Causes of Conflict
Formulating a Thesis
Formulating a Thesis
Section Title
Directions for Writing a Thesis Statement from Fay School Library
A tutorial on How to Write a Theis Statement by Joyce Valenza at Springfiled High School
These are some interactive tools that may help you map out your thought and formulate your thesis.
Persuasive Map Graphic Organizer
Interactive NoteTaker using an Outline Format
Useful templates to incorporate in your writing
From the Book, They Say / I Say
Most people think/assume (topic) because (main argument against your opinion), however, for reasons that (arguments supporting your opinion) (state your postion).
Example:
Even though there may be considerable advantages to (main argument against your opinion) , (state your position) because (arguments supporting your opinion).
Although (main argument against your opinion) , a closer look at the issue suggests that (state your position) because (arguments supporting your opinion).
In your position paper you are entering a conversation. You will:
engage your reader in an academic arguement
write to a specific issue
summarize what others are saying about the issue
take a stance
defend your position taking into account the ways
You will do this by including:
factual knowledge
statistical evidence
informed opinions
authorative testimony
When planning a persuasive essay, follow these steps
Choose your position. Which side of the issue or problem are you going to write about, and what solution will you offer? Know the purpose of your essay.
Analyze your audience. Decide if your audience agrees with you, is neutral, or disagrees with your position.
Research your topic. A persuasive essay must provide specific and convincing evidence. Often it is necessary to go beyond your own knowledge and experience. You might need to go to the library or interview people who are experts on your topic.
Structure your essay. Figure out what evidence you will include and in what order you will present the evidence. Remember to consider your purpose, your audience, and you topic.
The following criteria are essential to produce an effective argument:
Be well informed about your topic. To add to your knowledge of a topic, read thoroughly about it, using legitimate sources. Take notes.
Test your thesis. Your thesis, i.e., argument, must have two sides. It must be debatable. If you can write down a thesis statement directly opposing your own, you will ensure that your own argument is debatable.
Disprove the opposing argument. Understand the opposite viewpoint of your position and then counter it by providing contrasting evidence or by finding mistakes and inconsistencies in the logic of the opposing argument.
Support your position with evidence. Remember that your evidence must appeal to reason. The following are different ways to support your argument: Facts - A powerful means of convincing, facts can come from your reading, observation, or personal experience.