LE 4000 ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES

Step 5Developing an argumentative

thesis statement

HAVE YOU DECIDED ON YOUR TOPIC AND THE NEEDED

ACADEMIC SOURCES?“You should be making your choice of topic now”

Is your topic relevant to your area of studies? Do you have a strong point of view about the topic? Have you been able to find sufficient

information/ academic sources on the topic? Can you argue that point of view convincingly? Can you at least present 3 arguments? Can you find enough sources to support your

counter argument and refutation? Can you offer an Islamic perspective that

supports your argument (s)?

If you say YES TO ALL the above, you are ready to build a thesis statement for your research paper!!

What is a thesis statement?

A Thesis Statement is

‘A (ONE) SENTENCE THAT STATES CLEARLY YOUR TOPIC AND YOUR

STANCE ON THAT TOPIC!'

WHERE DO I PUT MY THESIS STATEMENT?

The thesis statement is usually written at

the end of your introduction.

Why do I need the thesis statement?

You need the thesis statement because it will control, guide and steer your research writing.

The thesis statement give precisions and impact by

Introducing the specific topic to the reader

Informing your stand or assertion

Pointing to the topic parts/supports that will be argued in the rest of your paper

Presenting the order of your supports or arguments

Developing an argumentative thesis statement

Developing an argument in support of your topic is not easy and it takes time and effort.

A good thesis statement grows from an interesting topic with valid arguments for and against. 

You cannot argue a question. Ex: Should children be abused?

It is not wise to argue facts that are agreed.

Ex: Children should not be abused.

It is not possible to argue opinions without facts .

Ex: Children are only abused by uneducated parents.

Examples of argumentative thesis

statements All IIUM students should wear uniforms. (simply stating a point of view)

IIUM students should wear uniforms because they create

a sense of unity and belonging. (indicating categories or reasons)

While some may disagree, I believe that IIUM students should wear uniforms because they ensure solidarity, belonging and brotherhood. (showing two views of a topic and emphasizing one with specific supports)

Which one do you like best? Why?

CAN I MODIFY /CHANGE MY THESIS STATEMENT?

SURE. As your research progresses and develops so does the statement. Most researchers begin with a Working Thesis Statement. It's helpful to have a thesis statement at the beginning of your research project, as this can be the focus of your ideas and information for the whole paper.

You will refer to the thesis statement many times throughout your paper. Keep referring back to your thesis statement whenever you find information that may be of use to you and ask question.

The final thesis statement must be a good, well-structured and clear sentence. It will be the hardest sentence you write but it is well worth the effort.

A WELL STRUCTURED ARGUMENTATIVE THESIS

STATEMENT should… take a stand and make a claim state the topic present parallel and concise justifications of main ideas

For example:

It is firmly believed that the university campus should be planned for a bicycle-friendly environment because it will promote an affordable means of transport, create better campus environment, and reduce road injuries and fatalities.

A WELL STRUCTURED ARGUMENTATIVE THESIS

STATEMENTLook at the statements below:

While some may disagree, water recycling should be implemented in Malaysia because it is a solution to shortage of water, high cost and environmental problems.

Can you identify the a) stand?b) topic?c) parallel and concise main ideas?

WHAT IS PARALLELISM?

Words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence that match in grammatical forms

Express ideas of equal weight Emphasize important information or ideas Add rhythm and grace to your writing style

WHAT IS PARALLELISM?

Parallel WORD FORM:

Recommended exercise includes running, swimming and cycling.

Parallel PHRASES:

Exercise helps people maintain healthy bodies and handle mental pressure.

maintain healthy bodies (V) (adj) (n)

handle mental pressure (v) (adj) (n)

WHAT IS PARALLELISM?

Parallel CLAUSES:

Many people exercise because they want to look healthy, they need to increase stamina and they hope to live longer.

What is Conciseness?

Sentences are direct to the point Sentences are only filled with necessary

words or phrases Sentences do not waste reader’s time

and imply writer’s lack of focus.

ConcisenessExamples of unnecessary words/phrases As a matter of fact

Many marriages, as a matter of fact, end in divorce.

In the process of The government is in the process of

reviewing the proposal. The point I am trying to make

The point I am trying to make is television reporters invade our privacy.

Wordy vs concise

WORDY:

As a matter of fact, the television station which is situated in the local area has won a great many awards in the final analysis because of its type of coverage of all kinds of controversial issues.

CONCISE:

The local television station has won many awards because of its coverage of controversial issues.

Wordy vs concise Wordy: Uniforms must be worn by IIUM students

for the purpose of enhancing a sense of belonging among students…

Concise:Uniforms must be worn by IIUM students to enhance a sense of belonging among students….

COMPREHENSION COMPREHENSION QUESTIONSQUESTIONS