thesis statement on argumentative essay

25 Thesis Statement Examples

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A thesis statement is needed in an essay or dissertation . There are multiple types of thesis statements – but generally we can divide them into expository and argumentative. An expository statement is a statement of fact (common in expository essays and process essays) while an argumentative statement is a statement of opinion (common in argumentative essays and dissertations). Below are examples of each.

Strong Thesis Statement Examples

1. School Uniforms

“Mandatory school uniforms should be implemented in educational institutions as they promote a sense of equality, reduce distractions, and foster a focused and professional learning environment.”

Best For: Argumentative Essay or Debate

Read More: School Uniforms Pros and Cons

2. Nature vs Nurture

“This essay will explore how both genetic inheritance and environmental factors equally contribute to shaping human behavior and personality.”

Best For: Compare and Contrast Essay

Read More: Nature vs Nurture Debate

3. American Dream

“The American Dream, a symbol of opportunity and success, is increasingly elusive in today’s socio-economic landscape, revealing deeper inequalities in society.”

Best For: Persuasive Essay

Read More: What is the American Dream?

4. Social Media

“Social media has revolutionized communication and societal interactions, but it also presents significant challenges related to privacy, mental health, and misinformation.”

Best For: Expository Essay

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Social Media

5. Globalization

“Globalization has created a world more interconnected than ever before, yet it also amplifies economic disparities and cultural homogenization.”

Read More: Globalization Pros and Cons

6. Urbanization

“Urbanization drives economic growth and social development, but it also poses unique challenges in sustainability and quality of life.”

Read More: Learn about Urbanization

7. Immigration

“Immigration enriches receiving countries culturally and economically, outweighing any perceived social or economic burdens.”

Read More: Immigration Pros and Cons

8. Cultural Identity

“In a globalized world, maintaining distinct cultural identities is crucial for preserving cultural diversity and fostering global understanding, despite the challenges of assimilation and homogenization.”

Best For: Argumentative Essay

Read More: Learn about Cultural Identity

9. Technology

“Medical technologies in care institutions in Toronto has increased subjcetive outcomes for patients with chronic pain.”

Best For: Research Paper

10. Capitalism vs Socialism

“The debate between capitalism and socialism centers on balancing economic freedom and inequality, each presenting distinct approaches to resource distribution and social welfare.”

11. Cultural Heritage

“The preservation of cultural heritage is essential, not only for cultural identity but also for educating future generations, outweighing the arguments for modernization and commercialization.”

12. Pseudoscience

“Pseudoscience, characterized by a lack of empirical support, continues to influence public perception and decision-making, often at the expense of scientific credibility.”

Read More: Examples of Pseudoscience

13. Free Will

“The concept of free will is largely an illusion, with human behavior and decisions predominantly determined by biological and environmental factors.”

Read More: Do we have Free Will?

14. Gender Roles

“Traditional gender roles are outdated and harmful, restricting individual freedoms and perpetuating gender inequalities in modern society.”

Read More: What are Traditional Gender Roles?

15. Work-Life Ballance

“The trend to online and distance work in the 2020s led to improved subjective feelings of work-life balance but simultaneously increased self-reported loneliness.”

Read More: Work-Life Balance Examples

16. Universal Healthcare

“Universal healthcare is a fundamental human right and the most effective system for ensuring health equity and societal well-being, outweighing concerns about government involvement and costs.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Universal Healthcare

17. Minimum Wage

“The implementation of a fair minimum wage is vital for reducing economic inequality, yet it is often contentious due to its potential impact on businesses and employment rates.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Raising the Minimum Wage

18. Homework

“The homework provided throughout this semester has enabled me to achieve greater self-reflection, identify gaps in my knowledge, and reinforce those gaps through spaced repetition.”

Best For: Reflective Essay

Read More: Reasons Homework Should be Banned

19. Charter Schools

“Charter schools offer alternatives to traditional public education, promising innovation and choice but also raising questions about accountability and educational equity.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Charter Schools

20. Effects of the Internet

“The Internet has drastically reshaped human communication, access to information, and societal dynamics, generally with a net positive effect on society.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of the Internet

21. Affirmative Action

“Affirmative action is essential for rectifying historical injustices and achieving true meritocracy in education and employment, contrary to claims of reverse discrimination.”

Best For: Essay

Read More: Affirmative Action Pros and Cons

22. Soft Skills

“Soft skills, such as communication and empathy, are increasingly recognized as essential for success in the modern workforce, and therefore should be a strong focus at school and university level.”

Read More: Soft Skills Examples

23. Moral Panic

“Moral panic, often fueled by media and cultural anxieties, can lead to exaggerated societal responses that sometimes overlook rational analysis and evidence.”

Read More: Moral Panic Examples

24. Freedom of the Press

“Freedom of the press is critical for democracy and informed citizenship, yet it faces challenges from censorship, media bias, and the proliferation of misinformation.”

Read More: Freedom of the Press Examples

25. Mass Media

“Mass media shapes public opinion and cultural norms, but its concentration of ownership and commercial interests raise concerns about bias and the quality of information.”

