Crafting Thesis Statements for Particular Purposes
Rhetorical Analysis and Argumentative Thesis Statements
At CSU-Pueblo, first-year writing courses (ENG 99, 101, and 102) may focus heavily on rhetorical analysis and persuasive/argumentative writing, which is reflected in reading and writing assignments. Therefore, several of your major writing projects may be Rhetorical Analysis and Argumentative Research papers. Here are some tips for writing thesis statements in Rhetorical Analysis and Argumentative Research Papers:
Rhetorical Analysis
A strong thesis statement for a rhetorical analysis essay…
- Is consistent in tone, avoiding the use of first person phrases
- Is specific about what rhetorical devices you will be analyzing
- Asserts a conclusion about the impact of these strategies on the text and/or visual and their effectiveness
- Brooks effectively convinces his audience that technology addiction can create a sense of loneliness through startling statistics and relatable anecdotes.
- Although Gladwell includes many convincing logical arguments through well-known studies and historical facts, his readers may doubt his objectivity because of his sarcastic tone.
- Barry Schwartz uses personal stories and references his best-selling book to establish credibility with his audience. These appeals to ethos, combined with his humorous tone are effective in persuading his audience to see the negative effects of choice overload.
- Duvernay effectively employs the rhetorical appeals of pathos and ethos in her documentary. However, her lack of logical appeals may lead viewers to doubt her claim that the prison system has become a modern form of slavery.
- The author uses pathos, ethos, and logos to convince his audience.
- The author claims technology addiction is a big issue in the United States.
- I’m going to explain how the author uses pathos, ethos, and logos to persuade his audience.
A strong argumentative thesis statement…
- Takes a stance on an issue / presents an argument
- Can be debated / has a clear opposing point of view
- Makes a claim that is supported by specific evidence
- Answers a topic-based question the paper will explore
- Is SPECIFIC / avoids being too broad or vague
- While technological advancements benefit society in practical ways, our personal dependence on technology has caused a greater prevalence of mood disorders, memory loss, and loneliness.
- With the homeless population steadily increasing in Denver, homeless people should be given access to regular food donations, public restrooms, and camping facilities because it would improve life for all of the city’s inhabitants.
- Technology benefits and harms our society in a number of ways.
- Homelessness is a problem in our society that needs to be addressed and solved.