Thesis StatementWorksheet: Persuasive
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Thesis StatementWorksheet

Persuasive

Step One

In Week 1 you chose a topic and rhetorical mode to use for your final essay. You have chosen to write a persuasive essay. Take a few moments to prewrite about your topic by considering three to five positions on that topic. Donot limit yourself to your own opinions; rather, try to identify positions that others might hold as well. For example:

Topic (Issue): Gun Control

Some positions on gun control:

  • American firearm possession should not be restricted in any way.
  • Americans should not be permitted to own firearms for personal use.
  • Americans should be able to own firearms, but not be permited to carry them outside of the home.
  • Americans should have to pass a test to own a firearm and an advanced test to carry a concealed firearm out of the home.

Use this space for your prewriting activity.
Answer the questions using complete sentences.
  1. What is the topic your instructor approved in Week 1?

  1. What are some possible positions on your topic you could discuss in your essay?

Step Two

As discussed in your reading (The Everyday Writer, “Argument”), you are persuading your reader to think or believe something about your topic. You will acheive this more easily by clearly defining your audience before writing. This allows you to gauge how much or how little information you should share in your essay.

Answer the questions using complete sentences.
  1. Who is your audience and how much does it already know about your topic?

  1. Will your audience have any particular views on your topic that you need to consider as you write?

Step Three

Create a thesis statement by using your selected topic and the position on it you have selected in Step One by following the pattern offered in “Argument”ofThe Everyday Writer Plus:

Issue (Topic) + Position = Thesis statement

The increase in random acts of violence as a result of weak gun control laws makes it clear that Americans should not be permitted to own firearms for personal use.

Keep in mind that you must make your position as clear and specific as possible, so that your audience can clearly see where you are headed in your essay.

Using the pattern above (or some variation of your own), write a thesis statement:

Reference:

Lunsford, A. (2014). The everyday writer. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s.

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