Best For: Critical Analysis

Read More: Mass Media Examples

Checklist: How to use your Thesis Statement

✅ Position: If your statement is for an argumentative or persuasive essay, or a dissertation, ensure it takes a clear stance on the topic. ✅ Specificity: It addresses a specific aspect of the topic, providing focus for the essay. ✅ Conciseness: Typically, a thesis statement is one to two sentences long. It should be concise, clear, and easily identifiable. ✅ Direction: The thesis statement guides the direction of the essay, providing a roadmap for the argument, narrative, or explanation. ✅ Evidence-based: While the thesis statement itself doesn’t include evidence, it sets up an argument that can be supported with evidence in the body of the essay. ✅ Placement: Generally, the thesis statement is placed at the end of the introduction of an essay.

Try These AI Prompts – Thesis Statement Generator!

One way to brainstorm thesis statements is to get AI to brainstorm some for you! Try this AI prompt:

💡 AI PROMPT FOR EXPOSITORY THESIS STATEMENT I am writing an essay on [TOPIC] and these are the instructions my teacher gave me: [INSTUCTIONS]. I want you to create an expository thesis statement that doesn’t argue a position, but demonstrates depth of knowledge about the topic.

💡 AI PROMPT FOR ARGUMENTATIVE THESIS STATEMENT I am writing an essay on [TOPIC] and these are the instructions my teacher gave me: [INSTRUCTIONS]. I want you to create an argumentative thesis statement that clearly takes a position on this issue.

💡 AI PROMPT FOR COMPARE AND CONTRAST THESIS STATEMENT I am writing a compare and contrast essay that compares [Concept 1] and [Concept2]. Give me 5 potential single-sentence thesis statements that remain objective.

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Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements

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Tips for Writing Your Thesis Statement

1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing:

• An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.
• An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.
• An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.

If you are writing a text that does not fall under these three categories (e.g., a narrative), a thesis statement somewhere in the first paragraph could still be helpful to your reader.

2. Your thesis statement should be specific—it should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and should be supported with specific evidence.

3. The thesis statement usually appears at the end of the first paragraph of a paper.

4. Your topic may change as you write, so you may need to revise your thesis statement to reflect exactly what you have discussed in the paper.

Thesis Statement Examples

Example of an analytical thesis statement:

The paper that follows should:

• Explain the analysis of the college admission process
• Explain the challenge facing admissions counselors

Example of an expository (explanatory) thesis statement:

• Explain how students spend their time studying, attending class, and socializing with peers

Example of an argumentative thesis statement:

• Present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community projects before entering college

Argumentative Essay Thesis Statement

Argumentative essay thesis statement generator.

Crafting a compelling argumentative essay requires a strong thesis statement that encapsulates the essence of your stance on a contentious issue. An argumentative essay thesis statement serves as the core of your paper, guiding your readers through your persuasive arguments. This guide delves into a collection of impactful argumentative essay thesis statement examples, providing you with insights on how to craft one effectively and offering valuable tips to enhance the persuasiveness and coherence of your essay.

What is an Argumentative Essay Thesis Statement? – Definition

An argumentative essay thesis statement is a concise declaration that presents the main point of your essay and outlines the position you intend to defend. It serves as a roadmap for your readers, indicating the central argument you’ll be addressing and the stance you’ll be advocating throughout the essay. The Good thesis statement in an argumentative essay is typically debatable and invites discussion.

What is an Example of a Thesis Statement for Argumentative Essay?

Example: “The government should implement stricter regulations on the use of plastic materials to mitigate the environmental crisis, reduce pollution, and safeguard the future of our planet.”

In this thesis statement for an argumentative essay, the claim asserts the necessity for stricter plastic regulations, and the preview of main points indicates the environmental benefits. This thesis sets the stage for an essay that presents evidence and persuasive arguments supporting the need for increased plastic regulation.

100 Argumentative Essay Thesis Statement Examples

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Explore a diverse array of argumentative essay thesis statement examples, each encapsulating a unique perspective on critical issues. From climate change policies to gun control measures, these statements illustrate the art of persuasive writing. Delve into the complexities of societal impact, ethical considerations, and policy implications while refining your skills in crafting compelling arguments that drive meaningful discussions and encourage critical thinking.  In addition, you should review our  final thesis statement .

1. Social Media and Mental Health The pervasive influence of social media on mental health demands urgent attention to its negative impact on self-esteem, anxiety, and emotional well-being.

2. Universal Healthcare Coverage Universal healthcare coverage is essential for promoting equitable access to medical services, improving health outcomes, and ensuring the well-being of all citizens.

3. Climate Change and Human Responsibility The urgency of addressing climate change requires acknowledging human responsibility, embracing sustainable practices, and implementing policies that combat global environmental threats.

4. Online Privacy and Data Security Stricter online privacy regulations are necessary to safeguard personal data, protect user confidentiality, and counter the increasing threats of cyberattacks and identity theft.

5. Education Reform and Student Success Education reform must prioritize student success by revamping curriculum, promoting individualized learning, and investing in educators to enhance overall educational quality.

6. Gun Control and Public Safety Implementing comprehensive gun control measures is vital to curbing gun violence, preventing mass shootings, and ensuring the safety of communities nationwide.

7. Gender Pay Gap and Workplace Equality Eliminating the gender pay gap requires enforcing equal pay policies, addressing occupational biases, and challenging societal norms that perpetuate wage disparities.

