thesis for a persuasive essay examples

25 Thesis Statement Examples

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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Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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• Knowledge Base
• How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

Published on January 11, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on August 15, 2023 by Eoghan Ryan.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . It usually comes near the end of your introduction .

Your thesis will look a bit different depending on the type of essay you’re writing. But the thesis statement should always clearly state the main idea you want to get across. Everything else in your essay should relate back to this idea.

You can write your thesis statement by following four simple steps:

• Start with a question
• Write your initial answer
• Develop your answer
• Refine your thesis statement

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Table of contents

What is a thesis statement, placement of the thesis statement, step 1: start with a question, step 2: write your initial answer, step 3: develop your answer, step 4: refine your thesis statement, types of thesis statements, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about thesis statements.

A thesis statement summarizes the central points of your essay. It is a signpost telling the reader what the essay will argue and why.

The best thesis statements are:

• Concise: A good thesis statement is short and sweet—don’t use more words than necessary. State your point clearly and directly in one or two sentences.
• Contentious: Your thesis shouldn’t be a simple statement of fact that everyone already knows. A good thesis statement is a claim that requires further evidence or analysis to back it up.
• Coherent: Everything mentioned in your thesis statement must be supported and explained in the rest of your paper.

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The thesis statement generally appears at the end of your essay introduction or research paper introduction .

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts and among young people more generally is hotly debated. For many who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education: the internet facilitates easier access to information, exposure to different perspectives, and a flexible learning environment for both students and teachers.

You should come up with an initial thesis, sometimes called a working thesis , early in the writing process . As soon as you’ve decided on your essay topic , you need to work out what you want to say about it—a clear thesis will give your essay direction and structure.

You might already have a question in your assignment, but if not, try to come up with your own. What would you like to find out or decide about your topic?

For example, you might ask:

After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process .

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Now you need to consider why this is your answer and how you will convince your reader to agree with you. As you read more about your topic and begin writing, your answer should get more detailed.

In your essay about the internet and education, the thesis states your position and sketches out the key arguments you’ll use to support it.

The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education because it facilitates easier access to information.

In your essay about braille, the thesis statement summarizes the key historical development that you’ll explain.

The invention of braille in the 19th century transformed the lives of blind people, allowing them to participate more actively in public life.

A strong thesis statement should tell the reader:

• Why you hold this position
• What they’ll learn from your essay
• The key points of your argument or narrative

The final thesis statement doesn’t just state your position, but summarizes your overall argument or the entire topic you’re going to explain. To strengthen a weak thesis statement, it can help to consider the broader context of your topic.

These examples are more specific and show that you’ll explore your topic in depth.

Your thesis statement should match the goals of your essay, which vary depending on the type of essay you’re writing:

• In an argumentative essay , your thesis statement should take a strong position. Your aim in the essay is to convince your reader of this thesis based on evidence and logical reasoning.
• In an expository essay , you’ll aim to explain the facts of a topic or process. Your thesis statement doesn’t have to include a strong opinion in this case, but it should clearly state the central point you want to make, and mention the key elements you’ll explain.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
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A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

• It gives your writing direction and focus.
• It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

Follow these four steps to come up with a thesis statement :

• Ask a question about your topic .
• Write your initial answer.
• Develop your answer by including reasons.
• Refine your answer, adding more detail and nuance.

The thesis statement should be placed at the end of your essay introduction .

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Home / Guides / Writing Guides / Parts of a Paper / How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement

How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement

A thesis can be found in many places—a debate speech, a lawyer’s closing argument, even an advertisement. But the most common place for a thesis statement (and probably why you’re reading this article) is in an essay.

Whether you’re writing an argumentative paper, an informative essay, or a compare/contrast statement, you need a thesis. Without a thesis, your argument falls flat and your information is unfocused. Since a thesis is so important, it’s probably a good idea to look at some tips on how to put together a strong one.

Guide Overview

What is a “thesis statement” anyway.

• 2 categories of thesis statements: informative and persuasive
• 2 styles of thesis statements
• Formula for a strong argumentative thesis
• The qualities of a solid thesis statement (video)

You may have heard of something called a “thesis.” It’s what seniors commonly refer to as their final paper before graduation. That’s not what we’re talking about here. That type of thesis is a long, well-written paper that takes years to piece together.

Instead, we’re talking about a single sentence that ties together the main idea of any argument . In the context of student essays, it’s a statement that summarizes your topic and declares your position on it. This sentence can tell a reader whether your essay is something they want to read.

2 Categories of Thesis Statements: Informative and Persuasive

Just as there are different types of essays, there are different types of thesis statements. The thesis should match the essay.

For example, with an informative essay, you should compose an informative thesis (rather than argumentative). You want to declare your intentions in this essay and guide the reader to the conclusion that you reach.

To make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, you must procure the ingredients, find a knife, and spread the condiments.

This thesis showed the reader the topic (a type of sandwich) and the direction the essay will take (describing how the sandwich is made).

Most other types of essays, whether compare/contrast, argumentative, or narrative, have thesis statements that take a position and argue it. In other words, unless your purpose is simply to inform, your thesis is considered persuasive. A persuasive thesis usually contains an opinion and the reason why your opinion is true.

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are the best type of sandwich because they are versatile, easy to make, and taste good.

In this persuasive thesis statement, you see that I state my opinion (the best type of sandwich), which means I have chosen a stance. Next, I explain that my opinion is correct with several key reasons. This persuasive type of thesis can be used in any essay that contains the writer’s opinion, including, as I mentioned above, compare/contrast essays, narrative essays, and so on.

2 Styles of Thesis Statements

Just as there are two different types of thesis statements (informative and persuasive), there are two basic styles you can use.

The first style uses a list of two or more points . This style of thesis is perfect for a brief essay that contains only two or three body paragraphs. This basic five-paragraph essay is typical of middle and high school assignments.

C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia series is one of the richest works of the 20th century because it offers an escape from reality, teaches readers to have faith even when they don’t understand, and contains a host of vibrant characters.

In the above persuasive thesis, you can see my opinion about Narnia followed by three clear reasons. This thesis is perfect for setting up a tidy five-paragraph essay.

In college, five paragraph essays become few and far between as essay length gets longer. Can you imagine having only five paragraphs in a six-page paper? For a longer essay, you need a thesis statement that is more versatile. Instead of listing two or three distinct points, a thesis can list one overarching point that all body paragraphs tie into.

Good vs. evil is the main theme of Lewis’s Narnia series, as is made clear through the struggles the main characters face in each book.

In this thesis, I have made a claim about the theme in Narnia followed by my reasoning. The broader scope of this thesis allows me to write about each of the series’ seven novels. I am no longer limited in how many body paragraphs I can logically use.

Formula for a Strong Argumentative Thesis

One thing I find that is helpful for students is having a clear template. While students rarely end up with a thesis that follows this exact wording, the following template creates a good starting point:

___________ is true because of ___________, ___________, and ___________.

Conversely, the formula for a thesis with only one point might follow this template:

___________________ is true because of _____________________.

Students usually end up using different terminology than simply “because,” but having a template is always helpful to get the creative juices flowing.

The Qualities of a Solid Thesis Statement

When composing a thesis, you must consider not only the format, but other qualities like length, position in the essay, and how strong the argument is.

Length: A thesis statement can be short or long, depending on how many points it mentions. Typically, however, it is only one concise sentence. It does contain at least two clauses, usually an independent clause (the opinion) and a dependent clause (the reasons). You probably should aim for a single sentence that is at least two lines, or about 30 to 40 words long.

Position: A thesis statement always belongs at the beginning of an essay. This is because it is a sentence that tells the reader what the writer is going to discuss. Teachers will have different preferences for the precise location of the thesis, but a good rule of thumb is in the introduction paragraph, within the last two or three sentences.

Strength: Finally, for a persuasive thesis to be strong, it needs to be arguable. This means that the statement is not obvious, and it is not something that everyone agrees is true.

Example of weak thesis:

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are easy to make because it just takes three ingredients.

Most people would agree that PB&J is one of the easiest sandwiches in the American lunch repertoire.

Example of a stronger thesis:

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are fun to eat because they always slide around.

This is more arguable because there are plenty of folks who might think a PB&J is messy or slimy rather than fun.

Composing a thesis statement does take a bit more thought than many other parts of an essay. However, because a thesis statement can contain an entire argument in just a few words, it is worth taking the extra time to compose this sentence. It can direct your research and your argument so that your essay is tight, focused, and makes readers think.

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Blog / How to Write a Thesis Statement for a Persuasive Essay

How to Write a Thesis Statement for a Persuasive Essay

September 12, 2023

A persuasive essay is a paper where the author tries to get the reader to agree with the author’s perspective. Some people may refer to persuasive essays as argumentative essays, as well. When you write a persuasive essay, you want to present information that should convince the reader that your opinion is correct. To do that, you can use three different tactics: logic, emotion, and credibility. They are often referred to as pathos (feeling), logos (logic), and ethos (credibility).

One of the most essential components of a persuasive essay is the persuasive essay thesis statement. That is because the thesis statement for a persuasive essay provides the reader with your position. Then, the body of your essay should support that position. Suppose there is anything in the body that does not support the position that you have taken on the issue. In that case, you either need to reconsider the position that you have taken or rework the paper.

What Are Logos?

Logos refers to using evidence and logic to persuade people that your position is correct. Because facts are provable, logic seems the easiest way to get people to agree with your perspective. Logical arguments are based on facts. So, using logic involves presenting facts to the audience and then using those facts to lead to a logical conclusion, which is your position on the issue. Using logic does not just mean presenting facts that support your position. It also means presenting facts that could detract from your position and explaining why they support your position.

What is Pathos?

Pathos refers to using emotion to persuade people to adopt your position. Powerful emotions are a very effective way to convince people that your argument is valid. In fact, an effective use of pathos can often persuade people to ignore weak logical arguments. Suppose they feel strongly enough about an issue, and you seem to present an answer or solution. In that case, they may adopt it without factual solid support.

What is Ethos?

Ethos refers to using ethics to persuade people. It can refer to appealing to someone’s own ethics and morality. However, in the context of a persuasive essay, ethos more often refers to using credible or respected sources to help reinforce your position. It is imperative to keep your audience in mind when you are using ethos. A reference that some people consider immensely incredible may be regarded as biased and uncredible by others. So, remember your audience.

What Are the Parts of a Persuasive Essay?

Like most other academic essays, your persuasive essay should begin with an introductory paragraph, contain body paragraphs, and end with a conclusion paragraph. Your thesis statement should be at the end of your preceding paragraph. Restating that thesis at the beginning of your concluding section would be best.

How Do You Write the Introductory Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay?

In your introduction, you want to introduce the topic. Then, you want to preview the arguments you will use to support your position. You want to conclude by writing your thesis statement. Your thesis statement is brief, usually one or two sentences. In a persuasive essay, it does more than just tell the reader your position on the issue. It tells the reader that they should adopt the same position.

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How Do You Write a Persuasive Essay Thesis?

The most important thing to keep in mind is that your thesis MUST take a position. In a persuasive essay, your goal is to get the reader to agree with your position. The reader cannot do that unless you have clearly stated that position.

Next, you want to tell the reader that they should adopt your opinion, take action, or otherwise do whatever it is that you are trying to persuade them to do. There are some words you can use to signal that type of action. They include:

• Are obligated to

You can also use more subtle language. Such as things like

• You would be more successful if you
• The secret is
• The world would be a better place if everyone

The type of language you choose depends on your audience and what you are trying to persuade them to do.

If you want to write a sophisticated, persuasive thesis statement, you can acknowledge the opposing position in your account. To do that, you can use hedging language in your statement. Hedging language refers to language demonstrating that you know an alternative position exists. Some words that signal a hedging phrase include

Using some combination of those words can help you establish a hedging statement that acknowledges the alternative position and then allows you to explain why your position is a better solution to the issue.

What Should I Avoid in a Thesis Statement for a Persuasive Essay?

Knowing what to avoid is almost as important as knowing what to include. You should avoid including a position you cannot support with objective evidence. A persuasive essay is not just an opinion essay. It is not a description of things that you like or dislike. Instead, it is a fact-based opinion essay. So, your persuasive thesis statement needs something you can support with objective facts.

Your persuasive essay thesis statement should not be vague. If you use hedging language, ensure it is in your contrasting introductory clause. You do not want to use hedging language in your thesis statement. You also do not want to appear wishy-washy. Make a concise and decisive statement.

Finally, you want to ensure your persuasive essay thesis is not a fact. Facts are facts. Even though we live in a society where some people are fact-averse, that does not change the nature of facts. So, facts are not a position you can take; they are just facts. Using a fact as your thesis statement misses the entire point of a persuasive essay.

While avoiding using facts as your thesis statement is an important point, it is one of the rules that you may break. Assume that the factual statement is one that is contested in public discourse. If there is substantial disinformation about a fact, then you could use that fact as your thesis and then use your essay to demonstrate why it is a fact. However, we would suggest avoiding that scenario unless you are specifically asked to deal with that topic. It makes for a more complex essay and reduces your ability to use pathos as a persuasive tool in your writing.

What is an Example of a Thesis Statement in a Persuasive Essay?

Here are some examples of a thesis statement for a persuasive essay:

While some people decry giving participation trophies, they are beneficial because they make activities fun, which encourages children to continue with the activity.

In areas with large populations of unwanted companion animals, spaying and neutering should be mandatory, with hefty fines for people who do not fix their pets.

While a college degree used to be a great way to secure your financial future, because of student debt, today’s lower-income students may be better served by attending a trade school.

High schools should include a life skills course, which includes basic information that adults need, such as how to do laundry, file taxes, and cook simple and nutritious meals.

Students should never miss class because of a dress code violation.

Parents should not be allowed to circumcise their infant males since foreskins are a normal part of the male human body.

There should be a category for criminal trials and sentencing between juveniles and adults for people aged 18 to 24 since it is scientifically proven that brains do not fully develop until age 25.

Before college, schools should not assign any homework. Children should be allowed recreational and family time after attending a full school day.

Corporations should not be treated as individuals with free speech rights.

States should not be allowed to pass laws that prohibit citizens from photographing or filming police officers while they are on duty.

The United States should offer a free college education to everyone who wants one because finances can be a barrier to college for many people in the lower and middle socioeconomic classes.

The design of American society is responsible for the rise of obesity rates in America.

While gun control may be a more effective solution, we cannot ignore that providing better access to mental health services could also reduce the number of school shootings.

How Do You Start a Thesis Statement for a Persuasive Speech?

While you can structure a speech the same way as an essay, you have more structural leeway in a speech. However, you still want to start your thesis statement similarly.

Get Help for Your Persuasive Essays

Need more help with writing a great persuasive essay? Check out our persuasive essay writing tools today!

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Thesis Statements

What this handout is about.

This handout describes what a thesis statement is, how thesis statements work in your writing, and how you can craft or refine one for your draft.

Introduction

Writing in college often takes the form of persuasion—convincing others that you have an interesting, logical point of view on the subject you are studying. Persuasion is a skill you practice regularly in your daily life. You persuade your roommate to clean up, your parents to let you borrow the car, your friend to vote for your favorite candidate or policy. In college, course assignments often ask you to make a persuasive case in writing. You are asked to convince your reader of your point of view. This form of persuasion, often called academic argument, follows a predictable pattern in writing. After a brief introduction of your topic, you state your point of view on the topic directly and often in one sentence. This sentence is the thesis statement, and it serves as a summary of the argument you’ll make in the rest of your paper.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement:

• tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion.
• is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper.
• directly answers the question asked of you. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. The subject, or topic, of an essay might be World War II or Moby Dick; a thesis must then offer a way to understand the war or the novel.
• makes a claim that others might dispute.
• is usually a single sentence near the beginning of your paper (most often, at the end of the first paragraph) that presents your argument to the reader. The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation.

If your assignment asks you to take a position or develop a claim about a subject, you may need to convey that position or claim in a thesis statement near the beginning of your draft. The assignment may not explicitly state that you need a thesis statement because your instructor may assume you will include one. When in doubt, ask your instructor if the assignment requires a thesis statement. When an assignment asks you to analyze, to interpret, to compare and contrast, to demonstrate cause and effect, or to take a stand on an issue, it is likely that you are being asked to develop a thesis and to support it persuasively. (Check out our handout on understanding assignments for more information.)

How do I create a thesis?

A thesis is the result of a lengthy thinking process. Formulating a thesis is not the first thing you do after reading an essay assignment. Before you develop an argument on any topic, you have to collect and organize evidence, look for possible relationships between known facts (such as surprising contrasts or similarities), and think about the significance of these relationships. Once you do this thinking, you will probably have a “working thesis” that presents a basic or main idea and an argument that you think you can support with evidence. Both the argument and your thesis are likely to need adjustment along the way.

Writers use all kinds of techniques to stimulate their thinking and to help them clarify relationships or comprehend the broader significance of a topic and arrive at a thesis statement. For more ideas on how to get started, see our handout on brainstorming .

How do I know if my thesis is strong?

If there’s time, run it by your instructor or make an appointment at the Writing Center to get some feedback. Even if you do not have time to get advice elsewhere, you can do some thesis evaluation of your own. When reviewing your first draft and its working thesis, ask yourself the following :

• Do I answer the question? Re-reading the question prompt after constructing a working thesis can help you fix an argument that misses the focus of the question. If the prompt isn’t phrased as a question, try to rephrase it. For example, “Discuss the effect of X on Y” can be rephrased as “What is the effect of X on Y?”
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? If your thesis simply states facts that no one would, or even could, disagree with, it’s possible that you are simply providing a summary, rather than making an argument.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? Thesis statements that are too vague often do not have a strong argument. If your thesis contains words like “good” or “successful,” see if you could be more specific: why is something “good”; what specifically makes something “successful”?
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? If a reader’s first response is likely to  be “So what?” then you need to clarify, to forge a relationship, or to connect to a larger issue.
• Does my essay support my thesis specifically and without wandering? If your thesis and the body of your essay do not seem to go together, one of them has to change. It’s okay to change your working thesis to reflect things you have figured out in the course of writing your paper. Remember, always reassess and revise your writing as necessary.
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? If a reader’s first response is “how?” or “why?” your thesis may be too open-ended and lack guidance for the reader. See what you can add to give the reader a better take on your position right from the beginning.

Suppose you are taking a course on contemporary communication, and the instructor hands out the following essay assignment: “Discuss the impact of social media on public awareness.” Looking back at your notes, you might start with this working thesis:

Social media impacts public awareness in both positive and negative ways.

You can use the questions above to help you revise this general statement into a stronger thesis.

• Do I answer the question? You can analyze this if you rephrase “discuss the impact” as “what is the impact?” This way, you can see that you’ve answered the question only very generally with the vague “positive and negative ways.”
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not likely. Only people who maintain that social media has a solely positive or solely negative impact could disagree.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? No. What are the positive effects? What are the negative effects?
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? No. Why are they positive? How are they positive? What are their causes? Why are they negative? How are they negative? What are their causes?
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? No. Why should anyone care about the positive and/or negative impact of social media?

After thinking about your answers to these questions, you decide to focus on the one impact you feel strongly about and have strong evidence for:

Because not every voice on social media is reliable, people have become much more critical consumers of information, and thus, more informed voters.

This version is a much stronger thesis! It answers the question, takes a specific position that others can challenge, and it gives a sense of why it matters.

Let’s try another. Suppose your literature professor hands out the following assignment in a class on the American novel: Write an analysis of some aspect of Mark Twain’s novel Huckleberry Finn. “This will be easy,” you think. “I loved Huckleberry Finn!” You grab a pad of paper and write:

Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn is a great American novel.

You begin to analyze your thesis:

• Do I answer the question? No. The prompt asks you to analyze some aspect of the novel. Your working thesis is a statement of general appreciation for the entire novel.

Think about aspects of the novel that are important to its structure or meaning—for example, the role of storytelling, the contrasting scenes between the shore and the river, or the relationships between adults and children. Now you write:

In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore.

• Do I answer the question? Yes!
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not really. This contrast is well-known and accepted.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? It’s getting there–you have highlighted an important aspect of the novel for investigation. However, it’s still not clear what your analysis will reveal.
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? Not yet. Compare scenes from the book and see what you discover. Free write, make lists, jot down Huck’s actions and reactions and anything else that seems interesting.
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? What’s the point of this contrast? What does it signify?”

After examining the evidence and considering your own insights, you write:

Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain’s Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American democratic ideals, one must leave “civilized” society and go back to nature.

