Follow the steps below to formulate an argumentative thesis statement. All boxes must contain text. To learn how to write other kinds of thesis statements, please see our Writing a Thesis page.
Sample Outline Based on Your Thesis:
If written properly, your thesis can act as a “roadmap” for your paper, where each main idea presented in your thesis essentially becomes the topic of your body paragraph. To see this in action, use the suggested outline below.
Remember: This is meant as a guide only, so we encourage you to revise it in a way that works best for you and your assignment.
Introductory Paragraph
Start your introduction with an interesting "hook" to reel your reader in. An introduction can begin with
- a rhetorical question
- a quotation
- a definition
- an interesting fact
- a question that will be answered in your paper
- some background information on your topic
The idea is to begin broadly and gradually bring the reader closer to the main idea of the paper. At the end of the introduction, you will state your thesis statement.
For Example:
Paragraph #1
Possible topic sentence for Paragraph #1:
For Example:
Notice that this sentence contains the first reason presented in the thesis statement. Remember that the thesis statement is a kind of "mapping tool" that helps you organize your ideas, and it helps your reader follow your argument.
After the topic sentence, include any evidence in this body paragraph, such as a quotation, statistic, or data point, that supports this first point. Explain what the evidence means. Show the reader how this entire paragraph connects back to the thesis statement.
Paragraph #2
Possible topic sentence for Paragraph #2:
For Example:
The first sentence of the second body paragraph should state the second reason presented in your thesis.
As with the previous paragraph, include supporting evidence after stating your topic sentence. Explain what the evidence means. Show the reader how this entire paragraph connects back to the thesis statement.
Paragraph #3
Possible topic sentence for Paragraph #3:
For Example:
Your last reason should be stated in the final body paragraph. Also, if appropriate, address and refute any opposing viewpoints to your thesis statement here.
As always, include evidence that supports your point. Explain what the evidence means. Show the reader how this entire paragraph connects back to the thesis statement.
Concluding Paragraph
Possible topic sentence for your conclusion:
For Example:
Begin your conclusion paragraph by rephrasing your thesis statement. Instead of summarizing the points you just made, tell the reader how everything fits together. Explain the importance of your topic or the information you just presented.
Remember: This outline is based on the five–paragraph model. Add or subtract paragraphs to it according to your particular assignment or the size of your opinion/main idea.
State your topic
Your topic is the essential idea of your paper. It is usually a few words or a phrase that summarizes the subject of your paper. For your thesis statement, try to make your topic as specific as possible.
State your main idea about this topic
What are you trying to state or prove about your topic? What are you trying to persuade the reader to believe? When stating your opinion, be sure to…
- express one major idea
- name the topic and assert something specific about it
- take a stance on an issue that you can support with facts and reasons.
- state your position on or opinion about the issue.
Give a reason that supports your main idea
Write your reason as a clear statement. Be sure that you can support this reason with logical facts and evidence.
Give another reason that supports your main idea
Write your reason as a clear statement. Be sure that you can support this reason with logical facts and evidence.
Give one more reason that supports your main idea
Tell us one reason that supports your opinion. Write your reason as a clear statement. Be sure that you can support this reason with logical facts and evidence.
Include an opposing viewpoint to your main idea, if applicable
A good thesis statement acknowledges that there is always another side to the argument. So, include an opposing viewpoint (a counterargument) to your opinion. Basically, write down what a person who disagrees with your position might say about your topic.