8. Capital Punishment and Human Rights Abolishing capital punishment is crucial for upholding human rights, fostering justice systems that prioritize rehabilitation, and acknowledging the inherent fallibility of legal systems.

9. Legalization of Marijuana for Medicinal Use The legalization of marijuana for medicinal use is a necessary step in providing effective pain management options, promoting research, and improving the quality of life for patients.

10. Technology and Interpersonal Relationships The integration of technology in interpersonal relationships necessitates a balance between virtual communication and face-to-face interaction to preserve genuine human connections.

11. Artificial Intelligence and Job Displacement The rise of artificial intelligence demands proactive measures to address job displacement, prioritize retraining programs, and ensure a balanced coexistence of human and AI roles in the workforce.

12. Obesity Epidemic and Public Health Combatting the obesity epidemic requires comprehensive public health interventions, including promoting healthy lifestyles, regulating marketing of unhealthy foods, and ensuring access to nutritious options.

13. Animal Rights and Ethical Treatment Recognizing the moral significance of animals necessitates ethical treatment, advocating for animal rights, and adopting regulations that prevent cruelty and exploitation.

14. Renewable Energy Transition and Sustainable Future Embracing a transition to renewable energy sources is pivotal for achieving a sustainable future, reducing carbon emissions, and mitigating the impact of climate change.

15. Vaccination and Community Immunity Mandatory vaccination policies are essential for maintaining community immunity, preventing disease outbreaks, and protecting vulnerable populations from preventable illnesses.

16. Digital Divide and Access to Education Closing the digital divide requires equitable access to technology, bridging educational disparities, and ensuring all students can benefit from online learning opportunities.

17. Cultural Appropriation and Respectful Engagement Addressing cultural appropriation demands respectful engagement, understanding the significance of cultural symbols, and acknowledging the importance of mutual respect.

18. Parental Leave and Work-Life Balance Enforcing paid parental leave policies is vital for promoting work-life balance, gender equality, and supporting parents in their caregiving responsibilities.

19. Social Inequality and Wealth Redistribution Tackling social inequality necessitates wealth redistribution, progressive taxation policies, and investing in social programs to narrow the wealth gap.

20. Mental Health Support in Schools Providing comprehensive mental health support in schools is crucial for early intervention, destigmatizing mental health issues, and fostering students’ emotional well-being.

21. Online Learning and Traditional Education Exploring the benefits and drawbacks of online learning versus traditional education reveals the need for adaptable approaches that combine the strengths of both modalities.

22. Body Positivity and Media Representation Promoting body positivity requires challenging unrealistic media representations, advocating for diverse beauty standards, and encouraging self-acceptance regardless of body type.

23. Human Cloning and Ethical Concerns The ethical considerations surrounding human cloning necessitate thorough examination of scientific advancements, potential medical benefits, and potential societal implications.

24. Cyberbullying and Digital Responsibility Mitigating cyberbullying requires fostering digital responsibility, educating youth about online ethics, and establishing clear consequences for harmful online behaviors.

25. Nuclear Energy and Environmental Impact Assessing the viability of nuclear energy demands understanding its environmental impact, evaluating safety measures, and considering it as a potential solution to energy demands.

26. Freedom of Speech and Hate Speech Regulation Balancing freedom of speech with the regulation of hate speech involves crafting policies that protect individuals’ rights while preventing the spread of harmful rhetoric.

27. Privacy Rights and Surveillance Technology Striking a balance between privacy rights and the use of surveillance technology requires robust legal frameworks that protect individual freedoms while ensuring public safety.

28. Animal Testing and Scientific Advancement Examining the ethics of animal testing compels us to explore alternative research methods, prioritize animal welfare, and weigh scientific progress against ethical considerations.

29. Cultural Diversity and Education Recognizing the value of cultural diversity in education necessitates inclusive curricula, multicultural awareness, and fostering understanding among diverse student populations.

30. Space Exploration and Budget Allocation Analyzing the allocation of funds for space exploration prompts discussion about the importance of scientific discovery, balanced budget priorities, and societal benefits.

31. Artificial Sweeteners and Health Risks Investigating the health risks associated with artificial sweeteners requires evaluating potential benefits, understanding metabolic effects, and providing accurate consumer information.

32. Renewable Energy Incentives and Economic Growth Analyzing the impact of renewable energy incentives on economic growth entails assessing job creation, sustainable development, and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

33. Social Media and Political Activism Exploring the role of social media in political activism demands examining its influence on mobilization, awareness campaigns, and the democratization of information.

34. Euthanasia and End-of-Life Choices Delving into the ethical complexities of euthanasia necessitates considering individual autonomy, medical ethics, and the impact on patients and their families.

35. Food Waste and Environmental Sustainability Addressing the issue of food waste requires understanding its environmental consequences, promoting sustainable consumption, and implementing waste reduction strategies.

36. Genetic Engineering and Ethical Boundaries The exploration of genetic engineering’s ethical boundaries involves weighing the potential benefits against concerns about bioethics, consent, and unintended consequences.

37. Online Censorship and Freedom of Expression Navigating online censorship involves preserving freedom of expression while curbing hate speech, misinformation, and ensuring a safe digital environment.

