Question 1
A student is writing an argumentative essay on the question 'Should schools ban mobile phones during the school day?' Which sentence best fits the role of a thesis statement in the introduction?No clue? Show me the answer
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Method #1Direct reasoningStep 1: Recall the role of a thesis
The introduction must state the writer's clear position on the debatable issue in one confident sentence.
Step 2: Check each option for a clear position
Only one option actually takes a side on the ban and gives a reason, rather than just describing the topic.
Step 3: Match confidence and clarity
A thesis must be confident and specific, not vague or merely descriptive of the debate.
Step 4: Choose the answer
The sentence stating schools should ban phones because of concentration and social pressure is the clear, confident position statement.
Method #2Process of eliminationStep 1: Reject the general statement
The option about phones being part of teenage life describes a fact but takes no position.
Step 2: Reject the neutral observation
The option about varying rules simply describes a situation without stating any stance on banning phones.
Step 3: Reject the essay preview
The option promising to look at different opinions announces structure but avoids committing to a position.
Step 4: Confirm the correct option
Only the statement that schools should ban phones for stated reasons functions as a true thesis.
Question 2
In the PEJ formula for a body paragraph, what does the 'J' stand for and what job does it do?No clue? Show me the answer
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Method #1Direct reasoningStep 1: Recall the PEJ structure
PEJ stands for Point, Evidence, and Justification, each with a distinct job in the paragraph.
Step 2: Focus on the final letter
The J step comes after evidence has been given and must explain the evidence's significance.
Step 3: Connect meaning to function
Justification means showing why the evidence actually supports and strengthens the point being made.
Step 4: Choose the answer
Justification, explaining why the evidence proves the point matters, is the correct definition.
Method #2Process of eliminationStep 1: Reject judgment
Harsh criticism of the opposing side belongs in a rebuttal, not in the justification step of PEJ.
Step 2: Reject journey
Describing a change of opinion over time is not part of the PEJ paragraph structure at all.
Step 3: Reject jargon
Adding specialized vocabulary is a language choice, not the structural purpose of the justification step.
Step 4: Confirm the correct option
Justification correctly names the step that explains why the evidence proves the point.
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