From Research to Argument: Developing Your Thesis

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This educational video guides high school students through the critical transition from gathering research to forming a cohesive argument. Using an engaging analogy involving Salvador Dalí's 'The Persistence of Memory,' the host demonstrates how individual perspective plays a crucial role in interpreting evidence and reaching conclusions. The video breaks down the writing process into two clear steps: first, synthesizing research to answer a guiding question, and second, refining that answer into a formal, arguable claim. Key themes include critical thinking, the role of perspective in academic writing, and the mechanics of argumentation. The video specifically focuses on the criteria for a strong argument: it must be arguable, specific, and supported by evidence. A running example regarding the impact of social media on teen mental health provides a relatable and relevant context for students to see these abstract concepts applied in a real-world research scenario. For educators, this video serves as an excellent bridge between the research phase and the drafting phase of a writing project. It addresses the common student struggle of having notes but not a thesis. By validating the student's own voice and perspective as essential tools for synthesizing contradictory evidence, it empowers learners to take ownership of their arguments. The clear visual aids and pause points make it ready-to-use for checking understanding and facilitating in-class writing workshops.