Note: this is the same topic you have been working on!
When writing any essay, a lot of instructors will suggest you begin by creating a draft thesis statement—a statement that makes a claim and provides the main reasons for which you came to the conclusion you did. However, starting with a well-defined thesis statement can be problematic when writing a persuasive essay. Persuasive essays require that you begin with a question and a tentative position that you are willing to change while doing research. Thesis statements can cause persuasive essay writers to develop tunnel vision—focusing solely on sources that support the claims made in the statement and ignoring opposing viewpoints.
Although we practiced this earlier in our discussion, go over it again to be sure this is what you want to do.
To avoid the pitfalls of starting with the thesis, you began by first identifying a topic, formulating a tentative argument, and then researching material to support it. (We are using the same topic we have been working on, however, now is the time you can tweak it if you need to). Once you have determined what you will argue, conducted research to support that argument and to learn about opposing positions, and responded to feedback from your peers, you will create a working thesis statement. Your thesis will represent the essence of your research paper, and it will be the roadmap for your subsequent research and writing.
Thesis statements are made up of a claim and a series of points or reasons that you will elaborate on to support that claim.
Research question: Should uber drivers use camels as transportation?
Potential thesis statement: Uber drivers should not be using camels because the animals are messy, they produce a lot of waste, and they are known to bite people.
Major point 1: camels are messy.
Major point 2: camels produce waste.
Major point 3: camels can bite people.
Your thesis statement should be made up of two parts: 1) your narrowed topic stated as an argumentative claim and 2) the reasons or major points you found to support your claim. Sometimes, the claim and reasons will be linked by the word “because.” Eventually, you will need to find research to support each of these points.
This is just like being in a debate! Now, write out your thesis you want to use. Keep in mind, we want the wording to be concise. (Fill in the blanks below if you need a template. Keep it concise!).
____________________________________________________because __________________________, _________________, and _________________.
Now, enter your thesis in the text box.
