Argumentative Essays and Thesis Statements

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 4,6

Argumentative

What is the purpose of an argumentative essay?

1. to compare and contrast two different or similar things.
2. to convince the reader by using logic and evidence
3. to answer a question through research of the relevant literature
4. to analyze a piece of literature from different angles

Introduction

1. Grab the reader’s attention by using a “hook.” 
2. Give an overview of the argument.
   
3. Close with a thesis statement that reveals the position to be argued.

1. Grab the reader’s attention by using a “hook.” 

Begin the introductory paragraph with a broad, general statement about the paper’s topic or even a question. Try to make it interesting and catchy to encourage your reader to want more information. Remember that the first few sentences give the reader the first impression of your essay; it is extremely important that you make a good first impression.

2. Give an overview of the argument.

This part of the introduction bridges the opening statement with the thesis statement.

3. Close with a thesis statement that reveals the position to be argued.

• The thesis statement is usually the final sentence of the introduction.

• The thesis statement is an independent sentence. It generally does not refer to other points or words mentioned earlier in the introduction. By reading this single sentence, your reader should know exactly what you will argue in your essay. 

• The argumentative thesis may take a side on an issue. It is often expressed with the modal verb should (not)).

• The thesis statement generally does not have personal emphasis (the use of I or we).

The thesis statement is an independent sentence. It does not refer to other points or words mentioned earlier in the introduction. By reading this single sentence, your reader should know exactly what you will argue in your essay. 

The thesis statement is an independent sentence. It does not refer to other points or words mentioned earlier in the introduction. 

Correct: Body scanners should be used at all international      airports.

  

 Wrong: Because of this, body scanners should be used at all international airports.

 Wrong: Therefore, body scanners should be used at all international airports.

    

The argumentative thesis takes a side of an issue. It is often expressed with the modal verb should (not)).

For example:

•   Governments should ban further construction of nuclear       power plants.

•    Mobile phones should not be allowed in schools.
  

•    Smoking should be banned in all public places.
  

The thesis statement does not have personal emphasis (the use of I or we).

Correct: Television has no beneficial effect upon a child’s development.

 Wrong: I believe television has no beneficial effect upon a child’s development.

 Wrong: We don’t think television has any beneficial effect upon a child’s development.

Example 1 of an introductory paragraph with thesis statement:

A difficult problem that is facing society today is euthanasia, which is another word for mercy killing. Thousands of people are mortally ill because of an incurable disease. They are kept alive in artificial ways. They have no chance to recover completely, but most legal systems do not allow doctors to end their patients’ lives. Why should all these people suffer if they don’t have to? Fatally ill patients should be given the choice to legally end their lives.

What's the thesis statement in this introductory paragraph?

1. A difficult problem that is facing society today is euthanasia, which is another word for mercy killing.
2. Why should all these people suffer if they don’t have to?
3. Fatally ill patients should be given the choice to legally end their lives.
4. They are kept alive in artificial ways.

Example 2 of an introductory paragraph with thesis statement:

Every day, terminally ill patients suffer horrendously and are begging to die. They are kept alive in artificial ways. They have no chance to recover completely, but most legal systems do not allow doctors to end their patients’ lives. Why should all these people suffer if they don’t have to? Fatally ill patients should be given the choice to legally end their lives.

What's the thesis statement in this introductory paragraph?

1. Why should all these people suffer if they don’t have to?
2. Fatally ill patients should be given the choice to legally end their lives.
3. Every day, terminally ill patients suffer horrendously and are begging to die.
4. They are kept alive in artificial ways.

Example 3 of an introductory paragraph with thesis statement:

John is 38 years old and he has been suffering from pancreatic cancer for more than 8 months. He has no strength left to eat and is tube fed. He needs pain relief 24/7 and wants only one thing: euthanasia. Most legal systems do not allow doctors to end their patients’ lives. Why should all these people suffer if they don’t have to? Fatally ill patients should be given the choice to legally end their lives.

What's the thesis statement in this introductory paragraph?

1. Fatally ill patients should be given the choice to legally end their lives.
2. Most legal systems do not allow doctors to end their patients’ lives.
3. John is 38 years old and he has been suffering from pancreatic cancer for more than 8 months.
4. He has no strength left to eat and is tube fed.

Here's a recap of how to 

structure the introduction of an 

argumentative essay.

The most effective thesis statements have:

1. a narrowly defined topic,
2. a precise claim or opinion, and
3. a blueprint or preview of the supporting evidence for your claim

A thesis statement should not directly announce your topic by using phrases such as, "This essay will talk about ........"

Which of the following makes the best thesis statement?

1. Even though marriage is a strong and respected institution in Russia, more and more people are choosing to live together before marriage, despite the cultural pressures.
2. I am going to explain why many couples in Russia are choosing to live together rather than getting married.
3. Marriage in Russia.

A thesis statement is a complete sentence. A thesis statement is not a question.

Which of these is a thesis statement?

1. Knowing a foreign language.
2. Why should people know a foreign language?
3. Knowing a foreign language is a very useful skill. It can help one advance in a career, relate better to others, and open one's mind to the ideas of another culture.

A thesis statement states an attitude or opinion on a topic. It doesn't just state the topic, itself. A thesis should not be a fact.

Which of these is a thesis statement?

1. Michaelangelo's artwork is famous and admired by many.
2. Michaelangelo's artwork is powerful because of its strong spiritual undertones.
3. Michaelangelo was a great artist in Rome during 1500's.

A thesis statement can be made more specific by listing subpoints. These help give your reader a clear idea of what will follow in your essay.

Which of these makes a clear thesis statement?

1. The reason why I came to the United States is to study.
2. The reasons why I came to the United States to study were to educate myself and then return to Malaysia to apply my education.
3. There were many reasons why I came to the United States to study.

Which of these makes the best thesis statement?

1. Scarification among the different ethnic groups in Ethiopia reflects the pride that people have for their tribe as well as the desire for identification between groups.
2. Why people from many ethnic groups in Ethiopia scar themselves.
3. In this essay, I will explain why people from many different ethnic groups in Ethiopia scar themselves.

You have been asked to write an article for the school newsletter to list strategies that students themselves can adopt which will help them master the English language.

Choose the best thesis statement.

1. English Language should be learned because it is used worldwide in all fields including education and business strategies.
2. Some strategies that students can adopt to help them use the English language proficiently include using the language in conversations and reading a lot.

Peer Review

You will be divided into groups of 3-4.

1. Share (a copy of) your rough draft with your group members.
2. Read each of your group's rough drafts quickly.
3. Discuss (for each draft): What is the thesis statement? Is it effective? Why (not)? How might it be improved?
4. Coordinate with your group and exchange peer review forms with 2 other members of your group. You will need to read their drafts more closely now in order to complete the form.
5. Reflect on the peer review process: What did you learn from reading a classmate's rough draft? What usable feedback did you get from your classmates on your own rough draft?