Final answer:
A thesis or claim should be arguable, specific, and supported by evidence. To improve a thesis, ensure it is clear, takes a stance, and is backed by credible sources. Topic sentences and transitions are key to connecting paragraphs and ideas to the main thesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
A thesis or claim needs to be revised for a few reasons. If it's not arguable, it fails to take a stance that could be challenged by others, making it less of an argument and more of a simple statement of fact. When a thesis is not specific enough, it lacks the precision required to guide the development of a coherent argument, potentially leading to a discussion that is too broad or unfocused. Lastly, if a thesis reflects an opinion that cannot be proven through textual evidence, it weakens the academic credibility of an argument because claims in scholarly writing should be backed by evidence and logical reasoning.
To revise and strengthen a thesis or claim, it's necessary to make it both arguable and sufficiently specific. The thesis should take a clear position on a debatable issue.
Returning to Trevor Garcia's example, as part of the revision process, the writer needs to ensure that the thesis is well stated and that adequate supporting evidence is provided. Paragraphs should include topic sentences that connect to the thesis, and appropriate transitions should be employed to link ideas cohesively. Lastly, the conclusion should reflect back on the thesis statement, providing a strong finish to the argument without introducing new topics.