38. Youth Engagement in Politics Encouraging youth engagement in politics requires dismantling barriers to participation, promoting civic education, and empowering young voices in policy decisions.

39. Artificial Intelligence and Human Workforce Examining AI’s impact on the human workforce prompts discussions about retraining programs, job displacement, and ethical considerations in automation.

40. Body Cameras and Police Accountability The debate around police accountability involves analyzing the effectiveness of body cameras in improving transparency, reducing misconduct, and rebuilding community trust.

41. Privacy Rights in the Digital Age Navigating privacy rights in the digital age requires addressing data collection, surveillance, and striking a balance between personal freedom and national security.

42. School Uniforms and Student Expression The debate over school uniforms centers on balancing students’ self-expression with creating a sense of community, reducing peer pressure, and minimizing distractions.

43. Access to Birth Control and Reproductive Rights The conversation about access to birth control delves into reproductive autonomy, healthcare equity, and ensuring comprehensive family planning options for all.

44. Space Exploration and Environmental Preservation Evaluating space exploration’s impact on environmental preservation necessitates considering resource allocation, scientific advancements, and the Earth’s fragile ecosystem.

45. Online Learning and Academic Integrity Examining academic integrity in online learning environments involves implementing strategies to prevent cheating, uphold educational standards, and verify student authenticity.

46. Cybersecurity and National Defense The intersection of cybersecurity and national defense requires prioritizing cyber threats, enhancing digital defenses, and safeguarding critical infrastructure from cyberattacks.

47. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and Food Security Assessing the role of GMOs in food security involves weighing potential benefits against environmental concerns, health implications, and ethical considerations.

48. Police Reform and Community Policing Promoting police reform through community policing necessitates enhancing community engagement, fostering mutual trust, and addressing systemic issues in law enforcement.

49. Internet Access as a Basic Right Advocating for internet access as a basic right involves bridging the digital divide, ensuring equal opportunities for education and information, and empowering marginalized communities.

50. Medical Ethics and Human Cloning Exploring medical ethics in human cloning debates involves considering the potential for medical breakthroughs, individual rights, and the potential for unethical exploitation.

51. Renewable Energy Transition and Job Creation Evaluating the renewable energy transition’s impact on job creation necessitates understanding its potential to boost employment while addressing environmental concerns.

52. Social Media and Political Polarization Analyzing the role of social media in political polarization involves exploring echo chambers, filter bubbles, and their influence on public discourse and civic engagement.

53. Mental Health Support in Schools Advocating for mental health support in schools requires addressing stigma, promoting early intervention, and creating safe spaces that foster emotional well-being.

54. Artificial Intelligence and Ethical Dilemmas Navigating the ethical dilemmas posed by AI involves grappling with issues of bias, accountability, and the implications of delegating decision-making to machines.

55. Internet Privacy and Data Ownership The conversation about internet privacy delves into users’ rights over their personal data, requiring transparent data practices, consent, and protection against misuse.

56. Social Justice Movements and Intersectionality Understanding social justice movements demands acknowledging intersectionality, recognizing the interconnectedness of social issues, and advocating for inclusive solutions.

57. Cultural Preservation and Tourism Balancing cultural preservation with tourism development involves respecting indigenous knowledge, engaging local communities, and fostering sustainable cultural exchange.

58. Gun Control and Second Amendment Rights The debate over gun control must respect Second Amendment rights while addressing public safety concerns, background checks, and reducing gun-related violence.

59. Genetic Editing and Human Enhancement Exploring genetic editing’s potential for human enhancement requires ethical considerations, weighing medical benefits against concerns of inequality and unintended consequences.

60. Universal Basic Income and Economic Equality Discussing universal basic income involves evaluating its potential to address poverty, stimulate economic growth, and create a safety net in an evolving job landscape.

61. Climate Change and Global Cooperation Addressing climate change demands global cooperation, involving policy alignment, international agreements, and joint efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

62. Immigration Reform and Human Rights The discussion on immigration reform necessitates respecting human rights, creating pathways to citizenship, and striking a balance between national security and compassion.

63. Internet Addiction and Mental Health Understanding internet addiction’s impact on mental health requires recognizing its prevalence, providing digital well-being education, and developing strategies for healthy online habits.

64. Education Funding and Equal Opportunity Investing in education funding is crucial for ensuring equal opportunity, bridging educational gaps, and breaking the cycle of generational poverty.

65. Genetic Privacy and DNA Data Sharing Examining genetic privacy involves safeguarding DNA data from misuse, securing consent for sharing, and balancing scientific advancements with individual rights.

66. Cultural Appropriation and Creative Expression The discourse on cultural appropriation requires distinguishing between appreciation and appropriation, encouraging cross-cultural understanding, and respecting cultural ownership.

67. Cybersecurity and Personal Privacy Balancing cybersecurity with personal privacy necessitates robust digital defenses, encryption standards, and ensuring individuals’ autonomy over their online information.

68. Youth Activism and Social Change Exploring the impact of youth activism involves recognizing young voices in shaping societal norms, challenging systemic inequalities, and advocating for positive change.

69. Internet Censorship and Free Speech Navigating internet censorship involves preserving free speech while curbing harmful content, disinformation, and fostering responsible digital citizenship.