This final thesis statement presents an interpretation of a literary work based on an analysis of its content. Of course, for the essay itself to be successful, you must now present evidence from the novel that will convince the reader of your interpretation.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Anson, Chris M., and Robert A. Schwegler. 2010. The Longman Handbook for Writers and Readers , 6th ed. New York: Longman.

Lunsford, Andrea A. 2015. The St. Martin’s Handbook , 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s.

Ramage, John D., John C. Bean, and June Johnson. 2018. The Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing , 8th ed. New York: Pearson.

Ruszkiewicz, John J., Christy Friend, Daniel Seward, and Maxine Hairston. 2010. The Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers , 9th ed. Boston: Pearson Education.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement: 4 Steps + Examples

What’s Covered:

What is the purpose of a thesis statement, writing a good thesis statement: 4 steps, common pitfalls to avoid, where to get your essay edited for free.

When you set out to write an essay, there has to be some kind of point to it, right? Otherwise, your essay would just be a big jumble of word salad that makes absolutely no sense. An essay needs a central point that ties into everything else. That main point is called a thesis statement, and it’s the core of any essay or research paper.

You may hear about Master degree candidates writing a thesis, and that is an entire paper–not to be confused with the thesis statement, which is typically one sentence that contains your paper’s focus. 

Read on to learn more about thesis statements and how to write them. We’ve also included some solid examples for you to reference.

Typically the last sentence of your introductory paragraph, the thesis statement serves as the roadmap for your essay. When your reader gets to the thesis statement, they should have a clear outline of your main point, as well as the information you’ll be presenting in order to either prove or support your point. 

The thesis statement should not be confused for a topic sentence , which is the first sentence of every paragraph in your essay. If you need help writing topic sentences, numerous resources are available. Topic sentences should go along with your thesis statement, though.

Since the thesis statement is the most important sentence of your entire essay or paper, it’s imperative that you get this part right. Otherwise, your paper will not have a good flow and will seem disjointed. That’s why it’s vital not to rush through developing one. It’s a methodical process with steps that you need to follow in order to create the best thesis statement possible.

Step 1: Decide what kind of paper you’re writing

When you’re assigned an essay, there are several different types you may get. Argumentative essays are designed to get the reader to agree with you on a topic. Informative or expository essays present information to the reader. Analytical essays offer up a point and then expand on it by analyzing relevant information. Thesis statements can look and sound different based on the type of paper you’re writing. For example:

• Argumentative: The United States needs a viable third political party to decrease bipartisanship, increase options, and help reduce corruption in government.
• Informative: The Libertarian party has thrown off elections before by gaining enough support in states to get on the ballot and by taking away crucial votes from candidates.
• Analytical: An analysis of past presidential elections shows that while third party votes may have been the minority, they did affect the outcome of the elections in 2020, 2016, and beyond.

Step 2: Figure out what point you want to make

Once you know what type of paper you’re writing, you then need to figure out the point you want to make with your thesis statement, and subsequently, your paper. In other words, you need to decide to answer a question about something, such as:

• What impact did reality TV have on American society?
• How has the musical Hamilton affected perception of American history?
• Why do I want to major in [chosen major here]?

If you have an argumentative essay, then you will be writing about an opinion. To make it easier, you may want to choose an opinion that you feel passionate about so that you’re writing about something that interests you. For example, if you have an interest in preserving the environment, you may want to choose a topic that relates to that. 

If you’re writing your college essay and they ask why you want to attend that school, you may want to have a main point and back it up with information, something along the lines of:

“Attending Harvard University would benefit me both academically and professionally, as it would give me a strong knowledge base upon which to build my career, develop my network, and hopefully give me an advantage in my chosen field.”

Step 3: Determine what information you’ll use to back up your point

Once you have the point you want to make, you need to figure out how you plan to back it up throughout the rest of your essay. Without this information, it will be hard to either prove or argue the main point of your thesis statement. If you decide to write about the Hamilton example, you may decide to address any falsehoods that the writer put into the musical, such as:

“The musical Hamilton, while accurate in many ways, leaves out key parts of American history, presents a nationalist view of founding fathers, and downplays the racism of the times.”

Once you’ve written your initial working thesis statement, you’ll then need to get information to back that up. For example, the musical completely leaves out Benjamin Franklin, portrays the founding fathers in a nationalist way that is too complimentary, and shows Hamilton as a staunch abolitionist despite the fact that his family likely did own slaves. 

Step 4: Revise and refine your thesis statement before you start writing

Read through your thesis statement several times before you begin to compose your full essay. You need to make sure the statement is ironclad, since it is the foundation of the entire paper. Edit it or have a peer review it for you to make sure everything makes sense and that you feel like you can truly write a paper on the topic. Once you’ve done that, you can then begin writing your paper.

When writing a thesis statement, there are some common pitfalls you should avoid so that your paper can be as solid as possible. Make sure you always edit the thesis statement before you do anything else. You also want to ensure that the thesis statement is clear and concise. Don’t make your reader hunt for your point. Finally, put your thesis statement at the end of the first paragraph and have your introduction flow toward that statement. Your reader will expect to find your statement in its traditional spot.

If you’re having trouble getting started, or need some guidance on your essay, there are tools available that can help you. CollegeVine offers a free peer essay review tool where one of your peers can read through your essay and provide you with valuable feedback. Getting essay feedback from a peer can help you wow your instructor or college admissions officer with an impactful essay that effectively illustrates your point.

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Jun 19, 2023

Thesis Statement Essay Examples: Master the Art of Persuasion with Strong Statements

Unlock persuasive writing by mastering strong thesis statements. Explore impactful examples that will empower your skills, captivate your audience, and enhance your essays. Step into the realm of influential writing today.

One of the most important aspects of producing great research papers or argumentative essays is knowing what constitutes a solid thesis statement. The thesis statement should be a claim that you intend to defend throughout the paper. You probably have a weak thesis statement if you're having trouble understanding your paper or its topic. If you'd like some extra help, you can try out our AI Thesis Statement Generation features - but it's always good to have a proper understanding of the process before using any AI tools to assist you with the process!

Let's take a step back and figure out what goes into a good thesis statement and what you should keep in mind when you craft your own.

What makes a Good Thesis Statement

A thesis statement often serves as the opening sentence of your essay. Ideally placed within the first few paragraphs, it acts as a bridge to the body of your essay, outlining your argument and paving the way for the evidential support that will follow.

Assert Your Position: The thesis statement is not a space for general assertions or facts. It should clearly specify your position on the subject, leaving room for debate. Rather than stating, "Puppies are cute and everybody knows it," a more persuasive and debatable statement might read, "A puppy's cuteness is attributed to its floppy ears, tiny body, and lively nature." This allows room for a counterargument, igniting a meaningful discussion.

Clarity: Your thesis should be concise and easily understandable, letting readers grasp your point of view with minimal effort. The language and topic should be chosen with consideration of your audience and the essay's objective.

Specificity: Your thesis should indicate the content of your essay or research paper. For instance, instead of a broad statement like "This paper discusses how technology influences relationships," a more precise thesis might be, "This research paper investigates how technology impacts interpersonal connections, the frequency of direct contact, and the average number of significant relationships among individuals aged 18 to 60."

Interest for readers: Your thesis should resonate with your audience, ensuring they care enough about the topic to continue reading.

Positioning: Your thesis should express your viewpoint, leaving room for counterarguments. Rather than stating "most traffic accidents involve drivers under 20," a more pointed thesis might be, "Given that the majority of traffic accidents involve drivers aged 16 to 19, the minimum driving age should be increased to 21."

Outlining: Your thesis should act as a guide for your essay, informing the reader about the topic and its significance. As your essay evolves, you might find that your thesis needs to be revised to accurately reflect the content.

Responding to a Prompt: Your thesis should directly answer the prompt or question your essay is responding to, making the central argument of your research clear.

Tips for Writing a Strong Thesis Statement:

Brainstorm: Start with a broad range of topics that pique your interest and will likely engage your audience. Collaborating with others, such as classmates or teachers, can help generate a diverse array of ideas.

Narrow your Focus: Your writing should aim to prove a specific point about your chosen topic. Your thesis should reflect this precision.

Understand the Task: Consider the essay format, objective, and target audience before crafting your thesis. Different types of essays serve different purposes, and this should be evident in your thesis.

Conduct Research: Use credible, up-to-date sources for your research. Academic databases are usually a reliable starting point.

Support Your Claim: Each claim in your thesis should be backed up by relevant evidence from your research.

Align Your Argument: Writers often draft the body of the essay before finalizing the thesis. Ensure that your thesis accurately reflects the evidence you present. If you find evidence that contradicts your thesis, consider incorporating that into your revisions.

How to Write a Good Thesis Statement

When asked to write a thesis statement, many students struggle for a long time since they are unsure of what should be included. A well-planned essay structure can be the key to a swift completion of that academic paper. So, with the help of our admission essay writing service, let's dissect the fundamentals of crafting a thesis statement.

Brainstorm ideas: Having a wide variety of potential writing themes is usually a good thing. This way, you can zero in on a topic that not only piques your curiosity but also holds the attention of your target audience. Working with others, such as classmates or teachers, can help you come up with a wealth of interesting concepts from which to choose a theme.

Narrow and focus: We must stress that generic details have no place in a professionally written piece. Writing is meant to prove a specific point on a topic. The thesis should accurately represent this.

Understand the essay format, goal, and target audience: Usually, they are assigned by the professor, but if you have some choice in the matter, you should know that they will have a significant impact on your thesis. A persuasive essay is written to persuade the reader to change their mind about a contentious issue. The purpose of a descriptive essay is to explain to the reader. Include at least one of these in your argument.

Conduct research: You need to perform some serious research using up-to-date, credible resources. Use academic databases as your primary source of information wherever possible.

Support your answer with reasoning: Pick out supporting details that speak to your argument. Make sure that you back up every claim you make with a relevant example in your research paper.

Check how it aligns: The majority of the time, writers will compose the essay's body paragraphs before they formulate the paper's thesis. It's not uncommon for writers to begin with one topic in mind and end up with another. As a result, double-check your essay to make sure the thesis stands up to the evidence you've presented. If you find proof refuting your main point, you should incorporate that into your revisions.

How many types of thesis statements are there?

So, now that you know the basics of developing a thesis statement, keep in mind that different authors will use different approaches. To provide a clearer illustration, we developed some sample thesis statements. The most common varieties of thesis statements are as follows:

Argumentative Thesis Statement

A good thesis statement sample for an argumentative paper will take a stand on the topic. Its purpose is to introduce the reader to your argument and set the stage for the rest of the essay. An argumentative thesis must present a proposition that can be debated by intelligent individuals.

Example: Since junk food is detrimental to health, the government should regulate the availability of soft drinks at fast food restaurants.

Analytical Thesis Statement

Looking beyond the obvious is essential for a solid example of an analytical essay. When formulating your analytical thesis statement, keep the following in mind. What is being asserted, what evidence supports it, and what does that imply? To what extent does this matter, and why?

Example: The world's continuous racism problem has repercussions in many areas of society and the economy. Prejudice based on a person's race or ethnicity is a major contributor to this problem.

Expository Thesis Statement

The purpose of an expository essay is to inform the reader about a topic by providing them with background information and supporting evidence. When writing an expository essay, your thesis statement should give a preview of the information the reader may expect to find in the body paragraphs.

Example: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) raises the risk for cardiovascular problems like stroke and high heart rate.

Compare and Contrast Thesis Statement

Comparison and contrast essays can take many different forms. Some tasks need you to look for major differences or parallels. However, in some cases, you must focus on both.

Example: Despite their apparent incompatibility, authoritarian and permissive parenting styles have one thing in common: they both encourage children to accept responsibility for their actions.

Cause and Effect Thesis Statement

Essays that focus on the causes and consequences of an event or situation are known as "cause and effect" essays. A cause-and-effect thesis statement requires that you explain why something happened.

Example: The insufficiency of social support services is a major contributor to the rise in homelessness, among other factors.

3 Thesis Statement Examples

Here are three examples of persuasive thesis statements to enhance your understanding of impactful writing. These instances illustrate how to craft strong and compelling thesis statements that anchor persuasive essays. Studying these examples will offer valuable insights into the strategies used by proficient writers to engage their readers and effectively present their arguments.

The Importance of Physical Activity for Mental Health

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining good mental health, as it helps to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase overall well-being. (Thesis Statement)

Explanation of Thesis Statement:

“The essay explains that regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining good mental health. The statement presents three reasons why physical activity is important for mental health: reducing stress, improving mood, and increasing overall well-being. The essay then goes on to explain each of these reasons in detail, supporting the thesis with evidence from scientific studies. The thesis statement summarizes the central argument of the essay, which is that physical activity is a powerful tool for promoting mental health and well-being”

Physical activity has long been associated with physical health benefits, such as reducing the risk of chronic diseases and improving cardiovascular function. However, many people are not aware of the important role that physical activity plays in maintaining good mental health. Regular physical activity is essential for mental health, as it helps to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase overall well-being.

One of the primary benefits of physical activity for mental health is its ability to reduce stress. When we engage in physical activity, our bodies release endorphins, which are hormones that help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Additionally, physical activity can provide a sense of accomplishment and help to boost self-esteem, which can also help to reduce stress levels.

In addition to reducing stress, physical activity has been shown to improve mood. Studies have found that regular exercise can help to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and can even be as effective as medication in some cases. Exercise has also been shown to improve cognitive function and increase energy levels, which can help to improve mood and overall well-being.

Finally, physical activity is important for overall well-being. When we engage in regular exercise, we are more likely to maintain a healthy weight, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve physical health. Additionally, physical activity can help to improve sleep quality, which is essential for good mental health. By improving physical health and well-being, physical activity can also have a positive impact on mental health.

In conclusion, regular physical activity is essential for maintaining good mental health. By reducing stress, improving mood, and increasing overall well-being, physical activity can help to improve mental health and prevent the development of mental health conditions. Therefore, individuals need to engage in regular physical activity as part of their overall mental health and wellness plan.

The Benefits of Traveling Abroad

Traveling abroad offers numerous benefits, including cultural immersion, personal growth, and new experiences. (Thesis Statement)

“This essay explains the many advantages of traveling abroad, highlighting how it allows individuals to immerse themselves in different cultures, gain new experiences, and develop valuable skills. The thesis statement asserts that traveling abroad is a valuable opportunity for personal growth and enrichment”.

Traveling abroad is an exciting and enriching experience that provides individuals with a unique opportunity to explore new cultures, gain new perspectives, and develop valuable skills. While it can be challenging to step out of one's comfort zone and navigate unfamiliar environments, the benefits of traveling abroad are well worth the effort.

One of the most significant benefits of traveling abroad is cultural immersion. By immersing oneself in a different culture, individuals can gain a deeper appreciation for diversity and broaden their perspectives. Exposure to different ways of life can also challenge one's assumptions and encourage personal growth. By experiencing different cultures firsthand, individuals can develop a more nuanced understanding of the world and become more tolerant and accepting of others.

In addition to cultural immersion, traveling abroad offers the chance to have new experiences. From trying new foods to exploring unfamiliar landscapes, traveling abroad can provide a sense of adventure and excitement. It can also be an opportunity to learn new skills, such as a foreign language or cultural customs. For example, taking a cooking class in Thailand or attending a tango lesson in Argentina can provide a unique and unforgettable experience that enriches one's life in ways that can't be replicated at home.

Furthermore, traveling abroad can have a positive impact on one's personal growth. It can help individuals become more independent, confident, and resilient as they navigate new environments and overcome challenges. Additionally, traveling abroad can provide opportunities for reflection and self-discovery, leading to a better understanding of one's values and goals. For example, traveling alone to a foreign country can be an empowering and transformative experience that allows individuals to push their limits and discover their strengths.

While traveling abroad can be daunting, it is important to remember that the benefits far outweigh the challenges. By stepping out of one's comfort zone and exploring new horizons, individuals can gain a richer, more fulfilling perspective on life. The memories, experiences, and skills gained from traveling abroad can last a lifetime and provide valuable insights and personal growth opportunities that are not available in one's home country.

In conclusion, traveling abroad offers numerous benefits, including cultural immersion, new experiences, and personal growth. By exploring new cultures and pushing one's limits, individuals can gain a deeper appreciation for diversity, develop new skills, and become more independent and confident. While it can be challenging, traveling abroad is a transformative and enriching experience that can provide a lifetime of memories and personal growth opportunities.

The Importance of Effective Communication in the Workplace

Effective communication is critical for success in the workplace, as it promotes collaboration, builds trust, and improves productivity. (Thesis Statement)

“This essay emphasizes the importance of effective communication in the workplace, highlighting how it enables teams to work together towards common goals, fosters collaboration and trust and improves productivity. The thesis statement asserts that effective communication is crucial for success in the workplace, and that clear and concise communication leads to better problem-solving and decision-making.”

Effective communication is essential for success in the workplace, as it enables individuals and teams to work together to achieve common goals. When communication is clear and concise, it promotes collaboration and encourages the sharing of ideas and feedback. This leads to improved problem-solving and decision-making, as well as increased efficiency and productivity.

One of the most significant benefits of effective communication is collaboration. When individuals communicate openly and honestly, it fosters a culture of transparency and accountability. This, in turn, helps to build trust and strengthen relationships between colleagues, which is essential for a healthy and productive work environment. By collaborating effectively, teams can achieve their goals more efficiently and effectively, while also fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.

In addition to promoting collaboration, effective communication builds trust in the workplace. When individuals communicate openly and honestly, it fosters a culture of transparency and accountability. This, in turn, helps to build trust and strengthen relationships between colleagues, which is essential for a healthy and productive work environment. Trust is a critical component of effective teamwork and is necessary for individuals to feel comfortable sharing ideas, giving and receiving feedback, and collaborating on projects. When trust is established, individuals are more likely to be open to new ideas and approaches, and they are more likely to take calculated risks, leading to greater innovation and creativity.

Effective communication also helps to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts, as everyone is on the same page and has a clear understanding of expectations and goals. This is particularly important in today's global and diverse workplace, where communication breakdowns can occur due to differences in culture, language, or other factors. By communicating clearly and respectfully, individuals can bridge these gaps and build strong relationships with colleagues from different backgrounds.

Finally, effective communication plays a critical role in improving productivity. When individuals are clear about their roles and responsibilities and have access to the information and resources they need, they are better equipped to perform their jobs efficiently and effectively. This can lead to greater job satisfaction, higher morale, and ultimately, improved business outcomes.

In conclusion, effective communication is critical for success in the workplace, as it promotes collaboration, builds trust, and improves productivity. By prioritizing clear and respectful communication, individuals and teams can work together to achieve their goals and create a positive and productive work environment.

Final Thoughts

A strong thesis statement sets the tone for your entire essay, and having the flexibility to adjust it can save you time and effort. Even with a solid understanding of thesis statements, crafting an impactful one can still be challenging. 

But don't worry, Jenni.ai is here to assist. This AI-powered tool enables you to create engaging and effective thesis statements that feel authentically human-written. If you're seeking a standout thesis statement, give Jenni.ai a try and see the difference for yourself.

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15 Thesis Statement Examples to Inspire Your Next Argumentative Essay

Have you ever watched a great film trailer and thought, “I have to see that movie!”? A good trailer gives you the basic premise of the movie , shows you the highlights, and encourages you to want to see more.

A good thesis statement will accomplish the same thing. It gives readers an idea of the most important points of an essay, shows the highlights, and makes them want to read more.

It will also help keep you, the writer, from getting lost in a convoluted and directionless argument.

Most importantly, a good thesis statement makes a statement. After all, it’s called a thesis statement for a reason!

“This is an interesting statement!” you want your reader to think. “Let’s see if this author can convince me.”

This blog post will dissect the components of a good thesis statement and give you 15 thesis statement examples that you can use to inspire your next argumentative essay .

The Thesis Statement Dissected

Before I give you a blanket list of thesis statement examples, let’s run through what makes for a good thesis statement. I’ve distilled it down to four main components.

1. A good argumentative thesis is focused and not too broad.

It’s important to stay focused! Don’t try to argue an overly broad topic in your essay, or you’re going to feel confused and unsure about your direction and purpose.

Don’t write: “Eating fast food is bad and should be avoided.”

This statement is too general and would be nearly impossible for you to defend. It leaves a lot of big questions to answer. Is all fast food bad? Why is it bad? Who should avoid it? Why should anyone care?

Do write: “Americans should eliminate the regular consumption of fast food because a fast food diet leads to preventable and expensive health issues, such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.”

In this example, I’ve narrowed my argument to the health consequences related to a diet of fast food . I’ve also chosen to focus on Americans rather than everyone in the universe.

