Argumentative/Persuasive
Writing
Simple and Complete
Thesis Statements
A Simple Thesis Statement
• Also called: a claim, an assertion, a point of
view, a position
• Must be more than just an opinion
– It must be arguable.
– It is a statement that can be supported by
evidence.
• Presents a topic that is not too broad to be
supported by the length of the paper
Examples of
Simple Thesis Statements
• School uniforms should not be
mandatory.
• Cell phone use by children should be
prohibited.
• Zoos accomplish many valuable goals.
A Complete Thesis Statement
• Is arguable (a reasonable person could
disagree with it)
• Can be supported by evidence, reasons, or
examples
• Deals with a topic that is not too broad to be
supported by the length of the paper
• Guides the reader like a road map, and
supports the organization of the paper
• Is written in third person (not in first person “I”
or “me”)
Examples of Complete
Thesis Statements
• School uniforms should not be mandatory; they
hinder individual expression, teach conformity,
and require the purchase of unwanted products.
• Cell phone use by children should be prohibited
because cell phones burden families with extra
expenses, may impair brain development, and
can be unsafe.
• Zoos accomplish many valuable goals, such as
saving endangered species, conducting valuable
research, and providing entertainment.
Practice: Simple or
Complete Thesis Statements?
With a partner, decide if these statements are simple
or complete thesis statements.
• A healthy diet is important for teachers and
students.
• A candidate’s ability to afford television
advertising can have an impact on the
outcome of congressional elections.
• Students attending public school should be
required to wear uniforms because they
reduce clothing costs, limit distractions, and
develop school pride.
More Practice…
Simple or Complete Thesis Statements?
• Monopoly should be called the best board
game of our time because more copies have
been sold than any other board game, it is
played by both children and adults, and it has
inspired many new games.
• Children should always wear helmets when
riding their bikes both because it is the law and
because following the law will prevent head
injuries.
• Reading every night increases reading
achievement on standardized tests, so
students should read each night.