70. Education Technology and Pedagogical Innovation The integration of ed-tech in education requires thoughtful pedagogical design, addressing digital literacy gaps, and leveraging technology to enhance learning outcomes.

71. Animal Rights and Scientific Research Balancing animal rights with scientific research involves ensuring ethical treatment, seeking alternative methods, and adhering to standards that prioritize animal welfare.

72. Income Inequality and Wealth Redistribution Addressing income inequality demands progressive taxation, redistributive policies, and promoting economic mobility to create a more just and equitable society.

73. Health Care Reform and Affordable Access Discussing health care reform involves ensuring affordable access, lowering prescription drug costs, and creating comprehensive health care coverage for all citizens.

74. Gender Equality in Sports Promoting gender equality in sports entails equal pay, opportunities, and dismantling gender stereotypes that perpetuate inequalities in athletic participation and representation.

75. Nuclear Disarmament and Global Security Advocating for nuclear disarmament requires diplomatic efforts, arms control agreements, and collaboration among nations to ensure global peace and security.

76. Cyberbullying Prevention and Digital Literacy Preventing cyberbullying involves educating students about digital ethics, empathy, and fostering a safe online environment that promotes positive interactions.

77. Mental Health Care Accessibility Improving mental health care accessibility necessitates dismantling stigma, increasing funding, and expanding resources to ensure individuals can access quality care.

78. Human Rights and Refugee Protection Addressing human rights in refugee protection involves creating safe havens, advocating for fair treatment, and finding sustainable solutions to the global refugee crisis.

79. GMO Labeling and Consumer Awareness Discussing GMO labeling requires transparent information for consumers, empowering them to make informed choices, and promoting transparency in the food industry.

80. Cultural Diversity and Workplace Inclusion Promoting cultural diversity in the workplace involves embracing inclusivity, valuing diverse perspectives, and fostering a welcoming environment that supports all employees.

81. Technology Addiction and Digital Detox The conversation about technology addiction necessitates recognizing its effects, advocating for balanced tech use, and promoting mindfulness in the digital age.

82. Criminal Justice Reform and Rehabilitation Advancing criminal justice reform involves shifting focus from punishment to rehabilitation, addressing systemic biases, and fostering reintegration into society.

83. Indigenous Rights and Land Conservation Supporting indigenous rights requires respecting land ownership, preserving cultural heritage, and partnering with indigenous communities for sustainable land conservation.

84. Voting Rights and Democracy Protecting voting rights involves combating voter suppression, ensuring equal access, and upholding the democratic principle of every citizen’s right to vote.

85. Mental Health Education in Schools Promoting mental health education in schools involves training educators, reducing stigma, and equipping students with tools to navigate their emotional well-being.

86. Alternative Energy Sources and Energy Independence Transitioning to alternative energy sources promotes energy independence, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, and mitigates the impact of climate change.

87. Privacy Rights in the Workplace Balancing privacy rights in the workplace involves protecting employee data, regulating surveillance, and ensuring a respectful work environment that values personal privacy.

88. Affirmative Action and Diversity in Education Discussing affirmative action entails promoting diversity in education, addressing historical inequalities, and creating inclusive learning environments that reflect society’s richness.

89. Social Media and Democracy Analyzing social media’s impact on democracy requires recognizing its potential for disinformation, promoting digital literacy, and safeguarding informed political participation.

90. Parental Rights and Children’s Autonomy Navigating parental rights and children’s autonomy involves striking a balance between guiding children’s decisions and respecting their individual agency.

91. Climate Change and Economic Growth Addressing climate change without hindering economic growth involves transitioning to sustainable practices, investing in green technologies, and creating new economic opportunities.

92. Immigration Policies and Family Reunification Promoting humane immigration policies involves prioritizing family reunification, treating migrants with dignity, and fostering cultural diversity and understanding.

93. Mental Health Parity in Insurance Advocating for mental health parity in insurance requires ensuring equal coverage for mental health treatments, reducing disparities, and acknowledging mental health’s importance.

94. Online Hate Speech and Social Media Responsibility Combating online hate speech involves holding social media platforms accountable for moderation, promoting respectful discourse, and preventing the spread of harmful content.

95. Human Trafficking and Criminal Justice Addressing human trafficking involves strengthening laws, supporting survivors, and collaborating across borders to dismantle criminal networks and protect vulnerable individuals.

96. Green Technology Innovation and Sustainability Encouraging green technology innovation requires investment in research, incentivizing eco-friendly practices, and transitioning to sustainable solutions for a greener future.

97. Internet Accessibility in Rural Areas Promoting internet accessibility in rural areas involves bridging the digital divide, providing equitable opportunities for education and economic growth, and overcoming infrastructure challenges.

98. Arts Education in Schools Advocating for arts education in schools involves recognizing its role in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and well-rounded development for students.

99. Food Security and Agricultural Practices Addressing food security requires promoting sustainable agriculture, reducing food waste, and ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for all.

100. Democracy and Civic Engagement Sustaining a healthy democracy relies on fostering civic engagement, promoting informed citizen participation, and strengthening the foundation of transparent and accountable governance.

What are the 3 Parts of an Argument Thesis Statement?