2. A good argumentative thesis is centered on a debatable topic.

Back in the ‘80s, teens loved to say “ that’s debatable ” about claims they didn’t agree with (such as “ you should clean your room” and “ you shouldn’t go to that movie” ).

Don’t write: “There are high numbers of homeless people living in Berkeley, California.”

No one can argue for or against this statement. It’s not debatable. It’s just a fact.

An argument over this non-debatable statement would go something like this:

“There are lots of homeless people in Berkeley.” “Yes, there sure are a bunch of them out there.” “Yup.”

As you can see, that’s not much of an argument.

Do write: “Homeless people in Berkeley should be given access to services—such as regular food donations, public restrooms, and camping facilities—because it would improve life for all inhabitants of the city.”

Now that’s debatable .

Opponents could also easily argue that homeless people in Berkeley already receive adequate services ( “just look at all those luxurious sidewalks!” ) or perhaps that they shouldn’t be entitled to services at all ( “get a job, ya lazy loafers!” ).

Interested in picking up a few more tips about debating issues and perfecting the art of persuasion? Read How to Write a Persuasive Essay That’s Convincing .

3. A good argumentative thesis picks a side.

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Picking a side is pretty much the whole entire point of an argumentative essay. Just as you can’t root for both the Yankees and the Mets, you can’t argue both sides of a topic in your thesis statement.

Learn more about the importance of picking sides by reading the post  The Secrets of a Strong Argumentative Essay .

Don’t write: “Secondhand smoke is bad and can cause heart disease and cancer; therefore, smoking should be outlawed in public places, but outlawing smoking is unfair to smokers so maybe non-smokers can just hold their breath or wear masks around smokers instead.”

A wishy-washy statement like this will make your reader scratch his head in puzzlement. Are you for smoking laws or against them? Yankees or Mets? Mets or Yankees?

Pick a side , and stick with it!

Then stick up for it.

Do write: “Secondhand smoke is just as harmful as smoking and leads to a higher prevalence of cancer and heart disease; therefore, smoking in any public place should be banned.”

4. A good thesis makes claims that will be supported later in the paper.

As I explained in the post  How to Create a Powerful Argumentative Essay Outline , your claims make up a critical part of building the roadmap to your argument.

It’s important to first include a summary of your claims in your thesis statement. During the course of your essay, you will back each of your claims with well-researched evidence .

Don’t write: “Humans should relocate to Mars.”

This statement doesn’t include any supporting claims. Why should humans move to Mars? What are the benefits of moving to a planet without oxygen or trees?

Do write: “It is too late to save earth; therefore, humans should immediately set a date for their relocation to Mars, where they can, with proper planning, avoid issues of famine, war, and global warming.”

This statement includes some thought-provoking claims. The reader will wonder how the author plans to defend them. (“ Famine, war, and global warming can be easily avoided on Mars? Go on…”)

Looking for even more help understanding the key components of a strong thesis statement? Check out these posts:

• How to Write a Thesis Statement in 5 Simple Steps
• How to Turn a Good Thesis Statement Into a Great One
• How to Make a Thesis Statement the Easy Way (Infographic)
• How to Write a Compare and Contrast Thesis Statement

Now that you have a better understanding of the all things thesis statement, here are 15 more thesis statement examples to inspire your next argumentative essay.

15 Thesis Statement Examples

Below are 15 debatable, supportable, and focused thesis statements for you to learn from. Feel free to customize them for use in your own argumentative essay.

As you read the following examples, be careful not to use these thesis statements word-for-word. I wouldn’t want you to get in trouble if your teacher did a copy/find Google maneuver on you!

#1. Vaccinations should be mandatory

Inspired by this sample essay on vaccinations .

Vaccinations against diseases such as polio, rubella, and mumps should be mandatory for all U.S. children who wish to attend school as these vaccinations are critical to the control and eradication of deadly infectious diseases.

#2. Government surveillance is harmful

Inspired by this sample essay on government surveillance .

Government surveillance programs, such as PRISM, should be banned because they invade civil liberties, lead innocent people to suffer unfair punishments, and ultimately fail to protect the citizens that they are designed to safeguard.

#3. Organ donors should be financially compensated

Inspired by this sample essay on organ donation .

Organ donors should be financially compensated to increase the supply of available organs and, at the same time, to decrease profitable, illegal organ-harvesting activities in the black market.

#4. Schools are too dependent on technology

Inspired by this sample essay on technology dependence .

Schools’ dependence on technology has caused students to lose the ability to think independently, leading to a greater prevalence of mood disorders, memory loss, and loneliness.

#5. School officials should fight cyberbullying

Inspired by this sample essay on cyberbullying .

In order to improve the online behavior of students and decrease cyberbullying-related suicide attempts, school officials should have the authority to discipline students who engage in cyberbullying .

#6. The U.S. media should update the depiction of traditional families

Inspired by this sample essay on families .

The U.S. media depicts the traditional family as comprising a mother, father, and children; however, this notion of the traditional family is outdated and can be harmful to children who look to this as the gold standard.

#7. Student loans should be forgiven

Inspired by this sample essay on student loans .

Crippling student debt is stifling the growth of the U.S. economy because it inhibits graduates from being able to spend money on consumer goods and home purchases.

#8. Marijuana should be legalized

Inspired by this sample essay on legalizing marijuana .

Marijuana has numerous medical applications, such as treating symptoms of epilepsy, cancer, and glaucoma. Legalizing the use of marijuana in the United States will greatly benefit the medical sector by giving physicians the ability to prescribe this life-saving drug.

#9. Foreign aid to Africa does not work

Inspired by this sample essay on foreign aid to Africa .

Sending foreign aid to African countries is doing more harm than good because the practice has caused African countries to become vulnerable to inflation, currency fluctuations, corruption, and civil unrest.

#10. China’s one-child policy led to unintended and negative consequences

Inspired by this sample essay on advertising to children .

Though some argue that advertising to children is harmful, it is actually a positive marketing technique that spurs economic growth.

#12. Most teen celebrities should not be role models for children

Inspired by this sample essay on teen celebrities as role models .

Teen celebrities often engage in inappropriate and sometimes illegal activities and thus should not be considered role models for children.

#13. The current welfare system promotes dependency

Inspired by this sample essay about the abuse of welfare .

The welfare system was designed to assist those in need; however, the current system does more harm than good by promoting government dependency.

#14. Schools should start at a later time of day

Inspired by this sample essay about school start times .

Beginning the school day at a later time would stabilize students’ sleep patterns, improve students’ moods, and increase students’ academic success.

#15. Schools should distribute birth control to teens

Inspired by this sample essay about birth control distribution in schools .

Though some argue that distributing condoms to teens means that schools are encouraging sexual behavior, schools should distribute birth control to reduce teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.

Now…Turn Your Thesis Statement Into an Essay

Any one of these thesis statement examples will get you started on the road to writing an awesome argumentative essay, but if none of these thesis statements or topics are working for you, try one of these:

• 70 Argumentative Essay Topics That Will Put Up a Good Fight
• 30 Argumentative Essay Ideas That Will Pick a Good Fight

Have a topic and thesis but need to put all of your ideas into essay format ? Try prewriting ,  outlining , or using a graphic organizer to help organize information.

Once your essay is finished, feel free to send it to a  Kibin editor , who can check for grammar errors, sentence structure issues, and of course, the strength of your thesis.

Good luck with your essay!

Psst... 98% of Kibin users report better grades! Get inspiration from over 500,000 example essays .

About the Author

Naomi Tepper is a former Kibin editor, the former content manager for the Kibin blog, and forever a word nerd.

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How to Create a Thesis Statement for a Persuasive Essay

A strong thesis statement is key to writing a persuasive essay. The thesis statement presents your topic to the reader, provides your opinion on that topic and summarizes the argument you’ll make in the paper by offering evidence for your opinion. A good thesis statement should capture all of these essential details in just one or two sentences. The thesis statement generally appears after a brief introduction of your topic, often as the last sentence of your first paragraph. The following information will help you write a thesis statement for a persuasive essay.

Express an Opinion

When you sit down to write a thesis statement, make sure that you have a clear opinion about your topic. That’s because a thesis statement must include a claim that others might dispute. Your thesis summarizes the argument you’ll be making in your paper, so you want to make sure that your point of view is clear and debatable. An easy way to test your thesis is to ask yourself whether your reader could challenge or oppose your thesis statement. If your thesis simply states facts that someone couldn’t disagree with, you may simply be summarizing an issue rather than presenting a clear point of view.

Be Specific

A strong thesis statement is focused and specific. The reader should know exactly what you’re going to argue and why. “Online education is a great choice for students” is a weak thesis because it’s not specific or focused enough. A stronger thesis would be, “Online classes are a better choice than traditional classroom learning because they’re more flexible for students and teachers, they're less expensive and they let students works at their own pace.”

Include Evidence

It’s important to include evidence in your thesis statement to help support your opinion. Doing so tells readers that you understand the topic and have performed some research, which gives you more credibility as a persuasive writer. It also creates a road map for readers, so they know what evidence you’ll discuss with more detail in the paper. For example, if your thesis is, “Companies should not test their products on animals because it’s inhumane and unethical, and it doesn’t always lead to accurate results,” the reader knows right away what your opinion is and what evidence you'll provide to support that opinion in your paper.

Pass the "How and Why" Test

Your thesis statement should answer one or both of two key questions: “how” and “why.” For example, if you think that online learning is more effective for students than traditional instruction, then your thesis should tell readers how or why it’s more effective. If a reader can't determine the "how" or "why" from your thesis statement, your thesis might be too open-ended, and you may need to revise it to be more specific or to clarify your point of view.

• The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Thesis Statements
• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements
• Odyssey: From Paragraph to Essay; William J. Kelly and Deborah L. Lawton.

Amy Mahoney has been a writer for more than 15 years. Her articles have appeared in newspapers and magazines including “The Boston Globe,” “Reader’s Digest” and the “Miami Herald.” She holds a Master of Fine Arts in fiction.

Persuasive Thesis Statement Examples

Clio has taught education courses at the college level and has a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction.

Table of Contents

The importance of a thesis.

So, you are hoping to write a persuasive essay, one that attempts to convince your audience that they should agree with you on a particular topic or theme. One of the things that is going to make or break your essay is the thesis statement. Essentially, a thesis statement summarizes the primary argument of your essay and foreshadows the major points you are going to make. It also grabs your readers' attention and provides them with built-in motivation to continue reading your work. Usually, thesis statements are placed near the beginning of a work, often at the end of an introductory paragraph or lead-in of some sort. Toward the end of the essay, you may choose to rephrase your thesis as a way of leaving your readers with something to think about as they move away from your essay.

In persuasive writing, the thesis statement is particularly important because it encapsulates precisely what you are hoping to persuade your readers of. A reader should be able to move away from the thesis statement with a clear understanding of your major argument. This lesson provides you with some examples of what a persuasive thesis might look like. Obviously, your statement will reflect your particular style as well as the nature of the topic you are writing about, but these examples can function as templates for persuasive thesis statements.

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Baseball is the most exciting, invigorating, and captivating sport.

A thesis statement like this one is particularly good for an essay in which you are trying to persuade your readers of the merits of one thing, whether it is a sport, a food, a movie, an animal, or something else entirely. You are not arguing against an opposition, simply for what you believe in. This thesis statement also sets the stage for an organizational structure oriented around the three major adjectives in the thesis.

Because of the needs of adolescents and their families, the high school start time in our community should be pushed back by one hour.

This kind of thesis statement is obviously oriented toward persuading readers of a specific viewpoint in relation to an issue with which they are at least somewhat familiar. The thesis statement articulates a generalized version of the main reasoning behind the argument, establishing an expectation that this thinking will be delineated in the essay. The thesis statement is clear and specific without getting into unnecessary detail.

If you are looking for a charity to donate to, look no further than Save the Trees!

This sort of thesis statement may sound less scholarly and more like an advertisement. It is oriented toward convincing readers to take specific and immediate action on a particular topic. The rest of the essay following a thesis statement like this one would offer three to five reasons why this particular charity is great. This sort of thesis statement is perfect for writing that hopes to achieve a specific, immediate, and measurable goal.

Children should exercise because it is good for their physical well-being, boosts their energy level, and promotes a positive relationship to their bodies.

This thesis statement demonstrates the importance of a positive framework to begin a piece of writing. The same argument could be made in reverse: Children who do not exercise are unhealthy, for example, or children should not sit around all the time. However, orienting persuasive writing toward what should happen or what readers should encourage or do makes a more compelling and appealing argument, as well as one less likely to alienate readers.

In this essay, I will argue that all teenagers should read J.D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye.

Sometimes, it is helpful to state outright what your essay will be about. Choosing to write your thesis statement this way can be helpful for improving the clarity of the argument. No one will have any cause to doubt what you are writing about, and all readers will be able to pinpoint your direction and purpose. Further, stating your goal outright can be a nice way to achieve an organization in which you do not deviate from working toward your overall purpose. All subsequent writing will point back to the thesis and what it promises to do.

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8.7: Tips for Writing Academic Persuasive Essays

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The previous chapters in this section offer an overview of what it means to formulate an argument in an academic situation. The purpose of this chapter is to offer more concrete, actionable tips for drafting an academic persuasive essay. Keep in mind that preparing to draft a persuasive essay relies on the strategies for any other thesis-driven essay, covered by the section in this textbook, The Writing Process. The following chapters can be read in concert with this one:

• Critical Reading and other research strategies helps writers identify the exigence (issue) that demands a response, as well as what kinds of research to use.
• Generate Ideas covers prewriting models (such as brainstorming techniques) that allow students to make interesting connections and develop comprehensive thesis statements. These connections and main points will allow a writer to outline their core argument.
• Organizing is important for understanding why an argument essay needs a detailed plan, before the drafting stage. For an argument essay, start with a basic outline that identifies the claim, reasoning, and evidence, but be prepared to develop more detailed outlines that include counterarguments and rebuttals, warrants, additional backing, etc., as needed.
• Drafting introduces students to basic compositional strategies that they must be familiar with before beginning an argument essay. This current chapter offers more details about what kinds of paragraphs to practice in an argument essay, but it assumes the writer is familiar with basic strategies such as coherence and cohesion.

Classical structure of an argument essay

Academic persuasive essays tend to follow what’s known as the “classical” structure, based on techniques that derive from ancient Roman and Medieval rhetoricians. John D. Ramage, et. al outline this structure in Writing Arguments :

This very detailed table can be simplified. Most academic persuasive essays include the following basic elements:

• Introduction that explains why the situation is important and presents your argument (aka the claim or thesis).
• Reasons the thesis is correct or at least reasonable.
• Evidence that supports each reason, often occurring right after the reason the evidence supports.
• Acknowledgement of objections.
• Response to objections.

Keep in mind that the structure above is just a conventional starting point. The previous chapters of this section suggest how different kinds of arguments (Classical/Aristotelian, Toulmin, Rogerian) involve slightly different approaches, and your course, instructor, and specific assignment prompt may include its own specific instructions on how to complete the assignment. There are many different variations. At the same time, however, most academic argumentative/persuasive essays expect you to practice the techniques mentioned below. These tips overlap with the elements of argumentation, covered in that chapter, but they offer more explicit examples for how they might look in paragraph form, beginning with the introduction to your essay.

Persuasive introductions should move from context to thesis

Since one of the main goals of a persuasive essay introduction is to forecast the broader argument, it’s important to keep in mind that the legibility of the argument depends on the ability of the writer to provide sufficient information to the reader. If a basic high school essay moves from general topic to specific argument (the funnel technique), a more sophisticated academic persuasive essay is more likely to move from context to thesis.

The great stylist of clear writing, Joseph W. Williams, suggests that one of the key rhetorical moves a writer can make in a persuasive introduction is to not only provide enough background information (the context), but to frame that information in terms of a problem or issue, what the section on Reading and Writing Rhetorically terms the exigence . The ability to present a clearly defined problem and then the thesis as a solution creates a motivating introduction. The reader is more likely to be gripped by it, because we naturally want to see problems solved.

Consider these two persuasive introductions, both of which end with an argumentative thesis statement:

A. In America we often hold to the belief that our country is steadily progressing. topic This is a place where dreams come true. With enough hard work, we tell ourselves (and our children), we can do anything. I argue that, when progress is more carefully defined, our current period is actually one of decline. claim

B . Two years ago my dad developed Type 2 diabetes, and the doctors explained to him that it was due in large part to his heavy consumption of sugar. For him, the primary form of sugar consumption was soda. hook His experience is echoed by millions of Americans today. According to the most recent research, “Sugary drink portion sizes have risen dramatically over the past forty years, and children and adults are drinking more soft drinks than ever,” while two out of three adults in the United States are now considered either overweight or obese. This statistic correlates with reduced life expectancy by many years. Studies have shown that those who are overweight in this generation will live a lot fewer years than those who are already elderly. And those consumers who don’t become overweight remain at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes (like my dad), known as one of the most serious global health concerns (“Sugary Drinks and Obesity Fact Sheet”). problem In response to this problem, some political journalists, such as Alexandra Le Tellier, argue that sodas should be banned. On the opposite end of the political spectrum, politically conservative journalists such as Ernest Istook argue that absolutely nothing should be done because that would interfere with consumer freedom. debate I suggest something in between: a “soda tax,” which would balance concerns over the public welfare with concerns over consumer freedom. claim

Example B feels richer, more dramatic, and much more targeted not only because it’s longer, but because it’s structured in a “motivating” way. Here’s an outline of that structure:

• Hook: It opens with a brief hook that illustrates an emerging issue. This concrete, personal anecdote grips the reader’s attention.
• Problem: The anecdote is connected with the emerging issue, phrased as a problem that needs to be addressed.
• Debate: The writer briefly alludes to a debate over how to respond to the problem.
• Claim: The introduction ends by hinting at how the writer intends to address the problem, and it’s phrased conversationally, as part of an ongoing dialogue.

Not every persuasive introduction needs all of these elements. Not all introductions will have an obvious problem. Sometimes a “problem,” or the exigence, will be as subtle as an ambiguity in a text that needs to be cleared up (as in literary analysis essays). Other times it will indeed be an obvious problem, such as in a problem-solution argument essay.

In most cases, however, a clear introduction will proceed from context to thesis . The most attention-grabbing and motivating introductions will also include things like hooks and problem-oriented issues.

Here’s a very simple and streamlined template that can serve as rudimentary scaffolding for a persuasive introduction, inspired by the excellent book, They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing : Definition: Term

In discussions of __________, an emerging issue is _____________________. issue When addressing this issue, some experts suggest ________________. debate In my view, however, _______________________________. claim

Each aspect of the template will need to be developed, but it can serve as training wheels for how to craft a nicely structured context-to-thesis introduction, including things like an issue, debate, and claim. You can try filling in the blanks below, and then export your attempt as a document.

Define key terms, as needed

Much of an academic persuasive essay is dedicated to supporting the claim. A traditional thesis-driven essay has an introduction, body, and conclusion, and the support constitutes much of the body. In a persuasive essay, most of the support is dedicated to reasoning and evidence (more on that below). However, depending on what your claim does, a careful writer may dedicate the beginning (or other parts of the essay body) to defining key terms.

Suppose I wish to construct an argument that enters the debate over euthanasia. When researching the issue, I notice that much of the debate circles around the notion of rights, specifically what a “legal right” actually means. Clearly defining that term will help reduce some of the confusion and clarify my own argument. In Vancouver Island University’s resource “ Defining key terms ,” Ian Johnston offers this example for how to define “legal right” for an academic reader:

Before discussing the notion of a right to die, we need to clarify precisely what the term legal right means. In common language, the term “right” tends often to mean something good, something people ought to have (e.g., a right to a good home, a right to a meaningful job, and so on). In law, however, the term has a much more specific meaning. It refers to something to which people are legally entitled. Thus, a “legal” right also confers a legal obligation on someone or some institution to make sure the right is conferred. For instance, in Canada, children of a certain age have a right to a free public education. This right confers on society the obligation to provide that education, and society cannot refuse without breaking the law. Hence, when we use the term right to die in a legal sense, we are describing something to which a citizen is legally entitled, and we are insisting that someone in society has an obligation to provide the services which will confer that right on anyone who wants it.

