Final answer:
The word "bad" in the thesis statement "Tris's decision to spare Peter's life is bad" is vague because it lacks specificity about the decision's negative impact.
Step-by-step explanation:
The vague word in the thesis statement "Tris's decision to spare Peter's life is bad" is "bad". The term "bad" is unspecific and does not provide clear insight into why or in what way Tris's decision was detrimental. It would be more effective to replace "bad" with a term or phrase that conveys the precise nature of the decision's negative impact, such as "ethically unjustifiable" or "detrimental to the overall goals of the group." Clarifying this will avoid the vagueness and make the thesis statement more compelling and precise for the reader. Examples of how to properly articulate criticism can be seen in literary analyses where the language is specific and the reasoning is well-explained, focusing on characters, actions, and the moral or thematic implications of those actions.