An argument thesis statement comprises three essential parts that collectively establish the foundation for your persuasive essay:

• Claim or Assertion: This is the central argument you’re making in your essay. It should be clear, specific, and debatable to engage your readers and encourage them to consider your viewpoint.
• Reasons or Supporting Points: These are the key points that bolster your claim. Each reason should be backed by evidence, logic, or examples to provide substantial support for your argument.
• Counterargument or Rebuttal: Anticipate potential objections to your claim and address them briefly. Acknowledging counterarguments adds credibility to your essay and demonstrates your thoughtful consideration of opposing viewpoints.

How do you Write a Thesis Statement for an Argumentative Essay? – Step by Step Guide

• Choose a Controversial Topic: Select a topic that sparks debate and has multiple viewpoints to provide a solid foundation for your argument.
• Identify Your Position: Determine where you stand on the topic and craft a clear claim that encapsulates your stance.
• Brainstorm Supporting Points: List three to four main reasons that support your claim. These reasons will become the core of your argument.
• Address Counterarguments: Consider potential counterarguments and identify how you’ll address them in your thesis statement or later in your essay.
• Craft a Draft: Combine your claim, reasons, and potential counterargument into a concise sentence that serves as your thesis statement.
• Ensure Clarity and Precision: Make sure your thesis statement is straightforward, avoiding vague or convoluted language.
• Maintain a Strong Tone: Frame your thesis statement assertively to convey confidence in your argument.
• Avoid Broad Statements: Keep your thesis statement focused on your specific argument, avoiding generalizations.
• Review and Refine: Revisit your draft, ensuring it accurately represents your viewpoint and effectively encapsulates your argument.

Tips for Writing a Thesis Statement for Argumentative Essay

• Be Clear and Concise: Your thesis statement should convey your argument succinctly, avoiding unnecessary details.
• Take a Definite Position: Make a clear and unequivocal assertion in your thesis statement to guide your essay’s direction.
• Use Strong Language: Choose impactful words that emphasize the strength and significance of your argument.
• Provide Evidence: While not required in the thesis statement itself, ensure that you have evidence to back up your supporting points.
• Consider Your Audience: Tailor your thesis statement to resonate with your intended readers, considering their background and beliefs.
• Avoid First Person: Keep your thesis statement in the third person to maintain an objective and professional tone.
• Review and Revise: As you draft your essay, revisit your thesis statement to ensure it aligns with the arguments presented in your essay.
• Stay Focused: Your thesis statement should encompass the main theme of your argument, avoiding tangential points.
• Seek Feedback: Share your thesis statement with peers or mentors to gain insights and refine its effectiveness.

By carefully crafting your argument thesis statement, you set the tone for your entire essay, outlining your position, key arguments, and addressing potential counterarguments. Through concise and persuasive language, your thesis statement becomes the cornerstone of your argumentative essay. You may also be interested in our  strong thesis statement .

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Write an Argumentative Essay Thesis Statement on the necessity of college education.

Create an Argumentative Essay Thesis Statement arguing for the legalization of marijuana.

Developing a Thesis Statement

Many papers you write require developing a thesis statement. In this section you’ll learn what a thesis statement is and how to write one.

Keep in mind that not all papers require thesis statements . If in doubt, please consult your instructor for assistance.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement . . .

• Makes an argumentative assertion about a topic; it states the conclusions that you have reached about your topic.
• Makes a promise to the reader about the scope, purpose, and direction of your paper.
• Is focused and specific enough to be “proven” within the boundaries of your paper.
• Is generally located near the end of the introduction ; sometimes, in a long paper, the thesis will be expressed in several sentences or in an entire paragraph.
• Identifies the relationships between the pieces of evidence that you are using to support your argument.

Not all papers require thesis statements! Ask your instructor if you’re in doubt whether you need one.

Identify a topic

Your topic is the subject about which you will write. Your assignment may suggest several ways of looking at a topic; or it may name a fairly general concept that you will explore or analyze in your paper.

Consider what your assignment asks you to do

Inform yourself about your topic, focus on one aspect of your topic, ask yourself whether your topic is worthy of your efforts, generate a topic from an assignment.

Below are some possible topics based on sample assignments.

Sample assignment 1

Analyze Spain’s neutrality in World War II.

Identified topic

Franco’s role in the diplomatic relationships between the Allies and the Axis

This topic avoids generalities such as “Spain” and “World War II,” addressing instead on Franco’s role (a specific aspect of “Spain”) and the diplomatic relations between the Allies and Axis (a specific aspect of World War II).

Sample assignment 2

Analyze one of Homer’s epic similes in the Iliad.

The relationship between the portrayal of warfare and the epic simile about Simoisius at 4.547-64.

This topic focuses on a single simile and relates it to a single aspect of the Iliad ( warfare being a major theme in that work).

Developing a Thesis Statement–Additional information

Your assignment may suggest several ways of looking at a topic, or it may name a fairly general concept that you will explore or analyze in your paper. You’ll want to read your assignment carefully, looking for key terms that you can use to focus your topic.

Sample assignment: Analyze Spain’s neutrality in World War II Key terms: analyze, Spain’s neutrality, World War II

After you’ve identified the key words in your topic, the next step is to read about them in several sources, or generate as much information as possible through an analysis of your topic. Obviously, the more material or knowledge you have, the more possibilities will be available for a strong argument. For the sample assignment above, you’ll want to look at books and articles on World War II in general, and Spain’s neutrality in particular.

