Question

which of the following tentative thesis statements most closely follows the pattern outlined in this chapter for stating a topic and a claim? community college education is becoming more expensive. students often have to take out loans to pay for community college because they can have other financial responsibilities and not a lot of income. the costs of community college education should not be increased for students because students are already financially challenged. community colleges also have access to funding from the government and from private backers to pay for increasing expenses.

Explanation:

A strong thesis needs a clear topic and a debatable claim with reasoning.

1. The first option only states an observation, no claim.
2. The second option explains a situation but does not make an arguable claim.
3. The third option identifies the topic (community college cost increases for students) and a clear, debatable claim (costs should not be increased) supported by a reason (students are financially challenged), fitting the required pattern.
4. The fourth option only provides factual information without a claim.

Answer:

The costs of community college education should not be increased for students because students are already financially challenged.