Explain how the benefit happens. In this example, people without cars may be able to accept jobs ending after normal commuting hours. The explanation connects the transport policy to the employment outcome.

Revise for relevance

Read each sentence and ask which part of your claim it develops. Remove a sentence that merely repeats your opinion. Qualify claims that sound universal when your reasoning supports only a possible outcome.

Try it yourself · original exercise

A small check of understanding

Claim: Reliable evening buses can widen access to shift work.

Which sentence best explains the claim?Buses have many seats and windows.Workers without cars could travel home after late shifts.Every worker prefers travelling by bus.

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