9.0 Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

1. Identify the explicit or implied thesis in prompts by isolating directive verbs, the debatable focus, purpose/subject, and scope.
2. Apply a conversion process to turn issues into yes/no questions and rephrase them into defensible thesis statements within defined bounds.
3. Analyze arguments using the Claim–Evidence–Reasoning framework to judge credibility, relevance, and logical coherence.
4. Construct counterarguments that address competing claims and evidence in policy and ethical debates.
5. Apply the step-by-step prompt-breakdown method to develop clear positions on real-world topics.