Elements of an Argumentative Thesis

Objective

I can write a thesis statement at a meets or exceeds level.

Elements of a Thesis

Thesis: A statement that presents the main claim that your are working to prove.

Strong Thesis Statements are… Clearly Stated Focused & Narrow Debatable Supported by Evidence

Clearly Stated

Generally, your thesis is the last sentence of the introduction paragraph.

Your thesis should directly answer the prompt or questions your are trying to answer.

Question: Is America’s Capitalistic system good for the nation?

Focused & Narrow

Your thesis must be focused on not just your topic, but what you hope to prove about your topic.

Unfocused: Capitalism is the best economic system.

Focused & Narrow: As recent developments in technology have shown, capitalism strengthens the United States’ economy by creating an environment which fosters innovation.

Debatable

Your thesis must be debatable…someone should be able to disagree with your statement.

Not Debatable: Capitalism in America has both strengths and limitations.

Debatable: The limitations of capitalism are shown by the United States’ inability to dramatically slow down carbon emissions.

Supported by Evidence

You must have evidence that supports your claim. Use a variety of types of evidence (Ethos,

Logos, Pathos) Topic sentences must relate to your thesis

statement. Include a counterclaim paragraph (see

counterclaim PowerPoint)

Four Types of Claims Claims of Facts or Definitions.

Claims of cause & effect.

Claims of value.

Claims about solutions or policies.

Claims of Facts or Definitions

Claims that argue what something means or if it is a fact.

Example: A free market economy allows for

individuals the freedom from government regulation to run their businesses as they see fit.

Claims of Cause & Effect.

Claims that argue that two things are related.

Example: The lack of government regulations

placed on automobile emissions has led to an environmental disaster in the United States.

Claims of Value.

Claims that argue the worth that we place on something.

Example: While capitalism allows for individual

liberties, it creates an unfair and costly system of inequity in our society.

Claims about Solutions or Policies.

Claims that argue what steps should be taken to solve a problem.

Example: The government must create laws

requiring all automobiles to increase fuel efficiency to at least 40 mpg by 2020.

Selecting the Best Type of Claim

The type of claim that you should use is generally determined by the question that you are trying to answer.

Some questions can be answered in multiple ways.