Below are examples of weak thesis statements with revised ...



Argumentative OutlineNo one structure fits all written arguments; however, below is one basic outline for an argumentative essay. I. Introductory Paragraph a. Hook: Make the reader care (pathos). Should be a saying, quote, blatant remark about the subject, etc., but make this relevant to the reader.b. Background information - Your introductory paragraph sets the stage or the context for the position you are arguing for including information that is pertinent to the thesis in 2 – 3 sentences. You must refer to the prompt and use language from the prompt.c. MAP – The plan reasons/evidence you will use to support your assertion (thesis).i. MAP PT #1ii. MAP PT #2iii. MAP PT #3d. Thesis statement: YOUR position combined with a clear emphatic language (should, ought, must) II. 1st body paragraphTopic sentence on MAP PT #1Present and explain supporting evidence for PT#1Transition between evidencePresent and explain your 2nd piece of supporting evidence for PT#1Acknowledge and refute opposing claim that would counter this point.Conclude the paragraph while paralleling thesis to your evidence and transitioning to the next paragraph.III. 2nd body paragraphTopic sentence on MAP PT #2Present and explain supporting evidence for PT#2Transition between evidencePresent and explain your 2nd piece of supporting evidence for PT#2Acknowledge and refute opposing claim that would counter this point.Conclude the paragraph while paralleling thesis to your evidence and transitioning to the next paragraph.IV. 3rd body paragraphTopic sentence on MAP PT #3Present and explain supporting evidence for PT#3Transition between evidencePresent and explain your 2nd piece of supporting evidence for PT#3Acknowledge and refute opposing claim that would counter this point.Conclude the paragraph while paralleling thesis to your evidence and transitioning to the next paragraph.V. Conclusion/Restate Thesisa. Restate thesisb. Restate MAP PTSc. End with insight: The conclusion should bring the essay to a logical end. It should explain what the importance of your issue is in a larger context. Your conclusion should also reiterate why your topic is worth caring about. Some arguments propose solutions or make prediction on the future of the topic. Show your reader what would happen if your argument is or is not believed or acted upon as you believe it should be.Thesis StatementsThesis: The main argument of the essay.A thesis must have a subject + an opinion/claim. It is typically placed as the last sentence(s) of the introductory paragraph.It tells the reader what the point of your essay is, and what argument you are going to make in your paper. Below are examples of weak thesis statements with revised, stronger examples. While you are creating your thesis statement, here are some things to keep in mind:A strong thesis takes some sort of stand. Remember that your thesis needs to show your conclusions about a subject. Example: There are some negative and positive aspects to the Banana Herb Tea Supplement.This is a weak thesis. First, it fails to take a stand. Second, the phrase "negative and positive" aspects" is vague.Revision: Because Banana Herb Tea Supplement promotes rapid weight loss that results in the loss of muscle and lean body mass, it poses a potential danger to customers.This is a strong thesis because it takes a stand.A strong thesis statement is specific. A thesis statement should show exactly what your paper will be about, and will help you keep your paper to a manageable topic. Example: World hunger has many causes and effects.This is a weak thesis statement for two major reasons. First, "world hunger" can't be discussed thoroughly in five or ten pages. Second, "many causes and effects" is vague. You should be able to identify specific causes and effects. Revision: Hunger persists in Appalachia because jobs are scarce and farming in the infertile soil is rarely profitable.This is a strong thesis because it narrows the subject to a more specific and manageable topic and it also identifies the specific causes for the existence of hungerName: ______________________ Directions: For each of the following statements, identify whether the statement is strong, too narrow, or too broad. If the statement is too narrow or broad, rewrite it to fix the problem. 1. Media violence is harmful to society.2. The death penalty is wrong.3. Technology has changed our lives.4. Violent crime is up.5. The neighbor’s cat is unfriendly.PRACTICEDirections: Write a draft thesis statement that answers each prompt or question. Write your answers in the space below.Is a high school diploma important? Why or why not?Is it ever right to cheat on a school assignment? Why or why not?Do you think students should learn a language in school in addition to the language they already speak? Why?Do we have a responsibility to protect and preserve the environment? Why or why not?Do you believe teenagers are portrayed realistically on TV? Why or why not? ................
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