Copyright © First, you need to develop a simple thesis statement that can be argued using empirical evidence. “Euthanasia should be legalized in Canada.” Then, you need to find three distinct (independent) arguments that will support this thesis. Argument #1: Euthanasia should be legalized in Canada because it would prevent needless suffering endured by thousands of terminally ill Canadians who are desirous of a peaceful death. Argument #2: Euthanasia should be legalized in Canada because it would prevent well-meaning individuals from being prosecuted for their acts of compassion. Argument #3: Euthanasia should be legalized in Canada because it would reflect the will of the Canadian people. Then, you need to present evidence that will support each argument. Various statistics, cases, articles, studies, qualified opinions, etc. proving that thousands of terminally ill Canadians are currently suffering, and that these people would prefer euthanasia. Various statistics, cases, articles, studies, qualified opinions, etc. proving that many well- meaning individuals are being / have been prosecuted for compassionate euthanasia. Various statistics, cases, articles, studies, qualified opinions, etc. proving that the majority of Canadians are in support of legalized euthanasia.

Copyright © Tips for Building a Solid Thesis Structure 1. Make your thesis statement extremely simple and clear. This makes the rest of your argument much easier to construct. 2. Avoid simply restating your thesis within your supporting arguments. Example: “Euthanasia is a right that is entirely up to the patient - not the government.” 3. Avoid the temptation to present your supporting arguments as questions. Example: “Why should we allow people to suffer needlessly?” Remember, a good argument is comprised of answers - not questions.

Copyright © Tips for Building a Solid Thesis Structure 4. Make sure that your supporting arguments are statements that can be proven using empirical evidence - not emotional hyperbole that can neither be proved nor disproved. Example: “If a society cannot care for those who are suffering, then it cannot claim to be a caring society.” 5. Avoid presenting supporting arguments that are vague or general. Example: “The failure to address the need for euthanasia will have a significant and far-reaching impact on Canadian society.” 6. Ensure that your suppoirting arguments really ARE supporting arguments, as opposed to recommendations. For example, this is NOT a supporting argument: “Euthanasia should be made available to anyone who is terminally ill and has passed a psychological assessment.” ACID TEST: You should be able to begin your supporting argument with your simplified thesis statement. Example: “ Euthanasia should be legalized in Canada because…” If you cannot do this, then you are probably not presenting an actual argument.