As the example above shows, academics often dedicate space to providing nuanced and technical definitions that correct common misconceptions. Johnston’s definition relies on research, but it’s not always necessary to use research to define your terms. Here are some tips for crafting definitions in persuasive essays, from “Defining key terms”:

• Fit the descriptive detail in the definition to the knowledge of the intended audience. The definition of, say, AIDS for a general readership will be different from the definition for a group of doctors (the latter will be much more technical). It often helps to distinguish between common sense or popular definitions and more technical ones.
• Make sure definitions are full and complete; do not rush them unduly. And do not assume that just because the term is quite common that everyone knows just what it means (e.g., alcoholism ). If you are using the term in a very specific sense, then let the reader know what that is. The amount of detail you include in a definition should cover what is essential for the reader to know, in order to follow the argument. By the same token, do not overload the definition, providing too much detail or using far too technical a language for those who will be reading the essay.
• It’s unhelpful to simply quote the google or dictionary.com definition of a word. Dictionaries contain a few or several definitions for important terms, and the correct definition is informed by the context in which it’s being employed. It’s up to the writer to explain that context and how the word is usually understood within it.
• You do not always need to research a definition. Depending on the writing situation and audience, you may be able to develop your own understanding of certain terms.

Use P-E-A-S or M-E-A-L to support your claim

The heart of a persuasive essay is a claim supported by reasoning and evidence. Thus, much of the essay body is often devoted to the supporting reasons, which in turn are proved by evidence. One of the formulas commonly taught in K-12 and even college writing programs is known as PEAS, which overlaps strongly with the MEAL formula introduced by the chapter, “ Basic Integration “:

Point : State the reasoning as a single point: “One reason why a soda tax would be effective is that…” or “One way an individual can control their happiness is by…”

Evidence : After stating the supporting reason, prove that reason with related evidence. There can be more than one piece of evidence. “According to …” or “In the article, ‘…,’ the author shows that …”

Analysis : There a different levels of analysis. At the most basic level, a writer should clearly explain how the evidence proves the point, in their own words: “In other words…,” “What this data shows is that…” Sometimes the “A” part of PEAS becomes simple paraphrasing. Higher-level analysis will use more sophisticated techniques such as Toulmin’s warrants to explore deeper terrain. For more tips on how to discuss and analyze, refer to the previous chapter’s section, “ Analyze and discuss the evidence .”

Summary/So what? : Tie together all of the components (PEA) succinctly, before transitioning to the next idea. If necessary, remind the reader how the evidence and reasoning relates to the broader claim (the thesis argument).

PEAS and MEAL are very similar; in fact they are identical except for how they refer to the first and last part. In theory, it shouldn’t matter which acronym you choose. Both versions are effective because they translate the basic structure of a supporting reason (reasoning and evidence) into paragraph form.

Here’s an example of a PEAS paragraph in an academic persuasive essay that argues for a soda tax:

A soda tax would also provide more revenue for the federal government, thereby reducing its debt. point Despite Ernest Istook’s concerns about eroding American freedom, the United States has long supported the ability of government to leverage taxes in order to both curb unhealthy lifestyles and add revenue. According to Peter Ubel’s “Would the Founding Fathers Approve of a Sugar Tax?”, in 1791 the US government was heavily in debt and needed stable revenue. In response, the federal government taxed what most people viewed as a “sin” at that time: alcohol. This single tax increased government revenue by at least 20% on average, and in some years more than 40% . The effect was that only the people who really wanted alcohol purchased it, and those who could no longer afford it were getting rid of what they already viewed as a bad habit (Ubel). evidence Just as alcohol (and later, cigarettes) was viewed as a superfluous “sin” in the Early Republic, so today do many health experts and an increasing amount of Americans view sugar as extremely unhealthy, even addictive. If our society accepts taxes on other consumer sins as a way to improve government revenue, a tax on sugar is entirely consistent. analysis We could apply this to the soda tax and try to do something like this to help knock out two problems at once: help people lose their addiction towards soda and help reduce our government’s debt. summary/so what?

The paragraph above was written by a student who was taught the PEAS formula. However, we can see versions of this formula in professional writing. Here’s a more sophisticated example of PEAS, this time from a non-academic article. In Nicholas Carr’s extremely popular article, “ Is Google Making Us Stupid? “, he argues that Google is altering how we think. To prove that broader claim, Carr offers a variety of reasons and evidence. Here’s part of his reasoning:

Thanks to the ubiquity of text on the Internet, not to mention the popularity of text-messaging on cell phones, we may well be reading more today than we did in the 1970s or 1980s, when television was our medium of choice. But it’s a different kind of reading, and behind it lies a different kind of thinking—perhaps even a new sense of the self. point “We are not only what we read,” says Maryanne Wolf, a developmental psychologist at Tufts University and the author of Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain . “We are how we read.” Wolf worries that the style of reading promoted by the Net, a style that puts “efficiency” and “immediacy” above all else, may be weakening our capacity for the kind of deep reading that emerged when an earlier technology, the printing press, made long and complex works of prose commonplace. When we read online, she says, we tend to become “mere decoders of information.” evidence Our ability to interpret text, to make the rich mental connections that form when we read deeply and without distraction, remains largely disengaged. analysis

This excerpt only contains the first three elements, PEA, and the analysis part is very brief (it’s more like paraphrase), but it shows how professional writers often employ some version of the formula. It tends to appear in persuasive texts written by experienced writers because it reinforces writing techniques mentioned elsewhere in this textbook. A block of text structured according to PEA will practice coherence, because opening with a point (P) forecasts the main idea of that section. Embedding the evidence (E) within a topic sentence and follow-up commentary or analysis (A) is part of the “quote sandwich” strategy we cover in the section on “Writing With Sources.”

Use “they say / i say” strategies for Counterarguments and rebuttals

Another element that’s unique to persuasive essays is embedding a counterargument. Sometimes called naysayers or opposing positions, counterarguments are points of view that challenge our own.

Why embed a naysayer?

Recall above how a helpful strategy for beginning a persuasive essay (the introduction) is to briefly mention a debate—what some writing textbooks call “joining the conversation.” Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein’s They Say / I Say explains why engaging other points of view is so crucial:

Not long ago we attended a talk at an academic conference where the speaker’s central claim seemed to be that a certain sociologist—call him Dr. X—had done very good work in a number of areas of the discipline. The speaker proceeded to illustrate his thesis by referring extensively and in great detail to various books and articles by Dr. X and by quoting long pas-sages from them. The speaker was obviously both learned and impassioned, but as we listened to his talk we found ourselves somewhat puzzled: the argument—that Dr. X’s work was very important—was clear enough, but why did the speaker need to make it in the first place? Did anyone dispute it? Were there commentators in the field who had argued against X’s work or challenged its value? Was the speaker’s interpretation of what X had done somehow novel or revolutionary? Since the speaker gave no hint of an answer to any of these questions, we could only wonder why he was going on and on about X. It was only after the speaker finished and took questions from the audience that we got a clue: in response to one questioner, he referred to several critics who had vigorously questioned Dr. X’s ideas and convinced many sociologists that Dr. X’s work was unsound.

When writing for an academic audience, one of the most important moves a writer can make is to demonstrate how their ideas compare to others. It serves as part of the context. Your essay might be offering a highly original solution to a certain problem you’ve researched the entire semester, but the reader will only understand that if existing arguments are presented in your draft. Or, on the other hand, you might be synthesizing or connecting a variety of opinions in order to arrive at a more comprehensive solution. That’s also fine, but the creativity of your synthesis and its unique contribution to existing research will only be known if those other voices are included.

Aristotelian argumentation embeds counterarguments in order to refute them. Rogerian arguments present oppositional stances in order to synthesize and integrate them. No matter what your strategy is, the essay should be conversational.

Notice how Ana Mari Cauce opens her essay on free speech in higher education, “ Messy but Essential “:

Over the past year or two, issues surrounding the exercise of free speech and expression have come to the forefront at colleges around the country. The common narrative about free speech issues that we so often read goes something like this: today’s college students — overprotected and coddled by parents, poorly educated in high school and exposed to primarily left-leaning faculty — have become soft “snowflakes” who are easily offended by mere words and the slightest of insults, unable or unwilling to tolerate opinions that veer away from some politically correct orthodoxy and unable to engage in hard-hitting debate. counterargument

This is false in so many ways, and even insulting when you consider the reality of students’ experiences today. claim

The introduction to her article is essentially a counteragument (which serves as her introductory context) followed by a response. Embedding naysayers like this can appear anywhere in an essay, not just the introduction. Notice, furthermore, how Cauce’s naysayer isn’t gleaned from any research she did. It’s just a general, trendy naysayer, something one might hear nowadays, in the ether. It shows she’s attuned to an ongoing conversation, but it doesn’t require her to cite anything specific. As the previous chapter on using rhetorical appeals in arguments explained, this kind of attunement with an emerging problem (or exigence) is known as the appeal to kairos . A compelling, engaging introduction will demonstrate that the argument “kairotically” addresses a pressing concern.

Below is a brief overview of what counterarguments are and how you might respond to them in your arguments. This section was developed by Robin Jeffrey, in “ Counterargument and Response “:

Common Types of counterarguments

• Could someone disagree with your claim? If so, why? Explain this opposing perspective in your own argument, and then respond to it.
• Could someone draw a different conclusion from any of the facts or examples you present? If so, what is that different conclusion? Explain this different conclusion and then respond to it.
• Could a reader question any of your assumptions or claims? If so, which ones would they question? Explain and then respond.
• Could a reader offer a different explanation of an issue? If so, what might their explanation be? Describe this different explanation, and then respond to it.
• Is there any evidence out there that could weaken your position? If so, what is it? Cite and discuss this evidence and then respond to it.

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, that does not necessarily mean that you have a weak argument. It means, ideally and as long as your argument is logical and valid, that you have a counterargument. Good arguments can and do have counterarguments; it is important to discuss them. But you must also discuss and then respond to those counterarguments.

Responding to counterarguments

You do not need to attempt to do all of these things as a way to respond; instead, choose the response strategy that makes the most sense to you, for the counterargument that you have.

• If you agree with some of the counterargument perspectives, you can concede some of their points. (“I do agree that ….”, “Some of the points made by ____ are valid…..”) You could then challenge the importance/usefulness of those points. “However, this information does not apply to our topic because…”
• If the counterargument perspective is one that contains different evidence than you have in your own argument, you can explain why a reader should not accept the evidence that the counterarguer presents.
• If the counterargument perspective is one that contains a different interpretation of evidence than you have in your own argument, you can explain why a reader should not accept the interpretation of the evidence that that your opponent (counterarguer) presents.
• If the counterargument is an acknowledgement of evidence that threatens to weaken your argument, you must explain why and how that evidence does not, in fact invalidate your claim.

It is important to use transitional phrases in your paper to alert readers when you’re about to present an counterargument. It’s usually best to put this phrase at the beginning of a paragraph such as:

• Researchers have challenged these claims with…
• Critics argue that this view…
• Some readers may point to…
• A perspective that challenges the idea that . . .

Transitional phrases will again be useful to highlight your shift from counterargument to response:

• Indeed, some of those points are valid. However, . . .
• While I agree that . . . , it is more important to consider . . .
• These are all compelling points. Still, other information suggests that . .
• While I understand . . . , I cannot accept the evidence because . . .

Further reading

To read more about the importance of counterarguments in academic writing, read Steven D. Krause’s “ On the Other Hand: The Role of Antithetical Writing in First Year Composition Courses .”

When concluding, address the “so what?” challenge

As Joseph W. Williams mentions in his chapter on concluding persuasive essays in Style ,

a good introduction motivates your readers to keep reading, introduces your key themes, and states your main point … [but] a good conclusion serves a different end: as the last thing your reader reads, it should bring together your point, its significance, and its implications for thinking further about the ideas your explored.

At the very least, a good persuasive conclusion will

• Summarize the main points
• Address the So what? or Now what? challenge.

When summarizing the main points of longer essays, Williams suggests it’s fine to use “metadiscourse,” such as, “I have argued that.” If the essay is short enough, however, such metadiscourses may not be necessary, since the reader will already have those ideas fresh in their mind.

After summarizing your essay’s main points, imagine a friendly reader thinking,

“OK, I’m persuaded and entertained by everything you’ve laid out in your essay. But remind me what’s so important about these ideas? What are the implications? What kind of impact do you expect your ideas to have? Do you expect something to change?”

It’s sometimes appropriate to offer brief action points, based on the implications of your essay. When addressing the “So what?” challenge, however, it’s important to first consider whether your essay is primarily targeted towards changing the way people think or act . Do you expect the audience to do something, based on what you’ve argued in your essay? Or, do you expect the audience to think differently? Traditional academic essays tend to propose changes in how the reader thinks more than acts, but your essay may do both.

Finally, Williams suggests that it’s sometimes appropriate to end a persuasive essay with an anecdote, illustrative fact, or key quote that emphasizes the significance of the argument. We can see a good example of this in Carr’s article, “ Is Google Making Us Stupid? ” Here are the introduction and conclusion, side-by-side: Definition: Term

[Introduction] “Dave, stop. Stop, will you? Stop, Dave. Will you stop, Dave?” So the supercomputer HAL pleads with the implacable astronaut Dave Bowman in a famous and weirdly poignant scene toward the end of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey . Bowman, having nearly been sent to a deep-space death by the malfunctioning machine, is calmly, coldly disconnecting the memory circuits that control its artificial “ brain. “Dave, my mind is going,” HAL says, forlornly. “I can feel it. I can feel it.”

I can feel it, too. Over the past few years I’ve had an uncomfortable sense that someone, or something, has been tinkering with my brain, remapping the neural circuitry, reprogramming the memory. …

[Conclusion] I’m haunted by that scene in 2001 . What makes it so poignant, and so weird, is the computer’s emotional response to the disassembly of its mind: its despair as one circuit after another goes dark, its childlike pleading with the astronaut—“I can feel it. I can feel it. I’m afraid”—and its final reversion to what can only be called a state of innocence. HAL’s outpouring of feeling contrasts with the emotionlessness that characterizes the human figures in the film, who go about their business with an almost robotic efficiency. Their thoughts and actions feel scripted, as if they’re following the steps of an algorithm. In the world of 2001 , people have become so machinelike that the most human character turns out to be a machine. That’s the essence of Kubrick’s dark prophecy: as we come to rely on computers to mediate our understanding of the world, it is our own intelligence that flattens into artificial intelligence.

Instead of merely rehashing all of the article’s main points, Carr returns to the same movie scene from 2001 that he opened with. The final lines interpret the scene according to the argument he just dedicated the entire essay to presenting.

The entire essay should use rhetorical appeals strategically

The chapter “ Persuasive Appeals ” introduces students to logos, pathos, ethos, and kairos. Becoming familiar with each of those persuasive appeals can add much to an essay. It also reinforces the idea that writing argumentative essays is not a straightforward process of jotting down proofs. It’s not a computer algorithm.

• Logos (appeals to evidence and reasoning) is the foundational appeal of an argument essay. Clearly identifying the claim, then supporting that claim with reasoning and evidence will appeal to the reader’s logos demands. As the previous chapter on argumentation mentions, however, what constitutes solid evidence will vary depending on the audience. Make sure your evidence is indeed convincing to your intended reader.
• Pathos (appeals to emotion) are a crucial component and should permeate should every section of the essay. Personal anecdotes are an effective way to illustrate important ideas, and they connect with the reader at an emotional level. Personal examples also cultivate voice .
• Ethos (appeals to character, image, and values) is essential to gaining the reader’s trust and assent. The tone of your essay (snarky, sincere, ironic, sarcastic, empathetic) is immensely important for its overall effect, and it helps build the reader’s image of you. A careful attention to high-quality research reinforces a sincere and empathetic tone. When supporting certain claims and sub-claims, it’s also important to identify implied beliefs (warrants) that your reader is most likely to agree with, and to undermine beliefs that might seem repugnant.
• Kairos (appeals to timeliness) impresses the reader with your attunement to the situation. This should be practiced especially in the introduction, but it can appear throughout the essay as you engage with research and other voices that have recently weighed in on the topic.

All of these appeals are already happening, whether or not they’re recognized. If they are missed, the audience will often use them against you, judging your essay as not being personable enough (pathos), or not in touch with commonly accepted values (ethos), or out of touch with what’s going on (kairos). These non-logical appeals aren’t irrational. They are crucial components to writing that matters.

Argument Outline Exercise

To get started on your argument essay, practice adopting from of the outlines from this Persuasive Essay Outline worksheet .

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25 Thesis Statement Examples That Will Make Writing a Breeze

Understanding what makes a good thesis statement is one of the major keys to writing a great research paper or argumentative essay. The thesis statement is where you make a claim that will guide you through your entire paper. If you find yourself struggling to make sense of your paper or your topic, then it's likely due to a weak thesis statement.

Let's take a minute to first understand what makes a solid thesis statement, and what key components you need to write one of your own.

A thesis statement always goes at the beginning of the paper. It will typically be in the first couple of paragraphs of the paper so that it can introduce the body paragraphs, which are the supporting evidence for your thesis statement.

Your thesis statement should clearly identify an argument. You need to have a statement that is not only easy to understand, but one that is debatable. What that means is that you can't just put any statement of fact and have it be your thesis. For example, everyone knows that puppies are cute . An ineffective thesis statement would be, "Puppies are adorable and everyone knows it." This isn't really something that's a debatable topic.

Something that would be more debatable would be, "A puppy's cuteness is derived from its floppy ears, small body, and playfulness." These are three things that can be debated on. Some people might think that the cutest thing about puppies is the fact that they follow you around or that they're really soft and fuzzy.

All cuteness aside, you want to make sure that your thesis statement is not only debatable, but that it also actually thoroughly answers the research question that was posed. You always want to make sure that your evidence is supporting a claim that you made (and not the other way around). This is why it's crucial to read and research about a topic first and come to a conclusion later. If you try to get your research to fit your thesis statement, then it may not work out as neatly as you think. As you learn more, you discover more (and the outcome may not be what you originally thought).

Additionally, your thesis statement shouldn't be too big or too grand. It'll be hard to cover everything in a thesis statement like, "The federal government should act now on climate change." The topic is just too large to actually say something new and meaningful. Instead, a more effective thesis statement might be, "Local governments can combat climate change by providing citizens with larger recycling bins and offering local classes about composting and conservation." This is easier to work with because it's a smaller idea, but you can also discuss the overall topic that you might be interested in, which is climate change.

So, now that we know what makes a good, solid thesis statement, you can start to write your own. If you find that you're getting stuck or you are the type of person who needs to look at examples before you start something, then check out our list of thesis statement examples below.

Thesis statement examples

A quick note that these thesis statements have not been fully researched. These are merely examples to show you what a thesis statement might look like and how you can implement your own ideas into one that you think of independently. As such, you should not use these thesis statements for your own research paper purposes. They are meant to be used as examples only.

