4A1 - Thesis statement 2

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 4

What is the goal of an argumentative essay?

Argumentative essay

The goal of an argumentative essay is to convince / to persuade your reader that your opinion on a controversial topic is the correct one. 

How many paragraphs does an argumentative essay have?

An argumentative essay has five paragraphs: an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

What are the two components of a thesis statement?

A thesis statement consists of a thesis (opinion) and a road map (arguments)

Deel je stelling en je argumenten.

Thesis statement

Thesis statement = thesis + road map

A thesis is the main argument of the essay.

Usually a thesis proposes a solution to a problem or a change in policy.

• Gun access should be limited 
• Organ donors should be financially compensated.
• Teachers should disregard spelling mistakes in their students' written work.
• Self-driving cars should be banned from the roadways.

Thesis statement

• Thesis statement: 1 or 2 sentences
  
• Thesis and road map are linked with a linking word: 'because' / That is why'
  
• Thesis statement is written in the third peron (it is your opinion, but state it as a fact. No 'I think' or 'in my opinion')
  
• Use strong, persuasive language language
  
• Modals: should, must, have to ​
  
• Comparatives or superlatives 

Thesis statement - road map

Your road map is a very short summary of the main two arguments in favour of your thesis. It announces what you are going to be doing in your first two body paragraphs. 

Keep your road map as short as possible. 

Write a thesis statement for your own article.