Persuasive Thesis Statements

SandsEnglish II

What is it?

A thesis statement is a clear statement of your position.

It is the claim you will make and support with evidence throughout your essay

Every paragraph in the paper should relate directly back to the thesis

The “Working Thesis”

As you read and revise your paper, you can expect to change your thesis – sometimes you don’t discover what you really want to say about a topic until you’ve started (or finished) writing!

We will create an initial thesis today

Characteristics of a strong thesis statement

It takes a stand It is the main idea, not the title It is narrow, not broad It is specific, rather than general It is debatable

Which of these statements is a thesis, and which is simply an observation?

Hip Hop music is popular among young people today.

Though many people think hip-hop is offensive, this type of music offers urban youth a powerful outlet for expressing the challenges and dreams of growing up in inner city America, and is as legitimate an art form as jazz, and rock and roll.

Fact/observation

Thesis

Characteristics of a strong thesis statement (continued)

A thesis statement takes a stand rather than simply announcing a subject or giving both sides

Of these statements, which is the thesis, which does not take a stand, and which is simply an announcement?

The thesis of this paper is curfews for teenagers.

There are positive and negative aspects of curfews for teenagers.

It is not the right of a city government to place curfews on teenagers; it should be the sole responsibility of parents.

Characteristics of a strong thesis statement (continued)

A thesis is the main idea, not the title. It must be a complete sentence or sentences that explain in some detail what you will be discussing in the essay

Which of these statements is a thesis, and which is simply a title?

Bullying Is Bad.

The issue of middle school students bullying each other has lasting, negative ramifications for both the bully and the victim, and it is the school officials’ responsibility to ensure that it does not happen.

Title

Thesis

Characteristics of a strong thesis statement (continued)

A thesis statement is narrow rather than broad.

If the thesis statement is sufficiently narrow, it can be fully supported.

Which of these statements is too broad?

Violent video games cause many problems.

Because of their realism, today’s video games increase the likelihood that teenagers who play them will handle real life situations with violence.

Characteristics of a strong thesis statement (continued)

A thesis statement is specific rather than vague or general.

Which of these statements is too vague?

Smoking cigarettes is unhealthy for teenagers.

The tobacco industry purposefully targets teenagers in its advertising campaigns, because it knows once they get hooked on this deadly habit they are hooked for life and, in many cases, death.

Characteristics of a strong thesis statement (continued)

The claim must be a statement that people could possibly disagree with, because the goal of your paper is to convince your audience that your claim is true based on your presentation of your reasons and evidence.

Which of these statements is debatable (arguable)?

Pollution is bad for the environment.

At least 25% of the federal budget should be spent on limiting pollution.

Guidelines for a persuasive thesis statement

A persuasive thesis statement shares all of the general characteristics we’ve gone over already, but it has some of it’s own special characteristics too.

Steps to writing your persuasive thesis statement Know your opinion on the issue and

state it clearly. Give at least 3 reasons for your belief

that will be addressed in the body of your essay.

You may choose to list a single counterargument that you plan to address.

Remember to clearly state your point of view. Don’t be wishy-washy!!

Introduction Paragraph

The introduction has a “hook” or “grabber” to catchthe reader’s attention. Some “grabbers”include opening your paper with a/an:1. Unusual Detail Manitoba, because of its cold climate, is not thought

of as a great place to be a reptile. Actually, it has the largest seasonal congregation of garter snakes in the world!

2. Strong Statement: Cigarettes are the number one cause of lighter sales

in

Introduction Cont…3. Quotation: Elbert Hubbard once said, “Truth is stronger than

fiction.”4. Anecdote (story): An anecdote can provide an amusing and attention-

getting opening if it is short and to the point.5. Statistic or Fact: Sometimes a statistic or fact will add emphasis or

interest to your topic. It may be wise to include the item’s authoritative source.

6. Question: Have you ever considered how many books we would

read if it were not for television?7. Exaggeration or Outrageous Statement: The whole world watched as the comet flew overhead.

Persuasive Essay Outline Introduction (end with Thesis) Body Paragraph I: Topic Sentence;

Support/Facts; Commentary Sentences; Repeat

Body Paragraph II: see above Body Paragraph III: see above Counter Argument: State the other side of

the argument; Counter that position with facts/research

Conclusion Paragraph (restate thesis)