• Vaccinations Because many children are unable to vaccinate due to illness, we must require that all healthy and able children be vaccinated in order to have herd immunity.
• Educational Resources for Low-Income Students Schools should provide educational resources for low-income students during the summers so that they don't forget what they've learned throughout the school year.
• School Uniforms School uniforms may be an upfront cost for families, but they eradicate the visual differences in income between students and provide a more egalitarian atmosphere at school.
• Populism The rise in populism on the 2016 political stage was in reaction to increasing globalization, the decline of manufacturing jobs, and the Syrian refugee crisis.
• Public Libraries Libraries are essential resources for communities and should be funded more heavily by local municipalities.
• Cyber Bullying With more and more teens using smartphones and social media, cyber bullying is on the rise. Cyber bullying puts a lot of stress on many teens, and can cause depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. Parents should limit the usage of smart phones, monitor their children's online activity, and report any cyber bullying to school officials in order to combat this problem.
• Medical Marijuana for Veterans Studies have shown that the use of medicinal marijuana has been helpful to veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Medicinal marijuana prescriptions should be legal in all states and provided to these veterans. Additional medical or therapy services should also be researched and implemented in order to help them re-integrate back into civilian life.
• Work-Life Balance Corporations should provide more work from home opportunities and six-hour workdays so that office workers have a better work-life balance and are more likely to be productive when they are in the office.
• Teaching Youths about Consensual Sex Although sex education that includes a discussion of consensual sex would likely lead to less sexual assault, parents need to teach their children the meaning of consent from a young age with age appropriate lessons.
• Whether or Not to Attend University A degree from a university provides invaluable lessons on life and a future career, but not every high school student should be encouraged to attend a university directly after graduation. Some students may benefit from a trade school or a "gap year" where they can think more intensely about what it is they want to do for a career and how they can accomplish this.
• Studying Abroad Studying abroad is one of the most culturally valuable experiences you can have in college. It is the only way to get completely immersed in another language and learn how other cultures and countries are different from your own.
• Women's Body Image Magazines have done a lot in the last five years to include a more diverse group of models, but there is still a long way to go to promote a healthy woman's body image collectively as a culture.
• Cigarette Tax Heavily taxing and increasing the price of cigarettes is essentially a tax on the poorest Americans, and it doesn't deter them from purchasing. Instead, the state and federal governments should target those economically disenfranchised with early education about the dangers of smoking.
• Veganism A vegan diet, while a healthy and ethical way to consume food, indicates a position of privilege. It also limits you to other cultural food experiences if you travel around the world.
• University Athletes Should be Compensated University athletes should be compensated for their service to the university, as it is difficult for these students to procure and hold a job with busy academic and athletic schedules. Many student athletes on scholarship also come from low-income neighborhoods and it is a struggle to make ends meet when they are participating in athletics.
• Women in the Workforce Sheryl Sandberg makes a lot of interesting points in her best-selling book, Lean In , but she only addressed the very privileged working woman and failed to speak to those in lower-skilled, lower-wage jobs.
• Assisted Suicide Assisted suicide should be legal and doctors should have the ability to make sure their patients have the end-of-life care that they want to receive.
• Celebrity and Political Activism Although Taylor Swift's lyrics are indicative of a feminist perspective, she should be more politically active and vocal to use her position of power for the betterment of society.
• The Civil War The insistence from many Southerners that the South seceded from the Union for states' rights versus the fact that they seceded for the purposes of continuing slavery is a harmful myth that still affects race relations today.
• Blue Collar Workers Coal miners and other blue-collar workers whose jobs are slowly disappearing from the workforce should be re-trained in jobs in the technology sector or in renewable energy. A program to re-train these workers would not only improve local economies where jobs have been displaced, but would also lead to lower unemployment nationally.
• Diversity in the Workforce Having a diverse group of people in an office setting leads to richer ideas, more cooperation, and more empathy between people with different skin colors or backgrounds.
• Re-Imagining the Nuclear Family The nuclear family was traditionally defined as one mother, one father, and 2.5 children. This outdated depiction of family life doesn't quite fit with modern society. The definition of normal family life shouldn't be limited to two-parent households.
• Digital Literacy Skills With more information readily available than ever before, it's crucial that students are prepared to examine the material they're reading and determine whether or not it's a good source or if it has misleading information. Teaching students digital literacy and helping them to understand the difference between opinion or propaganda from legitimate, real information is integral.
• Beauty Pageants Beauty pageants are presented with the angle that they empower women. However, putting women in a swimsuit on a stage while simultaneously judging them on how well they answer an impossible question in a short period of time is cruel and purely for the amusement of men. Therefore, we should stop televising beauty pageants.
• Supporting More Women to Run for a Political Position In order to get more women into political positions, more women must run for office. There must be a grassroots effort to educate women on how to run for office, who among them should run, and support for a future candidate for getting started on a political career.

Still stuck? Need some help with your thesis statement?

If you are still uncertain about how to write a thesis statement or what a good thesis statement is, be sure to consult with your teacher or professor to make sure you're on the right track. It's always a good idea to check in and make sure that your thesis statement is making a solid argument and that it can be supported by your research.

After you're done writing, it's important to have someone take a second look at your paper so that you can ensure there are no mistakes or errors. It's difficult to spot your own mistakes, which is why it's always recommended to have someone help you with the revision process, whether that's a teacher, the writing center at school, or a professional editor such as one from ServiceScape .

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Writing a Persuasive Essay

Persuasive essays convince readers to accept a certain perspective. Writing a persuasive essay therefore entails making an argument that will appeal to readers, so they believe what you say has merit. This act of appealing to readers is the art of persuasion, also known as rhetoric. In classical rhetoric, persuasion involves appealing to readers using ethos, pathos, and logos.

In this tutorial, we refer to the sample persuasive draft and final paper written by fictional student Maggie Durham.

THE ART OF PERSUASION

Ethos refers to establishing yourself as a credible source of information. To convince an audience of anything, they must first trust you are being earnest and ethical. One strategy to do this is to write a balanced discussion with relevant and reliable research that supports your claims. Reliable research would include quoting or paraphrasing experts, first-hand witnesses, or authorities. Properly citing your sources, so your readers can also retrieve them, is another factor in establishing a reliable ethos. When writing for academic purposes, expressing your argument using unbiased language and a neutral tone will also indicate you are arguing fairly and with consideration of others having differing views.

When you appeal to your readers’ emotions, you are using pathos. This appeal is common in advertising that convinces consumers they lack something and buying a certain product or service will fulfill that lack. Emotional appeals are subtler in academic writing; they serve to engage a reader in the argument and inspire a change of heart or motivate readers toward a course of action. The examples you use, how you define terms, any comparisons you draw, as well as the language choices you use can draw readers in and impact their willingness to go along with your ideas.

Consider that one purpose of persuasion is to appeal to those who do not already agree with you, so it will be important to show that you understand other points of view. You will also want to avoid derogatory or insulting descriptions or remarks about the opposition. You wouldn’t want to offend the very readers you want to persuade.

Establishing an appeal of logos is to write a sound argument, one that readers can follow and understand. To do this, the facts and evidence you use should be relevant, representative, and reliable, and the writing as a whole should be well organized, developed, and edited.

STEPS FOR WRITING PERSUASIVELY

Step one: determine the topic.

The first step in writing a persuasive essay is to establish the topic. The best topic is one that interests you. You can generate ideas for a topic by prewriting, such as by brainstorming whatever comes to mind, recording in grocery-list fashion your thoughts, or freewriting in complete sentences what you know or think about topics of interest.

Whatever topic you choose, it needs to be:

• Interesting : The topic should appeal both to you and to your intended readers.
• Researchable : A body of knowledge should already exist on the topic.
• Nonfiction : The information about the topic should be factual, not based on personal opinions or conspiracy theories.
• Important : Your reader should think the topic is relevant to them or worthy of being explored and discussed.

Our sample student Maggie Durham has selected the topic of educational technology. We will use Maggie’s sample persuasive draft and final paper as we discuss the steps for writing a persuasive essay.

Step Two: Pose a Research Question

Once you have a topic, the next step is to develop a research question along with related questions that delve further into the first question. If you do not know what to ask, start with one of the question words: What? Who? Where? When? Why? and How? The research question helps you focus or narrow the scope of your topic by identifying a problem, controversy, or aspect of the topic that is worth exploration and discussion. Some general questions about a topic would be the following:

• Who is affected by this problem and how?
• Have previous efforts or polices been made to address this problem? – What are they?
• Why hasn’t this problem been solved already?

For Maggie’s topic of educational technology, potential issues or controversies range from data privacy to digital literacy to the impact of technology on learning, which is what Maggie is interested in. Maggie’s local school district has low literacy rates, so Maggie wants to know the following:

• Are there advantages and/or disadvantages of technology within primary and secondary education?
• Which types of technology are considered the best in terms of quality and endurance?
• What types of technology and/or programs do students like using and why?
• Do teachers know how to use certain technologies with curriculum design, instruction, and/or assessment?

Step Three: Draft a Thesis

A thesis is a claim that asserts your main argument about the topic. As you conduct your research and draft your paper, you may discover information that changes your mind about your thesis, so at this point in writing, the thesis is tentative. Still, it is an important step in narrowing your focus for research and writing.

The thesis should

1. be a complete sentence,

2. identify the topic, and

3. make a specific claim about that topic.

In a persuasive paper, the thesis is a claim that someone should believe or do something. For example, a persuasive thesis might assert that something is effective or ineffective. It might state that a policy should be changed or a plan should be implemented. Or a persuasive thesis might be a plea for people to change their minds about a particular issue.

Once you have figured out your research question, your thesis is simply the answer. Maggie’s thesis is “Schools should supply technology aids to all students to increase student learning and literacy rates.” Her next step is to find evidence to support her claim.

Step Four: Research

Once you have a topic, research question, and thesis, you are ready to conduct research. To find sources that would be appropriate for an academic persuasive essay, begin your search in the library. The Purdue Global Library has a number of tutorials on conducting research, choosing search teams, types of sources, and how to evaluate information to determine its reliability and usefulness. Remember that the research you use will not only provide content to prove your claim and develop your essay, but it will also help to establish your credibility as a reliable source (ethos), create a logical framework for your argument (logos), and appeal to your readers emotionally (pathos).

Step Five: Plan Your Argument; Make an Outline

Once you have located quality source information—facts, examples, definitions, knowledge, and other information that answers your research question(s), you’ll want to create an outline to organize it. The example outline below illustrates a logical organizational plan for writing a persuasive essay. The example outline begins with an introduction that presents the topic, explains the issue, and asserts the position (the thesis). The body then provides the reasoning for the position and addresses the opposing viewpoints that some readers may hold. In your paper, you could modify this organization and address the opposing viewpoints first and then give the reasoning for your viewpoints, or you can alternate and give one opposing viewpoint then counter that with your viewpoint and then give another opposing viewpoint and counter that with your viewpoint.

The outline below also considers the alternatives to the position—certainly, there are other ways to think about or address the issue or situation. Considering the alternatives can be done in conjunction with looking at the opposing viewpoints. You do not always have to disagree with other opinions, either. You can acknowledge that another solution could work or another belief is valid. However, at the end of the body section, you will want to stand by your original position and prove that in light of all the opposing viewpoints and other perspectives, your position has the most merit.

Sample Outline of a Persuasive Argument

• 1. Introduction: Tell them what you will tell them.
• a. Present an interesting fact or description to make the topic clear and capture the reader’s attention.
• b. Define and narrow the topic using facts or descriptions to illustrate what the situation or issue is (and that is it important).
• c. Assert the claim (thesis) that something should be believed or done about the issue. (Some writers also briefly state the reasons behind this claim in the thesis as Maggie does in her paper when she claims that schools should supply tablets to students to increase learning , engagement, and literacy rates ).
• 2. Body: Tell them.
• a. Defend the claim with logical reasons and practical examples based on research.
• b. Anticipate objections to the claim and refute or accommodate them with research.
• c. Consider alternate positions or solutions using examples from research.
• d. Present a final point based on research that supports your claim in light of the objections and alternatives considered.
• 3. Conclusion: Tell them what you told them.
• a. Recap the main points to reinforce the importance of the issue.
• b. Restate the thesis in new wording to reinforce your position.
• c. Make a final remark to leave a lasting impression, so the reader will want to continue this conversation and ideally adopt the belief or take the action you are advocating.

In Maggie’s draft, she introduced the topic with facts about school ratings in Texas and then narrowed the topic using the example of her local school district’s literacy rates. She then claimed the district should provide each student a tablet in order to increase learning (and thus, literacy rates).

Maggie defends her claim with a series of examples from research that proved how access to tablets, technology-integrated curriculums, and “flipped classrooms” have improved literacy rates in other districts. She anticipates objections to her proposal due to the high cost of technology and counter argues this with expert opinions and examples that show partnerships with businesses, personalized curriculums that technology makes possible, and teacher training can balance the costs. Maggie included an alternative solution of having students check out tablets from the library, but her research showed that this still left students needing Wi-Fi at home while her proposal would include a plan for students to access Wi-Fi.

Maggie concluded her argument by pointing out the cost of not helping the students in this way and restated her thesis reaffirming the benefits, and then left the reader with a memorable quote.

Click here to see Maggie’s draft with feedback from her instructor and a peer. Sample Persuasive Draft

Feedback, Revision, and Editing

After you write a draft of your persuasive essay, the next step is to have a peer, instructor, or tutor read it and provide feedback. Without reader feedback, you cannot fully know how your readers will react to your argument. Reader feedback is meant to be constructive. Use it to better understand your readers and craft your argument to more appropriately appeal to them.

Maggie received valuable feedback on her draft from her instructor and classmate. They pointed to where her thesis needed to be even more specific, to paragraphs where a different organization would make her argument more convincing, to parts of the paper that lacked examples, sentences that needed revision and editing for greater clarity, and APA formatting that needed to be edited.

Maggie also took a critical look at her paper and looked back at her writing process. One technique she found helpful was to read her paper aloud because it let her know where her wording and organization were not clear. She did this several times as she revised and again as she edited and refined her paper for sentence level clarity and concision.

In the end, Maggie produced a convincing persuasive essay and effective argument that would appeal to readers who are also interested in the way technology can impact and improve student learning, an important topic in 2014 when this paper was written and still relevant today.

Click here to see Maggie’s final draft after revising and editing. Sample Persuasive Revised

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How to Write a Persuasive Essay (This Convinced My Professor!)

Table of contents

Meredith Sell

You can make your essay more persuasive by getting straight to the point.

In fact, that's exactly what we did here, and that's just the first tip of this guide. Throughout this guide, we share the steps needed to prove an argument and create a persuasive essay.

This AI tool helps you improve your essay > This AI tool helps you improve your essay >

Key takeaways: - Proven process to make any argument persuasive - 5-step process to structure arguments - How to use AI to formulate and optimize your essay

Why is being persuasive so difficult?

"Write an essay that persuades the reader of your opinion on a topic of your choice."

You might be staring at an assignment description just like this 👆from your professor. Your computer is open to a blank document, the cursor blinking impatiently. Do I even have opinions?

The persuasive essay can be one of the most intimidating academic papers to write: not only do you need to identify a narrow topic and research it, but you also have to come up with a position on that topic that you can back up with research while simultaneously addressing different viewpoints.

That’s a big ask. And let’s be real: most opinion pieces in major news publications don’t fulfill these requirements.

The upside? By researching and writing your own opinion, you can learn how to better formulate not only an argument but the actual positions you decide to hold. 

Here, we break down exactly how to write a persuasive essay. We’ll start by taking a step that’s key for every piece of writing—defining the terms.

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

A persuasive essay is exactly what it sounds like: an essay that persuades . Over the course of several paragraphs or pages, you’ll use researched facts and logic to convince the reader of your opinion on a particular topic and discredit opposing opinions.

While you’ll spend some time explaining the topic or issue in question, most of your essay will flesh out your viewpoint and the evidence that supports it.

The 5 Must-Have Steps of a Persuasive Essay

If you’re intimidated by the idea of writing an argument, use this list to break your process into manageable chunks. Tackle researching and writing one element at a time, and then revise your essay so that it flows smoothly and coherently with every component in the optimal place.

1. A topic or issue to argue

This is probably the hardest step. You need to identify a topic or issue that is narrow enough to cover in the length of your piece—and is also arguable from more than one position. Your topic must call for an opinion , and not be a simple fact .

It might be helpful to walk through this process:

• Identify a random topic
• Ask a question about the topic that involves a value claim or analysis to answer
• Answer the question

That answer is your opinion.

Let’s consider some examples, from silly to serious:

Topic: Dolphins and mermaids

Question: In a mythical match, who would win: a dolphin or a mermaid?

Answer/Opinion: The mermaid would win in a match against a dolphin.

Topic: Autumn

Question: Which has a better fall: New England or Colorado?

Answer/Opinion: Fall is better in New England than Colorado.

Topic: Electric transportation options

Question: Would it be better for an urban dweller to buy an electric bike or an electric car?

Answer/Opinion: An electric bike is a better investment than an electric car.

Your turn: Walk through the three-step process described above to identify your topic and your tentative opinion. You may want to start by brainstorming a list of topics you find interesting and then going use the three-step process to find the opinion that would make the best essay topic.

2. An unequivocal thesis statement

If you walked through our three-step process above, you already have some semblance of a thesis—but don’t get attached too soon! 

A solid essay thesis is best developed through the research process. You shouldn’t land on an opinion before you know the facts. So press pause. Take a step back. And dive into your research.

You’ll want to learn:

• The basic facts of your topic. How long does fall last in New England vs. Colorado? What trees do they have? What colors do those trees turn?
• The facts specifically relevant to your question. Is there any science on how the varying colors of fall influence human brains and moods?
• What experts or other noteworthy and valid sources say about the question you’re considering. Has a well-known arborist waxed eloquent on the beauty of New England falls?

As you learn the different viewpoints people have on your topic, pay attention to the strengths and weaknesses of existing arguments. Is anyone arguing the perspective you’re leaning toward? Do you find their arguments convincing? What do you find unsatisfying about the various arguments? 

Allow the research process to change your mind and/or refine your thinking on the topic. Your opinion may change entirely or become more specific based on what you learn.

Once you’ve done enough research to feel confident in your understanding of the topic and your opinion on it, craft your thesis. 

Your thesis statement should be clear and concise. It should directly state your viewpoint on the topic, as well as the basic case for your thesis.

Thesis 1: In a mythical match, the mermaid would overcome the dolphin due to one distinct advantage: her ability to breathe underwater.

Thesis 2: The full spectrum of color displayed on New England hillsides is just one reason why fall in the northeast is better than in Colorado.

Thesis 3: In addition to not adding to vehicle traffic, electric bikes are a better investment than electric cars because they’re cheaper and require less energy to accomplish the same function of getting the rider from point A to point B.

Your turn: Dive into the research process with a radar up for the arguments your sources are making about your topic. What are the most convincing cases? Should you stick with your initial opinion or change it up? Write your fleshed-out thesis statement.

3. Evidence to back up your thesis

This is a typical place for everyone from undergrads to politicians to get stuck, but the good news is, if you developed your thesis from research, you already have a good bit of evidence to make your case.

Go back through your research notes and compile a list of every …

… or other piece of information that supports your thesis. 

This info can come from research studies you found in scholarly journals, government publications, news sources, encyclopedias, or other credible sources (as long as they fit your professor’s standards).

As you put this list together, watch for any gaps or weak points. Are you missing information on how electric cars versus electric bicycles charge or how long their batteries last? Did you verify that dolphins are, in fact, mammals and can’t breathe underwater like totally-real-and-not-at-all-fake 😉mermaids can? Track down that information.

Next, organize your list. Group the entries so that similar or closely related information is together, and as you do that, start thinking through how to articulate the individual arguments to support your case. 

Depending on the length of your essay, each argument may get only a paragraph or two of space. As you think through those specific arguments, consider what order to put them in. You’ll probably want to start with the simplest argument and work up to more complicated ones so that the arguments can build on each other. 

Your turn: Organize your evidence and write a rough draft of your arguments. Play around with the order to find the most compelling way to argue your case.

4. Rebuttals to disprove opposing theses

You can’t just present the evidence to support your case and totally ignore other viewpoints. To persuade your readers, you’ll need to address any opposing ideas they may hold about your topic. 

You probably found some holes in the opposing views during your research process. Now’s your chance to expose those holes. 

Take some time (and space) to: describe the opposing views and show why those views don’t hold up. You can accomplish this using both logic and facts.

Is a perspective based on a faulty assumption or misconception of the truth? Shoot it down by providing the facts that disprove the opinion.

Is another opinion drawn from bad or unsound reasoning? Show how that argument falls apart.

Some cases may truly be only a matter of opinion, but you still need to articulate why you don’t find the opposing perspective convincing.

Yes, a dolphin might be stronger than a mermaid, but as a mammal, the dolphin must continually return to the surface for air. A mermaid can breathe both underwater and above water, which gives her a distinct advantage in this mythical battle.

While the Rocky Mountain views are stunning, their limited colors—yellow from aspen trees and green from various evergreens—leaves the autumn-lover less than thrilled. The rich reds and oranges and yellows of the New England fall are more satisfying and awe-inspiring.

But what about longer trips that go beyond the city center into the suburbs and beyond? An electric bike wouldn’t be great for those excursions. Wouldn’t an electric car be the better choice then? 

Certainly, an electric car would be better in these cases than a gas-powered car, but if most of a person’s trips are in their hyper-local area, the electric bicycle is a more environmentally friendly option for those day-to-day outings. That person could then participate in a carshare or use public transit, a ride-sharing app, or even a gas-powered car for longer trips—and still use less energy overall than if they drove an electric car for hyper-local and longer area trips.

Your turn: Organize your rebuttal research and write a draft of each one.

5. A convincing conclusion

You have your arguments and rebuttals. You’ve proven your thesis is rock-solid. Now all you have to do is sum up your overall case and give your final word on the subject. 

Don’t repeat everything you’ve already said. Instead, your conclusion should logically draw from the arguments you’ve made to show how they coherently prove your thesis. You’re pulling everything together and zooming back out with a better understanding of the what and why of your thesis. 

A dolphin may never encounter a mermaid in the wild, but if it were to happen, we know how we’d place our bets. Long hair and fish tail, for the win.

For those of us who relish 50-degree days, sharp air, and the vibrant colors of fall, New England offers a season that’s cozier, longer-lasting, and more aesthetically pleasing than “colorful” Colorado. A leaf-peeper’s paradise.

