Thesis Statement: Argumentative Type

Introduction

An argumentative thesis statement is a concise and clear declaration. It presents the main argument or position the writer supports and defends in his/her essay. It serves as a roadmap for the readers too, as it presents the central claims, reasons behind it, and pieces of evidence to support the claim.

The major purpose of the writer in using an argumentative thesis statement is to establish himself/herself as a logical writer, having a stance, an issue, and a position to present his perspective. Unlike informative or descriptive thesis statements that merely state a fact or provide an overview of the content, an argumentative thesis statement demonstrates the position of the writer and his/her assertion about its validity, truth, and veracity.

Elements of Argumentative Thesis Statement

1. Topic: It identifies the topic or issue being discussed.
2. Claim or Position: It presents a specific viewpoint or argument or position of the writer on or about that topic or issue.
3. Justification: It provides reasons or pieces of evidence that support the claim and indicate the position of the writer of the essay.
4. Counterarguments: It acknowledges opposing opinions, perspectives, and points of view and addresses potential objections or counterpoints to the main argument.

Objectives of an Argumentative Thesis Statement

1. It clearly states the writer’s position or argument on the topic.
2. It presents a specific claim supported or refuted.
3. It provides a reasoning or justification for the argument.
4. It acknowledges counterarguments and addresses them to strengthen the thesis.
5. It sets the direction and focus for the rest of the essay.

For example, the the impact of social media on society would have the following thesis statement with its major points as follows.

• Argumentative Thesis Statement: “Social media has a detrimental effect on interpersonal relationships due to decreased face-to-face interaction, increased social comparison, and cyberbullying.”
  • Position or Argument: Social media has negative effects on interpersonal relationships.
  • Specific Claim: It is due to decreased face-to-face interaction, increased social comparison, and cyberbullying.
  • Reasoning or Justification: These factors contribute to a considerable reduction in person-to-person relations, impacting social cohesion.
  • Counterarguments: Some, however, claim that social media helps to maintain long-distance relationships and removes distances.
  • Addressing Counterarguments: Interestingly, however, the negative repercussions outweigh its benefits as examples, case studies, and real-life stories prove it.

Examples of Argumentative Thesis Statements in an Essay

1. Topic: The Impact of Fast Food on Public Health

Topic	Thesis Statement	Process of Writing
The Impact of Fast Food on Public Health	The consumption of fast food should be limited due to its high levels of calories, unhealthy ingredients, and contribution to the obesity epidemic.	1. Identify the main topic: The impact of fast food on public health.
		2. Determine the specific argument: Limiting fast food consumption.
		3. Brainstorm supporting reasons/evidence: High-calorie content, unhealthy ingredients, correlation with obesity.
		4. Consider potential counterarguments: Address in the thesis.
		5. Combine elements into a clear and concise thesis statement.
		6. Optional: Address counterarguments to strengthen the argument.

• Topic: The Benefits of Exercise for Physical and Mental Well-being

Topic	Thesis Statement	Process of Writing
Benefits of Exercise for Physical and Mental Well-being	Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining physical fitness, improving mental health, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.	1. Identify the topic: The benefits of exercise.
		2. Determine the specific argument: Exercise is vital for physical and mental well-being.
		3. Identify positive impacts of exercise: Physical fitness, mental health improvement, stress reduction, chronic disease prevention.
		4. Write a thesis statement: Incorporate main points and address possible counterarguments.

• Topic: The Importance of Renewable Energy Sources for a Sustainable Future

Topic	Thesis Statement	Process of Writing
Importance of Renewable Energy Sources for a Sustainable Future	Transitioning to renewable energy sources is crucial for mitigating climate change, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and promoting environmental sustainability.	1. Identify the topic: The importance of renewable energy sources.
		2. Determine the specific argument: Transitioning to renewable energy is essential.
		3. Identify reasons supporting the argument: Addressing climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, decreasing reliance on finite fossil fuels, promoting sustainability.
		4. Develop a thesis statement: Concisely convey the primary argument.
		5. Present the counterclaim or counterargument: Address if applicable.

When writing these thesis statements, it is important to carefully reflect on your position, identify supporting evidence or reasons, and ensure that your thesis statement captures the essence of your argument. However, it must be ensured that it is concise, accurate, and clear. Without necessary clarity, it would lose its essence.

Suggested Readings

1. Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. The Craft of Research. University of Chicago Press, 2008.
2. Graff, Gerald, and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing. W. W. Norton & Company, 2014.
3. Lunsford, Andrea A. Everyone’s an Author. W. W. Norton & Company, 2019.
4. McEnroe, Jolene. Rhetorical Machines: Writing, Code, and Computational Persuasion. Routledge, 2018.
5. Rosenwasser, David, and Jill Stephen. Writing Analytically. Cengage, 2018.
6. Toulmin, Stephen E. The Uses of Argument. Cambridge University Press, 2003.
7. Williams, Joseph M. Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace. Pearson, 2016.
8. Young, Richard E., Alton L. Becker, and Kenneth L. Pike. Rhetoric: Discovery and Change. Harcourt Brace College Publishers, 1970.