Argumentative Writing Thesis is crucial! Controls paper Helps audience Start with a thesis, but allow yourself to revise it as you write Let’s look at how to write an argumentative thesis and common problems people make when they begin argumentative writing.

Topics vs. Thesis Statements Topics: Vaccinations The pros and cons of gay marriage Standardized testing The effects of illegal immigration on the economy What makes a topic different from a thesis statement? A thesis takes a stance or position on the topic. A thesis features a “how” and “why” component.

Strong vs. Weak Thesis Statements Weak thesis: We must save the whales. Reasoning: This statement is weak because it fails to pass the “how” and why” test, which indicates that this thesis is vague, general, and will not properly frame the body of your essay. This type of thesis statement will make your job as a writer more difficult. As you can see, the statement below passes the above test by answering how and why saving the whales is important: Revised thesis: Because our planet's health may depend upon biological diversity, we implement environmental policies that will help protect the whales.

Strong vs. Weak Thesis Statements There are advantages and disadvantages to using statistics. Revised theses: Careful manipulation of data allows a researcher to use statistics to support any claim she desires. In order to ensure accurate reporting, journalists must understand the real significance of the statistics they report. Because advertisers consciously and unconsciously manipulate data, every consumer should learn how to evaluate statistical claims.

Strong vs. Weak Thesis Statements Weak: In this paper, I will discuss the relationship between fairy tales and early childhood. Reasoning: This thesis statement is not argumentative. It is too general and, for the most part, self-evident. The audience for fairy tales is comprised mainly of children. There’s nothing here for readers to agree or disagree with. Revised thesis: Not just empty stories for kids*, fairy tales shed light on the psychology of young children. *This thesis statement is argumentative partly because it has a clear motive—convincing the majority of people who think that fairy tales are “empty stories for kids.”

Testing Your Thesis Statement Is my thesis statement specific enough? Thesis statements that are too vague often do not have a strong argument. If your thesis contains words like "good" or "successful," see if you could be more specific: why is something "good"; what specifically makes something "successful"? Does my thesis pass the "how and why" test? If a reader's first response is "how?" or "why?" your thesis may be too open-ended and lack guidance for the reader. See what you can add to give the reader a better take on your position right from the beginning. Does my thesis have a clear motive? Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? If your thesis simply states facts that no one would, or even could, disagree with, it's possible that you are simply providing a summary, rather than making an argument.

Strong vs. Weak Thesis Statements Original thesis: There are serious objections to today's horror movies. Revised theses: Because modern cinematic techniques have allowed filmmakers to get more graphic, horror flicks have desensitized young American viewers to violence. The pornographic violence in "bloodbath" slasher movies degrades both men and women. Today's slasher movies fail to deliver the emotional catharsis that 1930s horror films did.

Argumentative Thesis Statements: Application Topic: The portrayal of men in fast-food advertisements. Video: How are men portrayed in these advertisements? Why does this portrayal matter? What are possible counterarguments to this claim?

Pre-Writing Questions: Establishing a Motive The main reason for establishing a motive in argumentative writing is to emphasize the significance and relevance of your topic. It ensures that you are making an argument that is worth making—that is, one that others might disagree with or easily overlook. Establishing a motive is the work of your introductory paragraphs, and so your answer to one or both of the following questions may be revised to include in your final paper: What contemporary, related event or issue might be fresh in your reader’s mind? What is the main reason that others might disagree with your point of view? What evidence might they have overlooked that you can bring to light?

Establishing a Motive Contemporary, relevant event (often) What others say (“I see your point…”) BUT Argumentative thesis ( “What they’re forgetting is…”)