When most of your trips from day to day are within five miles, the more energy-efficient—and yes, cost-efficient—choice is undoubtedly the electric bike. So strap on your helmet, fire up your pedals, and two-wheel away to your next destination with full confidence that you made the right decision for your wallet and the environment.

3 Quick Tips for Writing a Strong Argument

Once you have a draft to work with, use these tips to refine your argument and make sure you’re not losing readers for avoidable reasons.

1. Choose your words thoughtfully.

If you want to win people over to your side, don’t write in a way that shuts your opponents down. Avoid making abrasive or offensive statements. Instead, use a measured, reasonable tone. Appeal to shared values, and let your facts and logic do the hard work of changing people’s minds.

Choose words with AI

You can use AI to turn your general point into a readable argument. Then, you can paraphrase each sentence and choose between competing arguments generated by the AI, until your argument is well-articulated and concise.

2. Prioritize accuracy (and avoid fallacies).

Make sure the facts you use are actually factual. You don’t want to build your argument on false or disproven information. Use the most recent, respected research. Make sure you don’t misconstrue study findings. And when you’re building your case, avoid logical fallacies that undercut your argument.

A few common fallacies to watch out for:

• Strawman: Misrepresenting or oversimplifying an opposing argument to make it easier to refute.
• Appeal to ignorance: Arguing that a certain claim must be true because it hasn’t been proven false.
• Bandwagon: Assumes that if a group of people, experts, etc., agree with a claim, it must be true.
• Hasty generalization: Using a few examples, rather than substantial evidence, to make a sweeping claim.
• Appeal to authority: Overly relying on opinions of people who have authority of some kind.

The strongest arguments rely on trustworthy information and sound logic.

Research and add citations with AI

We recently wrote a three part piece on researching using AI, so be sure to check it out . Going through an organized process of researching and noting your sources correctly will make sure your written text is more accurate.

3. Persuasive essay structure

If you’re building a house, you start with the foundation and go from there. It’s the same with an argument. You want to build from the ground up: provide necessary background information, then your thesis. Then, start with the simplest part of your argument and build up in terms of complexity and the aspect of your thesis that the argument is tackling.

A consistent, internal logic will make it easier for the reader to follow your argument. Plus, you’ll avoid confusing your reader and you won’t be unnecessarily redundant.

The essay structure usually includes the following parts:

• Intro - Hook, Background information, Thesis statement
• Topic sentence #1 , with supporting facts or stats
• Concluding sentence
• Topic sentence #2 , with supporting facts or stats
• Concluding sentence Topic sentence #3 , with supporting facts or stats
• Conclusion - Thesis and main points restated, call to action, thought provoking ending

Are You Ready to Write?

Persuasive essays are a great way to hone your research, writing, and critical thinking skills. Approach this assignment well, and you’ll learn how to form opinions based on information (not just ideas) and make arguments that—if they don’t change minds—at least win readers’ respect. ‍

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Strong Thesis Statement

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Navigating the vast ocean of ideas, every writer seeks that anchor – a robust thesis statement. This statement not only provides direction to the essay but also gives it a foundation. It distills the essence of the argument into a concise format, guiding the reader and asserting the writer’s perspective. To craft a compelling thesis statement, one must grasp its intricacies and nuances. This guide illuminates the path to creating magnetic thesis statements , backed by compelling examples and actionable tips.

What is a Powerful Thesis Statement?

A powerful thesis statement is a concise, specific declaration that presents the main point or argument of a piece of writing. It acts as a roadmap for the reader, outlining the central theme and position the writer will adopt or argue for. A potent final thesis statement not only states a fact but also takes a stance, establishes a perspective, and gives a hint about the line of reasoning the essay will adopt.

What is an Example of a Strong Thesis Statement?

“While global climate change is influenced by natural phenomena, predominant evidence indicates that human activities, especially the emission of greenhouse gases, are the primary contributors to the accelerated rate of global warming experienced in the last century.”

This statement presents a clear position, is debatable (therefore, not a mere fact), and hints at the reasoning that will be laid out in the essay or paper.

100 Strong Thesis Statement Examples

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Crafting a robust thesis statement is pivotal for any successful essay or research paper. This statement should encapsulate your main argument, presenting readers with a clear insight into your stance and the direction of your work.   you may also be interested to browse through our other thesis statement for research paper . Below are some strong thesis statement examples that provide a firm foundation for compelling arguments:

• “The rise of electronic communications in the modern era has diminished the significance of face-to-face interaction.” This highlights the impact of technology on human relationships.
• “Despite its perceived threats, artificial intelligence can be a beneficial tool when used ethically and can revolutionize sectors such as healthcare, finance, and education.” Here, AI’s advantages are emphasized despite potential pitfalls.
• “Mandatory voting laws can potentially undermine democratic processes by forcing uninformed voters to make decisions.” This statement questions the efficiency of compulsory voting.
• “Organic foods aren’t necessarily healthier than non-organic ones, but their production is more environmentally friendly and ethical.” A take on the broader implications of organic farming.
• “The portrayal of women in media has evolved over the decades, yet it still adheres to aged stereotypes.” A comment on gender representation in media.
• “Modern education must evolve with technological advancements, integrating digital literacy as a core component.” This underscores the importance of technology in today’s education.
• “While many argue the death penalty serves as a deterrent to crime, studies have shown that states without it have lower murder rates.” A statement countering a popular belief.
• “The cultural shift towards plant-based diets can lead to positive health outcomes and combat climate change.” This advocates for dietary change for health and environmental reasons.
• “Remote working, although beneficial for work-life balance, can hinder team cohesion and organizational culture.” A nuanced view on the rise of remote work.
• “Childhood vaccinations should be mandatory because they prevent outbreaks of contagious diseases, supporting herd immunity.” A statement emphasizing public health.
• “Banning single-use plastics can drastically reduce ocean pollution and promote sustainable consumer behaviors.” An environmental call to action.
• “Financial literacy education should be integrated into high school curricula to prepare students for real-world challenges.” Advocating for essential life skills in education.
• “Despite its historical significance, Christopher Columbus’ celebration ignores the negative impact of his expeditions on indigenous populations.” A call for a more nuanced historical perspective.
• “Excessive screen time can lead to a myriad of health issues in children, including impaired sleep and developmental issues.” A health-focused stance on technology.
• “Urban green spaces not only enhance city aesthetics but also promote mental well-being and biodiversity.” Emphasizing the multifaceted benefits of urban greenery.
• “A four-day workweek can boost productivity, improve mental health, and promote a better work-life balance.” A modern perspective on work culture.
• “The gender pay gap persists not solely due to discrimination but also societal norms and occupational segregation.” A multifaceted look at wage disparities.
• “Animal testing, while controversial, has led to numerous medical breakthroughs, but alternative methods should be explored more rigorously.” Balancing the pros and cons of a debated practice.
• “The digital age’s advent, while promoting connectivity, has also escalated mental health issues due to increased isolation.” A dual-sided view of technology’s impact.
• “Affirmative action, although divisive, is essential for redressing historical racial and ethnic injustices in higher education.” Advocating for a policy with historical context.
• “Corporate social responsibility initiatives benefit not only the community but also companies themselves by improving their public image.” An insight into business ethics.
• “E-sports should be recognized at the Olympic level, given their global popularity and demand for strategic mental agility.” Advocating for the evolving nature of sports.
• “Experiencing art through virtual reality can democratize access but may diminish the genuine essence of artworks.” Balancing tech advancement with traditional experiences.
• “The educational system should prioritize teaching emotional intelligence to foster healthier interpersonal relationships and decision-making.” Emphasizing holistic education.
• “Although nuclear energy presents potential dangers, its efficiency and low carbon footprint make it essential for a sustainable future.” A balanced view on energy resources.
• “Language learning should be compulsory in schools, fostering global understanding and cognitive development.” Advocating for a global perspective in education.
• “The gig economy, despite offering flexibility, can undermine workers’ rights and financial security.” A take on modern employment trends.
• “Fast fashion’s allure, from its affordability to trendiness, masks its detrimental environmental impact and exploitative production methods.” A statement on sustainable consumerism.
• “Universal basic income can be a solution to growing automation, ensuring financial stability in the evolving job landscape.” A futuristic economic perspective.
• “While social media platforms foster global connectivity, they can also perpetuate echo chambers and spread misinformation.” Highlighting the double-edged sword of technology.
• “Mindfulness practices in the workplace can enhance productivity, mental well-being, and job satisfaction.” Advocating for holistic approaches to work.
• “A holistic approach to criminal justice, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment, can lead to reduced recidivism rates.” A call for reform.
• “Solar and wind energy, given their sustainability and decreasing costs, should be central in future energy policies.” A sustainable view on future energy.
• “Despite its challenges, homeschooling offers personalized education, fostering in-depth knowledge and independence.” A take on alternative education methods.
• “Space exploration, beyond its scientific merits, can unite humanity under a shared goal and perspective.” A broader perspective on space endeavors.
• “Cultural appropriation, when done disrespectfully, not only offends but can erase the significance of traditional practices.” A statement on cultural sensitivity.
• “Declining bee populations, if unchecked, threaten global food systems and biodiversity.” Emphasizing an often-overlooked environmental issue.
• “Biographies, while insightful, can sometimes unintentionally perpetuate biases and inaccuracies of their subjects.” A take on the nature of historical recounting.
• “The rise of autonomous vehicles can revolutionize urban infrastructure and sustainability but introduces new ethical dilemmas.” Balancing innovation with ethics.
• “While international tourism boosts economies, it’s essential to balance it with local culture and environment preservation.” A sustainable view on tourism.
• “Introducing coding and digital literacy from primary education prepares students for the modern workforce and fosters logical thinking.” Advocating for a tech-savvy curriculum.
• “Consumerism during holidays, while boosting the economy, detracts from genuine cultural and familial significance.” A reflection on modern-day celebrations.
• “Genetically modified organisms (GMOs), when regulated, can address food insecurity without compromising ecological balance.” A stance on biotechnology.
• “Telemedicine, propelled by the pandemic, can revolutionize healthcare accessibility but also poses challenges in personal rapport and diagnosis accuracy.” A modern medical perspective.
• “Biodiversity’s decline, more than just species loss, compromises ecosystem services and resilience.” Highlighting the broad implications of species conservation.
• “3D printing in medicine holds the potential to revolutionize transplants and prosthetics but raises ethical concerns.” On the frontier of medical technology.
• “Sports not only foster physical health but also cultivate teamwork, discipline, and resilience.” A multifaceted view of sports’ significance.
• “Blockchain, beyond cryptocurrency, can enhance transparency and efficiency in sectors like supply chain and public records.” Broadening the scope of a tech trend.
• “While antibiotics revolutionized medicine, their overuse threatens a rise in resistant superbugs, necessitating judicious use.” A cautionary medical perspective.
• “Hydroponic and vertical farming, leveraging urban spaces, can meet food demands sustainably.” Innovations in agriculture
• “Digital detox, in an era of constant connectivity, can rejuvenate mental well-being and restore personal relationships.” Emphasizing the need for tech boundaries.
• “Mandatory voting laws, though seemingly undemocratic, can foster a more engaged and informed citizenry.” A new perspective on electoral participation.
• “Plant-based diets, beyond personal health benefits, play a pivotal role in addressing climate change and resource conservation.” Food’s role in sustainability.
• “Augmented reality (AR) in education can make learning immersive but requires careful integration to not overshadow foundational skills.” Balancing tech with foundational learning.
• “Remote work, while offering flexibility, requires robust digital infrastructure and new strategies to maintain team cohesion.” Navigating the new work paradigm.
• “Music therapy has proven benefits in cognitive rehabilitation, emotional well-being, and even physical recovery.” The therapeutic powers of melodies.
• “Zero-waste lifestyles, more than a trend, embody a critical approach to sustainable consumption and waste management.” Advocating for conscious living.
• “Classical literature, despite being rooted in bygone eras, offers timeless insights into human nature and society.” The enduring power of classics.
• “Urban green spaces, beyond recreational benefits, enhance air quality, biodiversity, and even property values.” A case for urban planning with nature.
• “Affordable housing initiatives, while challenging to implement, can revolutionize urban landscapes and socioeconomic equity.” Addressing urbanization challenges.
• “Virtual reality (VR) in therapy holds potential for exposure treatment, phobia management, and even PTSD rehabilitation.” A dive into therapeutic tech innovations.
• “Fair trade practices not only ensure equitable pay but also promote sustainable farming and community development.” Making a case for conscious consumerism.
• “Pet therapy has demonstrated efficacy in reducing stress, anxiety, and even improving cardiovascular health.” Pets’ unrecognized therapeutic roles.
• “Desalination, despite high costs, is a promising solution to freshwater scarcity in coastal regions.” Addressing global water challenges.
• “Blended learning models, combining traditional and online methods, cater to diverse learning styles and enhance engagement.” Reinventing modern education.
• “Incorporating mindfulness practices in schools can significantly reduce stress, increase focus, and foster emotional intelligence among students.” For holistic education.
• “Agroforestry, blending agriculture with forestry, offers a sustainable approach to land use, ensuring productivity and biodiversity.” A green thumb approach to farming.
• “While cryptocurrency promises decentralization and financial inclusivity, it also poses significant volatility and regulatory challenges.” A balanced financial perspective.
• “Emphasizing soft skills in education, from empathy to problem-solving, prepares students for modern collaborative workspaces.” Beyond the traditional curriculum.
• “Local farmers’ markets, more than just community hubs, support sustainable agriculture and strengthen local economies.” A fresh take on shopping sustainably
• “Community gardens not only provide fresh produce but also foster neighborhood ties and promote sustainable practices.” Cultivating more than just vegetables.
• “Artificial intelligence in healthcare can streamline diagnosis and treatment but raises ethical concerns about data privacy and decision-making autonomy.” The double-edged sword of AI.
• “Multilingual education not only promotes linguistic skills but also enhances cognitive flexibility and cultural understanding.” Celebrating linguistic diversity.
• “Adopting renewable energy sources isn’t just environmentally prudent; it can drive job creation and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.” A brighter, greener future.
• “While e-commerce offers convenience, supporting local businesses is crucial for community sustainability and personalized shopping experiences.” Balancing online with local.
• “Stem cell research, despite controversy, has the potential to revolutionize medicine, offering treatments for previously incurable conditions.” Pushing medical boundaries.
• “Intergenerational programs, bringing together the young and old, can bridge cultural gaps and combat age-related stereotypes.” Mending age-old divides.
• “Public transportation infrastructure investments not only ease urban congestion but also reduce carbon emissions and foster social equity.” A move towards sustainable mobility.
• “Incorporating financial literacy programs in school curricula prepares students for real-world challenges and fosters responsible money management.” The value of early financial education.
• “Biophilic design in urban planning, integrating nature with architecture, can enhance residents’ well-being and reduce urban heat islands.” Designing with nature in mind.
• “The circular economy model, emphasizing recycling and reuse, is not just eco-friendly but also a sustainable business strategy.” Rethinking consumption patterns.
• “Investing in mental health services in workplaces can increase productivity, reduce absenteeism, and foster overall well-being among employees.” Prioritizing mental well-being at work.
• “Personalized learning, tailoring education to individual needs, can cater to diverse learners and elevate overall educational outcomes.” A customized approach to education.
• “Restorative justice practices, focusing on reconciliation, can transform traditional punitive systems, fostering community healing and offender rehabilitation.” Rethinking justice.
• “Microfinance initiatives not only provide capital to the underserved but also empower communities, especially women, towards financial independence.” Small loans, significant impacts.
• “Nature-based tourism, if managed responsibly, can boost local economies while promoting environmental conservation.” Travelling with purpose.
• “Public libraries, beyond being knowledge repositories, act as community hubs, fostering inclusivity, and lifelong learning.” The unsung heroes of communities.
• “Co-working spaces, beyond their modern appeal, facilitate networking, foster collaboration, and can even promote work-life balance.” Redefining the modern workspace.
• “Inclusion of arts in education can stimulate creativity, enhance critical thinking, and foster holistic intellectual development.” Championing the arts.
• “Edible landscaping, integrating food crops with ornamental plants, can transform urban spaces into productive, sustainable ecosystems.” Gardens that feed communities
• “Cultural exchange programs at the student level can promote global understanding, fostering peace and cooperation for future generations.” Bridging global divides early on.
• “Telehealth, although born out of necessity in many cases, has the potential to revolutionize healthcare accessibility, especially in remote areas.” Healthcare at your fingertips.
• “Urban farming initiatives not only provide local produce but also combat the urban heat island effect and promote biodiversity.” Cityscapes turned green.
• “Ethical consumerism isn’t just a trend; it can drive businesses to adopt sustainable and socially responsible practices.” Voting with your wallet.
• “The integration of mindfulness practices in schools can enhance student focus, reduce stress, and promote emotional intelligence.” Breathing life into education.
• “Pet therapy, beyond the evident joys, can significantly aid in emotional healing, reducing anxiety and depression.” Healing with a paw or a purr.
• “Preserving indigenous languages is essential, not only for cultural heritage but also for the unique worldviews they offer.” Linguistic treasures of humanity.
• “Supporting women in STEM fields is not just about gender equality; it enriches research and drives innovation through diverse perspectives.” Science, enhanced by diversity.
• “Green rooftops, apart from being aesthetically pleasing, can significantly reduce energy consumption and support urban wildlife habitats.” Elevating green solutions.
• “Incorporating urban greenways promotes physical health, fosters community interactions, and enhances the overall livability of cities.” Paths to a healthier urban future.

A strong thesis statement paves the way for well-researched and impactful discussions, guiding readers through the intended narrative of the work.

Strong vs Weak Thesis Statement Examples

An impactful thesis statement captures the essence of an argument concisely, presenting a clear stance on an issue. On the other hand, a weak thesis might be vague, lacking a definitive point of view. Comparing strong vs. weak thesis statements helps in understanding the difference in depth, clarity, and precision. Below is a table illustrating this contrast:

Strong Thesis Statement Examples for Argumentative Essay

A potent argumentative essay thesis statement explicitly presents an argument, setting the foundation for persuasion. Here are ten examples:

• The death penalty is an outdated form of punishment and should be abolished due to its potential for irreversible mistakes.
• Animal testing is not only cruel but also ineffective and should be replaced by alternative research methods.
• GMOs, when regulated and appropriately used, can help combat world hunger and reduce pesticide usage.
• The gender wage gap is not only a matter of equality but also an economic imperative for a progressive society.
• Censoring media under the guise of national security restricts freedom of expression and curtails democratic discourse.
• The normalization of gig economy jeopardizes worker rights, leading to exploitation.
• The Second Amendment shouldn’t be an excuse against common-sense gun regulations.
• The electoral college system is archaic and does not truly represent the democratic wishes of the modern American populace.
• Legalizing marijuana can aid in reducing the burden on the legal system and provide medicinal and economic benefits.
• Privatization of essential services like water and electricity often leads to monopolies that neglect public welfare.

Strong Thesis Statement Examples for High School

Crafting a compelling thesis statement in high school lays the groundwork for effective argumentation and critical thinking. Here are ten examples:

• The influence of social media on teenagers’ self-esteem has more negative implications than positive ones.
• The “Great Gatsby” is not just a tragic love story but a portrayal of the decay of the American Dream.
• Extracurricular activities in high school are essential for holistic development and should be equally emphasized as academics.
• The portrayal of women in classic literature often reflects societal biases, as evident in Austen’s novels.
• Adolescents should have a say in their educational curriculum to foster engagement and passion.
• Cyberbullying in high schools is a by-product of technology misuse and requires stringent school policies for prevention.
• Early school start times adversely affect student health and academic performance.
• Parental involvement, while beneficial, can become counterproductive if excessively intrusive in high school education.
• Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” exemplifies the dangers of impulsive decisions in youth.
• Implementing financial literacy courses in high school is crucial for preparing students for adulthood.

Strong Thesis Statement Examples for Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a contemporary issue with profound effects. A strong thesis on this topic should address the nuances of digital harassment:

• The rise of social media platforms has inadvertently created an arena for cyberbullying, impacting mental health.
• Anonymity on the internet emboldens bullies, making it essential to have stricter online identity verifications.
• Cyberbullying can lead to long-term psychological trauma, highlighting the need for robust support systems.
• Schools need to adapt and incorporate cyberbullying awareness in their curriculum, preparing students for digital citizenship.
• Legislation against cyberbullying is not just a necessity but a testament to recognizing online spaces as extensions of our society.
• Online platforms should bear a shared responsibility in combating cyberbullying through better content monitoring.
• The normalization of trolling culture on the internet is a gateway to more severe forms of cyberbullying.
• The psychological impacts of cyberbullying are intensified due to the permanence and ubiquity of digital content.
• Parents and guardians should be educated about the signs of cyberbullying to protect and support their children effectively.
• Digital literacy programs should incorporate cyberbullying prevention as a foundational element to foster respectful online interactions.