As you consider your options, you must decide to focus on one aspect of your topic. This means that you cannot include everything you’ve learned about your topic, nor should you go off in several directions. If you end up covering too many different aspects of a topic, your paper will sprawl and be unconvincing in its argument, and it most likely will not fulfull the assignment requirements.

For the sample assignment above, both Spain’s neutrality and World War II are topics far too broad to explore in a paper. You may instead decide to focus on Franco’s role in the diplomatic relationships between the Allies and the Axis , which narrows down what aspects of Spain’s neutrality and World War II you want to discuss, as well as establishes a specific link between those two aspects.

Before you go too far, however, ask yourself whether your topic is worthy of your efforts. Try to avoid topics that already have too much written about them (i.e., “eating disorders and body image among adolescent women”) or that simply are not important (i.e. “why I like ice cream”). These topics may lead to a thesis that is either dry fact or a weird claim that cannot be supported. A good thesis falls somewhere between the two extremes. To arrive at this point, ask yourself what is new, interesting, contestable, or controversial about your topic.

As you work on your thesis, remember to keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times . Sometimes your thesis needs to evolve as you develop new insights, find new evidence, or take a different approach to your topic.

Derive a main point from topic

Once you have a topic, you will have to decide what the main point of your paper will be. This point, the “controlling idea,” becomes the core of your argument (thesis statement) and it is the unifying idea to which you will relate all your sub-theses. You can then turn this “controlling idea” into a purpose statement about what you intend to do in your paper.

Look for patterns in your evidence

Compose a purpose statement.

Consult the examples below for suggestions on how to look for patterns in your evidence and construct a purpose statement.

• Franco first tried to negotiate with the Axis
• Franco turned to the Allies when he couldn’t get some concessions that he wanted from the Axis

Possible conclusion:

Spain’s neutrality in WWII occurred for an entirely personal reason: Franco’s desire to preserve his own (and Spain’s) power.

Purpose statement

This paper will analyze Franco’s diplomacy during World War II to see how it contributed to Spain’s neutrality.

• The simile compares Simoisius to a tree, which is a peaceful, natural image.
• The tree in the simile is chopped down to make wheels for a chariot, which is an object used in warfare.

At first, the simile seems to take the reader away from the world of warfare, but we end up back in that world by the end.

This paper will analyze the way the simile about Simoisius at 4.547-64 moves in and out of the world of warfare.

Derive purpose statement from topic

To find out what your “controlling idea” is, you have to examine and evaluate your evidence . As you consider your evidence, you may notice patterns emerging, data repeated in more than one source, or facts that favor one view more than another. These patterns or data may then lead you to some conclusions about your topic and suggest that you can successfully argue for one idea better than another.

For instance, you might find out that Franco first tried to negotiate with the Axis, but when he couldn’t get some concessions that he wanted from them, he turned to the Allies. As you read more about Franco’s decisions, you may conclude that Spain’s neutrality in WWII occurred for an entirely personal reason: his desire to preserve his own (and Spain’s) power. Based on this conclusion, you can then write a trial thesis statement to help you decide what material belongs in your paper.

Sometimes you won’t be able to find a focus or identify your “spin” or specific argument immediately. Like some writers, you might begin with a purpose statement just to get yourself going. A purpose statement is one or more sentences that announce your topic and indicate the structure of the paper but do not state the conclusions you have drawn . Thus, you might begin with something like this:

• This paper will look at modern language to see if it reflects male dominance or female oppression.
• I plan to analyze anger and derision in offensive language to see if they represent a challenge of society’s authority.

At some point, you can turn a purpose statement into a thesis statement. As you think and write about your topic, you can restrict, clarify, and refine your argument, crafting your thesis statement to reflect your thinking.

As you work on your thesis, remember to keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times. Sometimes your thesis needs to evolve as you develop new insights, find new evidence, or take a different approach to your topic.

Compose a draft thesis statement

If you are writing a paper that will have an argumentative thesis and are having trouble getting started, the techniques in the table below may help you develop a temporary or “working” thesis statement.

Begin with a purpose statement that you will later turn into a thesis statement.

Assignment: Discuss the history of the Reform Party and explain its influence on the 1990 presidential and Congressional election.

Purpose Statement: This paper briefly sketches the history of the grassroots, conservative, Perot-led Reform Party and analyzes how it influenced the economic and social ideologies of the two mainstream parties.

Question-to-Assertion

If your assignment asks a specific question(s), turn the question(s) into an assertion and give reasons why it is true or reasons for your opinion.

Assignment : What do Aylmer and Rappaccini have to be proud of? Why aren’t they satisfied with these things? How does pride, as demonstrated in “The Birthmark” and “Rappaccini’s Daughter,” lead to unexpected problems?

Beginning thesis statement: Alymer and Rappaccinni are proud of their great knowledge; however, they are also very greedy and are driven to use their knowledge to alter some aspect of nature as a test of their ability. Evil results when they try to “play God.”

Write a sentence that summarizes the main idea of the essay you plan to write.

