Once you have an arguable statement, you need to develop it into a working thesis (7b). One way to do so is to identify the elements of an argument (13d): the claim or arguable statement; one or more reasons for the claim; and assumptions—sometimes unstated—that underlie the claim and reasons.
To turn a claim into a working thesis for an argument, include at least one good reason to support the arguable statement.
| REASON | Pesticides endanger the lives of farmworkers. |
| WORKING THESIS (CLAIM WITH REASON ATTACHED) | Because they endanger the lives of farmworkers, pesticides should be banned. |