How to Start a Strong Thesis Statement?

Understanding the Essence: Before you even begin, understand that a thesis statement encapsulates the main point of your paper in a concise manner. It’s not just a simple statement; it needs to be arguable and definitive.

1. Choose a Clear Topic: To craft a potent thesis statement, you first need a clear and specific topic. This could be anything from the subject of your research to the argument you wish to defend or refute.

2. Take a Stand: Your thesis statement shouldn’t merely state a fact. Instead, it should take a position or make an assertion.

3. Be Precise: Narrow down your statement to be as specific as possible. Avoid vague words and ensure your statement clearly expresses what you intend to discuss.

Good vs. Strong Thesis Statement

A good thesis statement might be clear and take a position, but a strong thesis statement goes further. It’s:

• Debatable: There should be a genuine controversy surrounding your statement, not something universally agreed upon.
• Specific: It uses concrete facts, figures, or points and doesn’t rely on generalities.
• Concise: It gets to the point quickly, avoiding unnecessary words.
• Informed: It shows a deep understanding of the topic.

For instance, a good statement might be: “Reading helps brain development in children.” A strong version would be: “Regular reading of literature from diverse genres between the ages 5 to 10 significantly boosts neural connectivity and cognitive flexibility in children.”

How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement?

1. Ask Questions: Start by posing questions about your topic. Your answers might form a preliminary version of your thesis statement.

2. Avoid the Obvious: Don’t just state a fact. Push yourself to think critically about the subject.

3. Use Strong Language: Avoid wishy-washy language. Use definitive language that shows you are making an assertion.

4. Test it Out: Before finalizing, test your thesis. Can you argue against it? If not, it might not be strong enough.

5. Revise as Necessary: Your first draft of a thesis statement won’t always be the best one. As your paper evolves, ensure that your thesis evolves with it.

Tips for Writing a Strong Thesis Statement

• Stay Focused: Your thesis should be specific enough to stay within the boundaries of your paper.
• Position it Right: Typically, your thesis statement should be the last one or two sentences in your introductory paragraph.
• Stay Objective: A thesis statement shouldn’t be a subjective judgment. Instead, it should be based on evidence.
• Seek Feedback: Before finalizing, get opinions from peers or mentors. Fresh eyes might catch ambiguities or areas of improvement.
• Avoid Clichés: Make your statement original, even if the topic is common. Avoid predictable thoughts and challenge existing viewpoints if possible.

Remember, your thesis statement is the backbone of your paper. Invest time in crafting a strong one, and your paper will stand tall and clear.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

10 Examples of Public speaking

20 Examples of Gas lighting

The Thesis Statement in a Persuasive Text

Alys Avalos-Rivera

In another chapter, we discussed the features of an informational essay. In this chapter, we will guide you to understand the essential elements of a similar type of academic text: the persuasive essay. Although informational and persuasive writing follow similar principles such as an orderly presentation of ideas that should be supported with evidence (e.g. facts, arguments, or examples), their purposes differ. The objective is written to take a stance (specific point of view) with respect to a controversial topic and persuade the audience to adopt the writer’s position. Because of this difference, the thesis statement of the persuasive essay needs to introduce the writer’s position in the controversy featured in the essay. Also, the preview of the essay’s structure should outline the arguments that the author will use to support his/her stance.

Should the US drinking age be lowered?

In the US, drinking alcoholic beverages is illegal for people under 21 years of age (minimum legal drinking age or MLDA). This law has long caused a great deal of disagreement and debates. While some people think it is paradoxical that young people of 18 cannot enter a bar but still go to war, others believe that the law is the best way to keep youth away from irresponsible and heavy drinking episodes (also called binge drinking). The following texts were written by readers of the New York Times” Room for Debate page to express their opinions about the subject. [1]

• Read the comments and underline the readers’ main arguments (reasons to support one position or the other).
• Identify which readers are against lowering the minimum drinking age (CON) and which are in favor (PRO)?
• Which arguments seem the least convincing? Which are the most persuasive? Why?

Content focus: Rating thesis statements

Considering these features, in the following task you will analyze how six college students drafted their thesis statements for a persuasive essay on the MLDA controversy. In the prompt used by the instructor for this assignment, students were required to address the following purposes:

• Present the PROs and CONs of the MLDA to a group of college students’ parents.
• Persuade the parents to vote in favor of lowering the MLDA to 18 years of age.

In other words, the writers need to take a stance on the issue. Read the Thesis Statement and assess how well each one fulfills the purposes given above and to what extent. Rate the Thesis Statement using a scale from 1 to 6, where 6 will stand for the best Thesis Statement and 1 will be given to the poorest. Be prepared to explain the reasons you have to support your rating.

a. The United States has more accidents caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol than other countries where there is no MLDA (        )

b. Young people should be allowed to drink without legal restrictions based on their age, which is ridiculous (        )

c. Parents should teach their children how to drink alcohol in moderation.  (        )

d. Lowering the MLDA will allow parents to introduce their children to alcohol use under the supervision and reduce the rate of accidents caused by drunken drivers (        )

e. A reduction in the MLDA will help neutralize teenagers’ obsession with drinking, allow parents to monitor their children first encounters with alcohol, and reduce the rate of accidents caused by irresponsible drinking.   (        )

f. Having the MLDA fixed at 21 is only increasing young people’s fascination with drinking in unsafe environments and using false IDs.     (        )

Guidelines for a thesis statement

What should be considered when drafting a thesis statement for an essay that aims to persuade the audience to take a stand in a controversial issue? Think of some possible guidelines to write an effective persuasive TS taking into account the following:

• How should you address your audience?
• Where in your text should you introduce your stance?
• What language features (words, phrases) could be useful?
• How can you connect your TS with the main arguments you will use in your essay?

Write your guidelines below and discuss them with your colleagues and your instructor:

In some of the thesis statements listed above, the writers use modal verbs such as will and should . The first one ( will ) is used to predict the results that could be achieved if the authorities follow a specific course of action regarding the MLDA. The second one ( should ) is used to recommend what should be done with respect to the MLDA. These and other modal verbs that express advice, convey an obligation, or predict an outcome are often used to introduce the writer’s stance because they are useful to express the speaker’s desires, or his/her ideas of how the world should be. Other modal verbs that are also used with these purposes are: must, can, could, ought to, and also the semi-modal have to .

When using modal verbs to compose your thesis statement, however, you should be careful to select the one that best represents your purpose. The meaning of your thesis statement can change a great deal if you use one or the other. Read the following examples and explain how the meaning has changed with each modal (in bold):

*Although ought to and must are accepted as standard forms, they are not used in Academic English very often because they imply a strong and categorical position. Scientists usually abstain from categorical statements because these expressions do not convey that the writer remains open to new possibilities. Scientist prefer to maintain a more open attitude in their writing in case new evidence is discovered in the future that can change their points of view about the world.

Although the participants in the Room for Debate’s and Star Wars pages hold different points of view regarding very different topics, they all engaged in their online discussions with a common purpose: persuading their audience of their point of view. They do so in a succinct fashion because their audience does not usually invest much time in reading blog posts that are too long and complex. Therefore, effective blog/forum posters try to be direct and present one single point per post. On the contrary, academic persuasive writing needs to be more detailed and provide the audience with more than just the author’s point of view.

• https://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2015/02/10/you-must-be-21-to-drink ↵

The Thesis Statement in a Persuasive Text Copyright © 2020 by Alys Avalos-Rivera is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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A clear, arguable thesis will tell your readers where you are going to end up, but it can also help you figure out how to get them there. Put your thesis at the top of a blank page and then make a list of the points you will need to make to argue that thesis effectively.

For example, consider this example from the thesis handout : While Sandel argues persuasively that our instinct to “remake”(54) ourselves into something ever more perfect is a problem, his belief that we can always draw a line between what is medically necessary and what makes us simply “better than well”(51) is less convincing.

To argue this thesis, the author needs to do the following:

• Show what is persuasive about Sandel’s claims about the problems with striving for perfection.
• Show what is not convincing about Sandel’s claim that we can clearly distinguish between medically necessary enhancements and other enhancements.

Once you have broken down your thesis into main claims, you can then think about what sub-claims you will need to make in order to support each of those main claims. That step might look like this:

• Evidence that Sandel provides to support this claim
• Discussion of why this evidence is convincing even in light of potential counterarguments
• Discussion of cases when medically necessary enhancement and non-medical enhancement cannot be easily distinguished
• Analysis of what those cases mean for Sandel’s argument
• Consideration of counterarguments (what Sandel might say in response to this section of your argument)

Each argument you will make in an essay will be different, but this strategy will often be a useful first step in figuring out the path of your argument.  

Strategy #2: Use subheadings, even if you remove them later  

Scientific papers generally include standard subheadings to delineate different sections of the paper, including “introduction,” “methods,” and “discussion.” Even when you are not required to use subheadings, it can be helpful to put them into an early draft to help you see what you’ve written and to begin to think about how your ideas fit together. You can do this by typing subheadings above the sections of your draft.

If you’re having trouble figuring out how your ideas fit together, try beginning with informal subheadings like these:

• Introduction  
• Explain the author’s main point  
• Show why this main point doesn’t hold up when we consider this other example  
• Explain the implications of what I’ve shown for our understanding of the author  
• Show how that changes our understanding of the topic

For longer papers, you may decide to include subheadings to guide your reader through your argument. In those cases, you would need to revise your informal subheadings to be more useful for your readers. For example, if you have initially written in something like “explain the author’s main point,” your final subheading might be something like “Sandel’s main argument” or “Sandel’s opposition to genetic enhancement.” In other cases, once you have the key pieces of your argument in place, you will be able to remove the subheadings.  

Strategy #3: Create a reverse outline from your draft  

While you may have learned to outline a paper before writing a draft, this step is often difficult because our ideas develop as we write. In some cases, it can be more helpful to write a draft in which you get all of your ideas out and then do a “reverse outline” of what you’ve already written. This doesn’t have to be formal; you can just make a list of the point in each paragraph of your draft and then ask these questions:

• Are those points in an order that makes sense to you?  
• Are there gaps in your argument?  
• Do the topic sentences of the paragraphs clearly state these main points?  
• Do you have more than one paragraph that focuses on the same point? If so, do you need both paragraphs?  
• Do you have some paragraphs that include too many points? If so, would it make more sense to split them up?  
• Do you make points near the end of the draft that would be more effective earlier in your paper?  
• Are there points missing from this draft?  
• picture_as_pdf Tips for Organizing Your Essay

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Persuasive Essay Examples

332 samples in this category

Persuasive essays hold the remarkable ability to sway minds and ignite change through the power of conviction. With their clear arguments and compelling evidence, these essays aim to influence readers to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action. By presenting persuasive essay example, we delve into the art of persuasion,...

Persuasive essays hold the remarkable ability to sway minds and ignite change through the power of conviction. With their clear arguments and compelling evidence, these essays aim to influence readers to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action. By presenting persuasive essay example, we delve into the art of persuasion, exploring how skilled writers effectively communicate their ideas, engage readers emotionally, and construct compelling arguments. These examples serve as beacons of inspiration, illuminating the persuasive techniques employed to captivate audiences and empower them to embrace new perspectives. Get ready to unlock the power of persuasion and discover the transformative impact of a well-crafted essay.

What is a persuasive essay?

A persuasive essay is a type of academic writing that aims to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint or argument. The primary objective of a persuasive essay is to present compelling evidence, logical reasoning, and persuasive techniques in order to sway the reader’s opinion and encourage them to adopt the writer’s perspective.

This type of essay typically includes a clear thesis statement at the beginning, followed by well-structured paragraphs that present supporting evidence and counterarguments. The writer employs persuasive language, appeals to emotions, and provides factual evidence to strengthen their case.

Ultimately, a persuasive essay intends to engage the reader intellectually and emotionally, challenging their preconceived notions and encouraging them to see the topic from the writer’s point of view.

How to write an example of a persuasive essay?

Writing a persuasive essay involves presenting arguments and supporting evidence to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint. To begin, it is essential to craft a compelling introduction that grabs the reader’s attention and clearly states the thesis statement.

The body paragraphs should then provide well-researched evidence, logical reasoning, and counterarguments to strengthen the persuasive stance. Each paragraph should focus on a single point and provide sufficient details and examples to persuade the reader.

Additionally, incorporating persuasive language techniques, such as emotional appeals and rhetorical devices, can enhance the effectiveness of the essay.

Finally, a strong conclusion should summarize the main points and reiterate the thesis while leaving a lasting impact on the reader’s mind. By employing these strategies, a persuasive essay can effectively sway the reader’s opinion and convey the writer’s perspective convincingly.

Types of persuasive essay?

Writing a persuasive essay involves presenting arguments and supporting evidence to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint. To begin, it is essential to craft a compelling introduction that grabs the reader’s attention and clearly states the thesis statement. The body paragraphs should then provide well-researched evidence, logical reasoning, and counterarguments to strengthen the persuasive stance.

Each paragraph should focus on a single point and provide sufficient details and examples to persuade the reader. Additionally, incorporating persuasive language techniques, such as emotional appeals and rhetorical devices, can enhance the effectiveness of the essay.

The purpose of writing persuasive essay

The purpose of writing a persuasive essay is to present a compelling argument and convince the reader to adopt a specific viewpoint or take a particular course of action. Through carefully constructed arguments, evidence, and persuasive language, the writer aims to sway the reader’s opinion, evoke an emotional response, and inspire them to support the writer’s perspective. A persuasive essay prompts critical thinking and encourages the reader to examine the topic from various angles, ultimately aiming to bring about a change in belief, behavior, or attitude.

How to start writing a persuasive essay?

To begin writing a persuasive essay, it is crucial to capture the reader’s attention right from the start. An effective opening paragraph should contain a strong thesis statement that clearly expresses your position on the topic. Consider using a compelling hook, such as a thought-provoking question, a startling statistic, or an engaging anecdote, to pique the reader’s interest.

The introductory paragraph should also provide a brief overview of the issue at hand, highlighting its significance and relevance to the reader. By setting the stage and clearly stating your stance, you can lay a solid foundation for the persuasive arguments that will follow in the subsequent paragraphs of your essay.

How to write a persuasive essay structure?

A persuasive essay aims to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint or argument by presenting logical reasoning and supporting evidence. To create an effective persuasive essay structure, it is crucial to organize the content in a coherent and compelling manner. The structure typically consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

The introduction serves as a captivating opening that grabs the reader’s attention. It should include a clear thesis statement that presents the main argument and establishes the writer’s position on the topic. Additionally, it may contain a brief overview of the issue at hand, providing context and relevance.

The body paragraphs form the core of the persuasive essay, presenting supporting evidence and logical reasoning to bolster the thesis statement. Each paragraph should focus on a single point or piece of evidence and be structured in a consistent manner. The writer must start with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph and clearly relates it back to the thesis statement. Following this, the writer should provide detailed explanations, examples, or statistics to support their argument. It is important to anticipate counterarguments and address them effectively within the body paragraphs, as this demonstrates a strong understanding of the opposing viewpoint.

Transitions between paragraphs are crucial for maintaining the flow and coherence of the essay. Utilize transitional words and phrases to guide the reader through the logical progression of ideas. Additionally, the body paragraphs should be arranged in a logical order, with the strongest and most persuasive points presented first.

Finally, the conclusion summarizes the main points discussed in the essay and restates the thesis statement, emphasizing its significance. The writer should use this section to leave a lasting impression on the reader by reinforcing the central argument and leaving them with a compelling call to action or a thought-provoking question.

In conclusion, a persuasive essay structure should comprise an attention-grabbing introduction, well-structured body paragraphs with strong evidence and counterargument refutation, and a compelling conclusion that reinforces the main argument. By organizing the essay effectively and presenting a well-supported argument, writers can maximize the persuasive impact of their essays and effectively engage their readers.

How to write a conclusion for persuasive essay?

In conclusion, it is evident that persuasive essay writing is a powerful tool for expressing ideas, influencing opinions, and driving change. The conclusion serves as the final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the reader, so it should be concise yet impactful. Restate the main thesis statement and summarize the key arguments presented throughout the essay, emphasizing their significance and relevance.

A persuasive conclusion should leave the reader with a sense of closure and a strong call to action, encouraging them to reflect on the presented ideas and consider taking a particular stance or course of action. By employing compelling language and reinforcing the persuasive elements of the essay, the conclusion effectively reinforces the writer’s viewpoint and prompts the reader to engage with the topic further.

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34 Compelling Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Topics cover education, technology, pop culture, sports, animals, and more.

Do your writers need some inspiration? If you’re teaching students to write a compare and contrast essay, a strong example is an invaluable tool. This round-up of our favorite compare and contrast essays covers a range of topics and grade levels, so no matter your students’ interests or ages, you’ll always have a helpful example to share. You’ll find links to full essays about education, technology, pop culture, sports, animals, and more. (Need compare-and-contrast essay topic ideas? Check out our big list of compare and contrast essay topics! )

What is a compare and contrast essay?

• Education and parenting essays
• Technology essays
• Pop culture essays
• Historical and political essays
• Sports essays
• Lifestyle essays
• Healthcare essays
• Animal essays

When choosing a compare and contrast essay example to include on this list, we considered the structure. A strong compare and contrast essay begins with an introductory paragraph that includes background context and a strong thesis. Next, the body includes paragraphs that explore the similarities and differences. Finally, a concluding paragraph restates the thesis, draws any necessary inferences, and asks any remaining questions.

A compare and contrast essay example can be an opinion piece comparing two things and making a conclusion about which is better. For example, “Is Tom Brady really the GOAT?” It can also help consumers decide which product is better suited to them. Should you keep your subscription to Hulu or Netflix? Should you stick with Apple or explore Android? Here’s our list of compare and contrast essay samples categorized by subject.

Education and Parenting Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Private school vs. public school.

Sample lines: “Deciding whether to send a child to public or private school can be a tough choice for parents. … Data on whether public or private education is better can be challenging to find and difficult to understand, and the cost of private school can be daunting. … According to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, public schools still attract far more students than private schools, with 50.7 million students attending public school as of 2018. Private school enrollment in the fall of 2017 was 5.7 million students, a number that is down from 6 million in 1999.”

Read the full essay: Private School vs. Public School at U.S. News and World Report

Homeschool vs. Public School: How Home Schooling Will Change Public Education

Sample lines: “Home schooling, not a present threat to public education, is nonetheless one of the forces that will change it. If the high estimates of the number of children in home schools (1.2 million) is correct, then the home-schooling universe is larger than the New York City public school system and roughly the size of the Los Angeles and Chicago public school systems combined. … Critics charge that three things are wrong with home schooling: harm to students academically; harm to society by producing students who are ill-prepared to function as democratic citizens and participants in a modern economy; and harm to public education, making it more difficult for other parents to educate their children. … It is time to ask whether home schooling, charters, and vouchers should be considered parts of a broad repertoire of methods that we as a society use to educate our children.”

Read the full essay: Homeschool vs. Public School: How Home Schooling Will Change Public Education at Brookings

Which parenting style is right for you?

Sample lines: “The three main types of parenting are on a type of ‘sliding scale’ of parenting, with permissive parenting as the least strict type of parenting. Permissive parenting typically has very few rules, while authoritarian parenting is thought of as a very strict, rule-driven type of parenting.”

Read the full essay: What Is Authoritative Parenting? at Healthline

Masked Education? The Benefits and Burdens of Wearing Face Masks in Schools During the Pandemic

Sample lines: “Face masks can prevent the spread of the virus SARS-CoV-2. … However, covering the lower half of the face reduces the ability to communicate. Positive emotions become less recognizable, and negative emotions are amplified. Emotional mimicry, contagion, and emotionality in general are reduced and (thereby) bonding between teachers and learners, group cohesion, and learning—of which emotions are a major driver. The benefits and burdens of face masks in schools should be seriously considered and made obvious and clear to teachers and students.”

Read the full essay: Masked Education? The Benefits and Burdens of Wearing Face Masks in Schools During the Pandemic at National Library of Medicine

To Ban or Not: What Should We Really Make of Book Bans?