Main idea: The reason some toys succeed in the market is that they appeal to the consumers’ sense of the ridiculous and their basic desire to laugh at themselves.

Make a list of the ideas that you want to include; consider the ideas and try to group them.

• nature = peaceful
• war matériel = violent (competes with 1?)
• need for time and space to mourn the dead
• war is inescapable (competes with 3?)

Use a formula to arrive at a working thesis statement (you will revise this later).

• although most readers of _______ have argued that _______, closer examination shows that _______.
• _______ uses _______ and _____ to prove that ________.
• phenomenon x is a result of the combination of __________, __________, and _________.

What to keep in mind as you draft an initial thesis statement

Beginning statements obtained through the methods illustrated above can serve as a framework for planning or drafting your paper, but remember they’re not yet the specific, argumentative thesis you want for the final version of your paper. In fact, in its first stages, a thesis statement usually is ill-formed or rough and serves only as a planning tool.

As you write, you may discover evidence that does not fit your temporary or “working” thesis. Or you may reach deeper insights about your topic as you do more research, and you will find that your thesis statement has to be more complicated to match the evidence that you want to use.

You must be willing to reject or omit some evidence in order to keep your paper cohesive and your reader focused. Or you may have to revise your thesis to match the evidence and insights that you want to discuss. Read your draft carefully, noting the conclusions you have drawn and the major ideas which support or prove those conclusions. These will be the elements of your final thesis statement.

Sometimes you will not be able to identify these elements in your early drafts, but as you consider how your argument is developing and how your evidence supports your main idea, ask yourself, “ What is the main point that I want to prove/discuss? ” and “ How will I convince the reader that this is true? ” When you can answer these questions, then you can begin to refine the thesis statement.

Refine and polish the thesis statement

To get to your final thesis, you’ll need to refine your draft thesis so that it’s specific and arguable.

• Ask if your draft thesis addresses the assignment
• Question each part of your draft thesis
• Clarify vague phrases and assertions
• Investigate alternatives to your draft thesis

Consult the example below for suggestions on how to refine your draft thesis statement.

Sample Assignment

Choose an activity and define it as a symbol of American culture. Your essay should cause the reader to think critically about the society which produces and enjoys that activity.

• Ask The phenomenon of drive-in facilities is an interesting symbol of american culture, and these facilities demonstrate significant characteristics of our society.This statement does not fulfill the assignment because it does not require the reader to think critically about society.

Drive-ins are an interesting symbol of American culture because they represent Americans’ significant creativity and business ingenuity.

Among the types of drive-in facilities familiar during the twentieth century, drive-in movie theaters best represent American creativity, not merely because they were the forerunner of later drive-ins and drive-throughs, but because of their impact on our culture: they changed our relationship to the automobile, changed the way people experienced movies, and changed movie-going into a family activity.

While drive-in facilities such as those at fast-food establishments, banks, pharmacies, and dry cleaners symbolize America’s economic ingenuity, they also have affected our personal standards.

While drive-in facilities such as those at fast- food restaurants, banks, pharmacies, and dry cleaners symbolize (1) Americans’ business ingenuity, they also have contributed (2) to an increasing homogenization of our culture, (3) a willingness to depersonalize relationships with others, and (4) a tendency to sacrifice quality for convenience.

This statement is now specific and fulfills all parts of the assignment. This version, like any good thesis, is not self-evident; its points, 1-4, will have to be proven with evidence in the body of the paper. The numbers in this statement indicate the order in which the points will be presented. Depending on the length of the paper, there could be one paragraph for each numbered item or there could be blocks of paragraph for even pages for each one.

Complete the final thesis statement

The bottom line.

As you move through the process of crafting a thesis, you’ll need to remember four things:

• Context matters! Think about your course materials and lectures. Try to relate your thesis to the ideas your instructor is discussing.
• As you go through the process described in this section, always keep your assignment in mind . You will be more successful when your thesis (and paper) responds to the assignment than if it argues a semi-related idea.
• Your thesis statement should be precise, focused, and contestable ; it should predict the sub-theses or blocks of information that you will use to prove your argument.
• Make sure that you keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times. Change your thesis as your paper evolves, because you do not want your thesis to promise more than your paper actually delivers.

In the beginning, the thesis statement was a tool to help you sharpen your focus, limit material and establish the paper’s purpose. When your paper is finished, however, the thesis statement becomes a tool for your reader. It tells the reader what you have learned about your topic and what evidence led you to your conclusion. It keeps the reader on track–well able to understand and appreciate your argument.

Writing Process and Structure

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Getting Started with Your Paper

Interpreting Writing Assignments from Your Courses

Generating Ideas for

Creating an Argument

Thesis vs. Purpose Statements

Architecture of Arguments

Working with Sources

Quoting and Paraphrasing Sources

Using Literary Quotations

Citing Sources in Your Paper

Drafting Your Paper

Generating Ideas for Your Paper

Introductions

Paragraphing

Developing Strategic Transitions

Conclusions

Revising Your Paper

Peer Reviews

Reverse Outlines

Revising an Argumentative Paper

Revision Strategies for Longer Projects

Finishing Your Paper

Twelve Common Errors: An Editing Checklist

How to Proofread your Paper

Seeking Feedback from Others

Writing Collaboratively

Collaborative and Group Writing