How to Write an Argumentative Thesis Statement

A basic thesis is made up of three parts, the topic, the opinion expressed in the paper, and the supporting evidence. Here is an example of a basic thesis:

Futurama is one of the best television shows on cable because of its humor, lovable characters and creative story lines.

Topic + Opinion + Support = Thesis

This is a solid thesis that would be fine for a standard paper, but in an argumentative paper, there should be opposing points listed. In fact, in the thesis statement you want to show the opposing side's argument and state, in some way, that you are going to disprove it. Therefore, an argumentative thesis has more than three parts. If one were to put a standard thesis in an argumentative paper, two main points of the paper would be lacking. An argumentative thesis should look like this:

 Topic + Opinion + Support + Opposing View + Defeating Opposing View = Thesis

Here is an example argumentative thesis:

Futurama is one of the best television shows on cable because of its humor, lovable characters and creative story lines despite Fox canceling the series after the fourth season. 

Remember, the thesis is the main point, or main argument of your paper. If you are writing an argumentative paper, the argument should be present within the thesis statement. Make sure you counter the opposition's claim, though, or the thesis statement could be confusing and not reflect your actual opinion on the subject. Although "despite" is a very simple word, it illustrates disagreement with Fox canceling the series.  Without the word "despite" in thesis statement to show disagreement with the opposing view, the thesis can become confusing and unclear.

Here is an example of an argumentative thesis that is confusing because it lacks defeat of the opposing view:

Futurama is one of the best television shows on cable because of its humor, lovable characters and creative story lines and Fox canceled the series after the fourth season.


Now the thesis doesn't seem argumentative - it just looks as if facts are being listed about the show that have nothing to do with it being the best television show on cable. Always be sure to show disagreement with the oppositions view points to make an argumentative thesis complete.


Next time you write an argumentative paper, be sure to fine-tune your thesis statement to fit with the assignment at hand.


For more help with Thesis Statements, come visit us in the Fullerton College Writing Center. We are open Monday through Friday. Our hours are Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please call ahead and make your appointment today! The Fullerton College Writing Center phone number is (714) 992-7153.