Sample lines: “In recent years, book bans have soared in schools, reaching an all-time high in fall 2022. … The challenge of balancing parent concerns about ‘age appropriateness’ against the imperative of preparing students to be informed citizens is still on the minds of many educators today. … Such curricular decision-making  should  be left to the professionals, argues English/language arts instructional specialist Miriam Plotinsky. ‘Examining texts for their appropriateness is not a job that noneducators are trained to do,’ she wrote last year, as the national debate over censorship resurged with the news that a Tennessee district banned the graphic novel  Maus  just days before Holocaust Remembrance Day.”

Read the full essay: To Ban or Not: What Should We Really Make of Book Bans? at Education Week

Technology Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Netflix vs. hulu 2023: which is the best streaming service.

Sample lines: “Netflix fans will point to its high-quality originals, including  The Witcher ,  Stranger Things ,  Emily in Paris ,  Ozark , and more, as well as a wide variety of documentaries like  Cheer ,  The Last Dance ,  My Octopus Teacher , and many others. It also boasts a much larger subscription base, with more than 222 million subscribers compared to Hulu’s 44 million. Hulu, on the other hand, offers a variety of extras such as HBO and Showtime—content that’s unavailable on Netflix. Its price tag is also cheaper than the competition, with its $7/mo. starting price, which is a bit more palatable than Netflix’s $10/mo. starting price.”

Read the full essay: Netflix vs. Hulu 2023: Which is the best streaming service? at TV Guide

Kindle vs. Hardcover: Which is easier on the eyes?

Sample lines: “In the past, we would have to drag around heavy books if we were really into reading. Now, we can have all of those books, and many more, stored in one handy little device that can easily be stuffed into a backpack, purse, etc. … Many of us still prefer to hold an actual book in our hands. … But, whether you use a Kindle or prefer hardcover books or paperbacks, the main thing is that you enjoy reading. A story in a book or on a Kindle device can open up new worlds, take you to fantasy worlds, educate you, entertain you, and so much more.”

Read the full essay: Kindle vs. Hardcover: Which is easier on the eyes? at Books in a Flash

iPhone vs. Android: Which is better for you?

Sample lines: “The iPhone vs. Android comparison is a never-ending debate on which one is best. It will likely never have a real winner, but we’re going to try and help you to find your personal pick all the same. iOS 17 and Android 14—the latest versions of the two operating systems—both offer smooth and user-friendly experiences, and several similar or identical features. But there are still important differences to be aware of. … Owning an iPhone is a simpler, more convenient experience. There’s less to think about. … Android-device ownership is a bit harder. … Yet it’s simultaneously more freeing, because it offers more choice.”

Read the full essay: iPhone vs. Android: Which is better for you? at Tom’s Guide

Cutting the cord: Is streaming or cable better for you?

Sample lines: “Cord-cutting has become a popular trend in recent years, thanks to the rise of streaming services. For those unfamiliar, cord cutting is the process of canceling your cable subscription and instead, relying on streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu to watch your favorite shows and movies. The primary difference is that you can select your streaming services à la carte while cable locks you in on a set number of channels through bundles. So, the big question is: should you cut the cord?”

Read the full essay: Cutting the cord: Is streaming or cable better for you? at BroadbandNow

PS5 vs. Nintendo Switch

Sample lines: “The crux of the comparison comes down to portability versus power. Being able to migrate fully fledged Nintendo games from a big screen to a portable device is a huge asset—and one that consumers have taken to, especially given the Nintendo Switch’s meteoric sales figures. … It is worth noting that many of the biggest franchises like Call of Duty, Madden, modern Resident Evil titles, newer Final Fantasy games, Grand Theft Auto, and open-world Ubisoft adventures like Assassin’s Creed will usually skip Nintendo Switch due to its lack of power. The inability to play these popular games practically guarantees that a consumer will pick up a modern system, while using the Switch as a secondary device.”

Read the full essay: PS5 vs. Nintendo Switch at Digital Trends

What is the difference between Facebook and Instagram?

Sample lines: “Have you ever wondered what is the difference between Facebook and Instagram? Instagram and Facebook are by far the most popular social media channels used by digital marketers. Not to mention that they’re also the biggest platforms used by internet users worldwide. So, today we’ll look into the differences and similarities between these two platforms to help you figure out which one is the best fit for your business.”

Read the full essay: What is the difference between Facebook and Instagram? at SocialBee

Digital vs. Analog Watches—What’s the Difference?

Sample lines: “In short, digital watches use an LCD or LED screen to display the time. Whereas, an analog watch features three hands to denote the hour, minutes, and seconds. With the advancement in watch technology and research, both analog and digital watches have received significant improvements over the years. Especially in terms of design, endurance, and accompanying features. … At the end of the day, whether you go analog or digital, it’s a personal preference to make based on your style, needs, functions, and budget.”

Read the full essay: Digital vs. Analog Watches—What’s the Difference? at Watch Ranker

AI Art vs. Human Art: A Side-by-Side Analysis

Sample lines: “Art has always been a reflection of human creativity, emotion, and cultural expression. However, with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), a new form of artistic creation has emerged, blurring the lines between what is created by human hands and what is generated by algorithms. … Despite the excitement surrounding AI Art, it also raises complex ethical, legal, and artistic questions that have sparked debates about the definition of art, the role of the artist, and the future of art production. … Regardless of whether AI Art is considered ‘true’ art, it is crucial to embrace and explore the vast possibilities and potential it brings to the table. The transformative influence of AI art on the art world is still unfolding, and only time will reveal its true extent.”

Read the full essay: AI Art vs. Human Art: A Side-by-Side Analysis at Raul Lara

Pop Culture Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Christina aguilera vs. britney spears.

Sample lines: “Britney Spears vs. Christina Aguilera was the Coke vs. Pepsi of 1999 — no, really, Christina repped Coke and Britney shilled for Pepsi. The two teen idols released debut albums seven months apart before the turn of the century, with Britney’s becoming a standard-bearer for bubblegum pop and Aguilera’s taking an R&B bent to show off her range. … It’s clear that Spears and Aguilera took extremely divergent paths following their simultaneous breakout successes.”

Read the full essay: Christina Aguilera vs. Britney Spears at The Ringer

Harry Styles vs. Ed Sheeran

Sample lines: “The world heard our fantasies and delivered us two titans simultaneously—we have been blessed with Ed Sheeran and Harry Styles. Our cup runneth over; our bounty is immeasurable. More remarkable still is the fact that both have released albums almost at the same time: Ed’s third, Divide , was released in March and broke the record for one-day Spotify streams, while Harry’s frenziedly anticipated debut solo, called Harry Styles , was released yesterday.”

Read the full essay: Harry Styles versus Ed Sheeran at Belfast Telegraph

The Grinch: Three Versions Compared

Sample lines: “Based on the original story of the same name, this movie takes a completely different direction by choosing to break away from the cartoony form that Seuss had established by filming the movie in a live-action form. Whoville is preparing for Christmas while the Grinch looks down upon their celebrations in disgust. Like the previous film, The Grinch hatches a plan to ruin Christmas for the Who’s. … Like in the original Grinch, he disguises himself as Santa Claus, and makes his dog, Max, into a reindeer. He then takes all of the presents from the children and households. … Cole’s favorite is the 2000 edition, while Alex has only seen the original. Tell us which one is your favorite.”

Read the full essay: The Grinch: Three Versions Compared at Wooster School

Historical and Political Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Malcolm x vs. martin luther king jr.: comparison between two great leaders’ ideologies .

Sample lines: “Although they were fighting for civil rights at the same time, their ideology and way of fighting were completely distinctive. This can be for a plethora of reasons: background, upbringing, the system of thought, and vision. But keep in mind, they devoted their whole life to the same prospect. … Through boycotts and marches, [King] hoped to end racial segregation. He felt that the abolition of segregation would improve the likelihood of integration. Malcolm X, on the other hand, spearheaded a movement for black empowerment.”

Read the full essay: Malcolm X vs. Martin Luther King Jr.: Comparison Between Two Great Leaders’ Ideologies  at Melaninful

Contrast Between Obama and Trump Has Become Clear

Sample lines: “The contrast is even clearer when we look to the future. Trump promises more tax cuts, more military spending, more deficits and deeper cuts in programs for the vulnerable. He plans to nominate a coal lobbyist to head the Environmental Protection Agency. … Obama says America must move forward, and he praises progressive Democrats for advocating Medicare for all. … With Obama and then Trump, Americans have elected two diametrically opposed leaders leading into two very different directions.”

Read the full essay: Contrast Between Obama and Trump Has Become Clear at Chicago Sun-Times

Sports Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Lebron james vs. kobe bryant: a complete comparison.

Sample lines: “LeBron James has achieved so much in his career that he is seen by many as the greatest of all time, or at least the only player worthy of being mentioned in the GOAT conversation next to Michael Jordan. Bridging the gap between Jordan and LeBron though was Kobe Bryant, who often gets left out of comparisons and GOAT conversations. … Should his name be mentioned more though? Can he compare to LeBron or is The King too far past The Black Mamba in historical rankings already?”

Read the full essay: LeBron James vs. Kobe Bryant: A Complete Comparison at Sportskeeda

NFL: Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning Rivalry Comparison

Sample lines: “Tom Brady and Peyton Manning were largely considered the best quarterbacks in the NFL for the majority of the time they spent in the league together, with the icons having many head-to-head clashes in the regular season and on the AFC side of the NFL Playoffs. Manning was the leader of the Indianapolis Colts of the AFC South. … Brady spent his career as the QB of the AFC East’s New England Patriots, before taking his talents to Tampa Bay. … The reality is that winning is the most important aspect of any career, and Brady won more head-to-head matchups than Manning did.”

Read the full essay: NFL: Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning Rivalry Comparison at Sportskeeda

The Greatest NBA Franchise Ever: Boston Celtics or Los Angeles Lakers?

Sample lines: “The Celtics are universally considered as the greatest franchise in NBA history. But if you take a close look at the numbers, there isn’t really too much separation between them and their arch-rival Los Angeles Lakers. In fact, you can even make a good argument for the Lakers. … In 72 seasons played, the Boston Celtics have won a total of 3,314 games and lost 2,305 or a .590 winning mark. On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers have won 3,284 of 5,507 total games played or a slightly better winning record of .596. … But while the Lakers have the better winning percentage, the Celtics have the advantage over them in head-to-head competition.”

Read the full essay: The Greatest NBA Franchise Ever: Boston Celtics or Los Angeles Lakers? at Sport One

Is Soccer Better Than Football?

Sample lines: “Is soccer better than football? Soccer and football lovers have numerous reasons to support their sport of choice. Both keep the players physically fit and help to bring people together for an exciting cause. However, soccer has drawn more numbers globally due to its popularity in more countries.”

Read the full essay: Is Soccer Better Than Football? at Sports Brief

Lifestyle Choices Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Mobile home vs. tiny house: similarities, differences, pros & cons.

Sample lines: “Choosing the tiny home lifestyle enables you to spend more time with those you love. The small living space ensures quality bonding time rather than hiding away in a room or behind a computer screen. … You’ll be able to connect closer to nature and find yourself able to travel the country at any given moment. On the other hand, we have the mobile home. … They are built on a chassis with transportation in mind. … They are not built to be moved on a constant basis. … While moving the home again *is* possible, it may cost you several thousand dollars.”

Read the full essay: Mobile Home vs. Tiny House: Similarities, Differences, Pros & Cons at US Mobile Home Pros

Whole Foods vs. Walmart: The Story of Two Grocery Stores

Sample lines: “It is clear that both stores have very different stories and aims when it comes to their customers. Whole Foods looks to provide organic, healthy, exotic, and niche products for an audience with a very particular taste. … Walmart, on the other hand, looks to provide the best deals, every possible product, and every big brand for a broader audience. … Moreover, they look to make buying affordable and accessible, and focus on the capitalist nature of buying.”

Read the full essay: Whole Foods vs. Walmart: The Story of Two Grocery Stores at The Archaeology of Us

Artificial Grass vs. Turf: The Real Differences Revealed

Sample lines: “The key difference between artificial grass and turf is their intended use. Artificial turf is largely intended to be used for sports, so it is shorter and tougher. On the other hand, artificial grass is generally longer, softer and more suited to landscaping purposes. Most homeowners would opt for artificial grass as a replacement for a lawn, for example. Some people actually prefer playing sports on artificial grass, too … artificial grass is often softer and more bouncy, giving it a feel similar to playing on a grassy lawn. … At the end of the day, which one you will choose will depend on your specific household and needs.”

Read the full essay: Artificial Grass vs. Turf: The Real Differences Revealed at Almost Grass

Minimalism vs. Maximalism: Differences, Similarities, and Use Cases

Sample lines: “Maximalists love shopping, especially finding unique pieces. They see it as a hobby—even a skill—and a way to express their personality. Minimalists don’t like shopping and see it as a waste of time and money. They’d instead use those resources to create memorable experiences. Maximalists desire one-of-a-kind possessions. Minimalists are happy with duplicates—for example, personal uniforms. … Minimalism and maximalism are about being intentional with your life and belongings. It’s about making choices based on what’s important to you.”

Read the full essay: Minimalism vs. Maximalism: Differences, Similarities, and Use Cases at Minimalist Vegan

Vegetarian vs. Meat Eating: Is It Better To Be a Vegetarian?

Sample lines: “You’ve heard buzz over the years that following a vegetarian diet is better for your health, and you’ve probably read a few magazine articles featuring a celeb or two who swore off meat and animal products and ‘magically’ lost weight. So does ditching meat automatically equal weight loss? Will it really help you live longer and be healthier overall? … Vegetarians appear to have lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure  and lower rates of hypertension and type 2 diabetes than meat eaters. Vegetarians also tend to have a lower body mass index, lower overall cancer rates and lower risk of chronic disease. But if your vegetarian co-worker is noshing greasy veggie burgers and fries every day for lunch, is he likely to be healthier than you, who always orders the grilled salmon? Definitely not!”

Read the full essay: Vegetarian vs. Meat Eating: Is It Better To Be a Vegetarian? at WebMD

Healthcare Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Similarities and differences between the health systems in australia & usa.

Sample lines: “Australia and the United States are two very different countries. They are far away from each other, have contrasting fauna and flora, differ immensely by population, and have vastly different healthcare systems. The United States has a population of 331 million people, compared to Australia’s population of 25.5 million people.”

Read the full essay: Similarities and Differences Between the Health Systems in Australia & USA at Georgia State University

Universal Healthcare in the United States of America: A Healthy Debate

Sample lines: “Disadvantages of universal healthcare include significant upfront costs and logistical challenges. On the other hand, universal healthcare may lead to a healthier populace, and thus, in the long-term, help to mitigate the economic costs of an unhealthy nation. In particular, substantial health disparities exist in the United States, with low socio-economic status segments of the population subject to decreased access to quality healthcare and increased risk of non-communicable chronic conditions such as obesity and type II diabetes, among other determinants of poor health.”

Read the full essay: Universal Healthcare in the United States of America: A Healthy Debate at National Library of Medicine

Pros and Cons of Physician Aid in Dying

Sample lines: “Physician aid in dying is a controversial subject raising issues central to the role of physicians. … The two most common arguments in favor of legalizing AID are respect for patient autonomy and relief of suffering. A third, related, argument is that AID is a safe medical practice, requiring a health care professional. … Although opponents of AID offer many arguments ranging from pragmatic to philosophical, we focus here on concerns that the expansion of AID might cause additional, unintended harm through suicide contagion, slippery slope, and the deaths of patients suffering from depression.”

Read the full essay: Pros and Cons of Physician Aid in Dying at National Library of Medicine

Animals Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Compare and contrast paragraph—dogs and cats.

Sample lines: “Researchers have found that dogs have about twice the number of neurons in their cerebral cortexes than what cats have. Specifically, dogs had around 530 million neurons, whereas the domestic cat only had 250 million neurons. Moreover, dogs can be trained to learn and respond to our commands, but although your cat understands your name, and anticipates your every move, he/she may choose to ignore you.”

Read the full essay: Compare and Contrast Paragraph—Dogs and Cats at Proofwriting Guru via YouTube

Giddyup! The Differences Between Horses and Dogs

Sample lines: “Horses are prey animals with a deep herding instinct. They are highly sensitive to their environment, hyper aware, and ready to take flight if needed. Just like dogs, some horses are more confident than others, but just like dogs, all need a confident handler to teach them what to do. Some horses are highly reactive and can be spooked by the smallest things, as are dogs. … Another distinction between horses and dogs … was that while dogs have been domesticated , horses have been  tamed. … Both species have influenced our culture more than any other species on the planet.”

Read the full essay: Giddyup! The Differences Between Horses and Dogs at Positively Victoria Stilwell

Exotic, Domesticated, and Wild Pets

Sample lines: “Although the words ‘exotic’ and ‘wild’ are frequently used interchangeably, many people do not fully understand how these categories differ when it comes to pets. ‘A wild animal is an indigenous, non-domesticated animal, meaning that it is native to the country where you are located,’ Blue-McLendon explained. ‘For Texans, white-tailed deer, pronghorn sheep, raccoons, skunks, and bighorn sheep are wild animals … an exotic animal is one that is wild but is from a different continent than where you live.’ For example, a hedgehog in Texas would be considered an exotic animal, but in the hedgehog’s native country, it would be considered wildlife.”

Read the full essay: Exotic, Domesticated, and Wild Pets at Texas A&M University

Should Zoos Be Banned? Pros & Cons of Zoos

Sample lines: “The pros and cons of zoos often come from two very different points of view. From a legal standard, animals are often treated as property. That means they have less rights than humans, so a zoo seems like a positive place to maintain a high quality of life. For others, the forced enclosure of any animal feels like an unethical decision. … Zoos provide a protected environment for endangered animals, and also help in raising awareness and funding for wildlife initiatives and research projects. … Zoos are key for research. Being able to observe and study animals is crucial if we want to contribute to help them and repair the ecosystems. … Zoos are a typical form of family entertainment, but associating leisure and fun with the contemplation of animals in captivity can send the wrong signals to our children.”

Read the full essay: Should Zoos Be Banned? Pros & Cons of Zoos at EcoCation

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Home — Essay Samples — Philosophy — Ethics — Persuasive Paper on Death with Dignity

Persuasive Paper on Death with Dignity

• Categories: Death Ethics

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Published: Jun 6, 2024

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Introduction, body paragraph 1, body paragraph 2, body paragraph 3.

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Greatest Football Research Paper Topics to Please Your Supervisor

Nevertheless, football admirers often face difficulty in generating a topic for their papers, which may lie in the versatility of the subject and the scope of the information on it. So, this is the main and only reason why we took up compiling numerous incredible topics you can use for your football research paper. The choice is very broad and wide-ranging, so you’d better brace yourself!

Awesome topics for a football research paper

• What makes football so highly paid?
• Football injuries: the impact of traumas on a player’s career.
• The commercialization of football today.
• The origins and popularity of American football.
• How the game of football injects the feeling of fraternity and group building.
• The mechanics and dynamics of the game that is football.
• The impact of corruption in football on the loyalty of fans to the game.
• The factors that make football a great game for television.
• The difference between rugby and American football.
• The difference between international football and American football.

Football persuasive speech topics

• Football players can be smart – don’t fall prey to stereotypes.
• Students should receive money for playing football.
• Not all great football players can become good coaches.
• Even good coaches can lose their self-control.
• Should football players be regarded as role models for children?
• Professional football should be available to the lower class.
• Should football fans be somehow censored?
• Concussion rules in the NFL: do they spoil the game?
• Should players’ jerseys display ads?
• The World Cup produces devastating effects on the countries that host it.

Football essay topics

• From a coach’s perspective: how to bring about the best performances from football players.
• Trace your experience with the game of football.
• How can a professional football player prevent the most common sports injuries?
• Traumas in young players can lead to severe long-term outcomes.
• Injuries can negatively impact stress management of players.
• Psychological issues such as depression and anxiety can increase the risk of getting injured during exercise.
• Cyberfootball: can experienced gamers be considered professional players?
• What should be done about offensive team names in football?
• College football vs. professional football.

Football informative speech topics

• The differences between Canadian and American football.
• Gaelic football rules: a mix of rugby, soccer, and basketball.
• Brief history of football.
• Football vs. soccer.
• The evolution of football championships through the past four decades.
• What country has the most enjoyable football?
• The making of a pro player: the steps to become a high-paid football superstar.
• UCL backstage: this is how the world’s most colossal football championship is organized.
• Most influential players in the history of football.
• Some curious facts from the football world.

Football thesis statement examples

No matter how obsessed you are with football, choosing a topic for your football research paper can be a real challenge. The all-inclusive selection of topics we provided is aimed at guiding you through the tricky maze of academia and allocating some time for your favorite sporting activity! Here is the list of sport research paper topics to save more of your time.

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