
Copy your working thesis on an index card and keep it in front of you as you research and write.During the writing process, consider your thesis a working thesis and be willing to modify and re-focus it as you draft and revise your paper.Your freewrite may suggest a workable thesis. If you are having trouble formulating a thesis, begin freewriting about your topic. Brainstorm, research, talk, and think about your topic before settling on a thesis. A thesis evolves as you work with your topic.A thesis which contains words which lead to faulty generalizations (all, none, always, only, everyone, etc.).A thesis which deals with a stale or trite issue.A thesis which begins with I think or in my opinion.A thesis which includes extraneous information.(Usually the answer to the question yields the thesis) Observation + opinion (the "why") = thesisĪ good way to test the strength of your thesis is to see if it yields a strong antithesis. Keep in mind that a thesis contains both an observation and an opinion: It should not, however, be generally accepted as true it must be a statement with which people may disagree. To be arguable, a thesis must have some probability of being true. Your thesis must be arguable it must assert or deny something about your topic. Take a position on your topic, and form a thesis statement. If you cannot state your purpose clearly, try to freewrite about your topic. What is your purpose? What opinion, view, or idea do you want to prove? Try to articulate your purpose clearly before you begin writing. Decide what your goals are for the paper.

Make sure your topic is neither too broad-something which warrants a dissertation-nor too limited. Select an arguable topic, preferably one which interests, puzzles, or appeals to you. Suggestions for Developing Argumentative Essays 1.
