Formulate a working thesis stating your position.

Printed Page 279

You may already have a position on the issue; if so, try drafting a working thesis statement now. (Alternatively, if you prefer to conduct research or develop your argument before trying to formulate a thesis, skip this activity and return to it when you’re ready.) As you develop your argument, rework this assertion to make it a compelling thesis statement by sharpening the language and perhaps forecasting your reasons. You may also need to qualify it, with words like often, sometimes, or in part.

Ways In

How Can I Analyze Each Argument Essay?

A good strategy is to begin by describing the issue, possibly indicating where others stand on it or what’s at stake, and then saying what you think. These sentence strategies may help you get started:

  • On this issue, X and Y say . Although I understand and to some degree sympathize with their point of view, this is ultimately a question of. What’s at stake is not but . Therefore, we must .
  • This issue is dividing our community. Some people argue . Others contend . And still others believe . It is in all of our interests to , however, because .
  • Conventional wisdom is that . But I take a different view: .