Making a persuasive argument: interactive workshop

What makes a thesis statement strong? A single, specific claim that your essay supports Includes:  a topic  a precise opinion  your reasoning A thesis should be: specific debatable

Example “Germany’s proportional representation system keeps the number of parties in the legislature to a more manageable number, and its rules that voters vote for both a representative (first ballot) and a party (second ballot) provides a better balance of geographic representation and party accountability than Italy’s proportional system.” Topic: Differences in proportional systems of representation. Precise Opinion: Germany’s proportional system provides better balance of representation Reasoning: Number of parties more manageable, provides both geographic and party representation.

Why is this not a thesis statement? Not a thesis: There are many opinions on the differing roles and importance of the judiciary in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.

Thesis statements are not just opinion statements Not an effective thesis: The United Kingdom has a better judiciary system than the United States.

In Conclusion Your thesis should make clear what your argument is; it should also provide the reader with some indication of why your argument is persuasive.

Sample argument 1 – Needs strengthening The French health care system is the best health care system in Europe and is superior to the U.S. system, because it is relatively economical and provides better health outcomes for its citizens.

Sample argument 2 The immigration issue is making German Far-Right parties more popular, due to (1) the backlash against the country’s guest workers program, (2) Germany’s nationalistic citizenship laws, and (3) immigrants have become the scapegoat for economic downturns.

Your arguments What are your arguments? What evidence do you need to convince a skeptic of the merit of your argument?