An argumentative thesis statement, whether for a master’s degree thesis or for any paper written, presents one or more ideas the writer will argue as true or plausible based on the evidence provided in the paper. No matter what is argued, this statement must be clear and obvious, and when it is properly written, it helps to dictate flow and focus of the paper. As long as students continue to discuss the central argument, they stay on topic. Writing such a thesis depends on being able to clearly articulate the point of the paper and its central argument.
An argumentative thesis statement in a shorter paper, usually no more than 20 typed pages in length, should be presented in the first paragraph, and is usually best as the last sentence of that paragraph. This is helpful to the reader because it clues the reader in on the writer’s intentions. An argumentative thesis should also be one sentence in shorter papers. Adding additional sentences obscures the point.
Many writers wonder how to get to that one clear sentence that describes their intent. The simple answer is that the writer should answer the question: What is my point? It’s not a bad idea to write this answer down, and then if it is not fully clear, write it again or continue to refine the sentence until it is a complete and thorough answer to the question, stated simply.
This may not seem particularly complicated, but it’s probably the best way to derive an argumentative thesis statement. It is possible to add additional elements to a statement, but additions may depend on teacher preference. Some teachers like an obvious announcement and personal pronoun usage in statements that begin “In this paper I will prove (show, establish, argue) that….” When teachers prefer no personal pronouns and more nuanced statements, simply making the statement of what the writer will prove is enough.
Many people feel uncomfortable writing an argumentative thesis statement because they know a point can’t be proven. In reality, few points are ever proven. Most are simply argued and are left up to the interpretation of a reader. In these instances it is still okay to have a strong statement of the point or position of the argument, although some writers may prefer to qualify their comments with words and/or phrases like "perhaps," "it might be argued that," "can be reasonably proven," and et cetera. Though these statements aren’t as strong, they might make writers feel more comfortable.
For more tips on writing an argumentative thesis statement students should check the writing guides of their disciplines, as there may be some difference in recommendations. Writing labs on college campuses and, of course, teachers are also great sources of help. Online resources that are very useful include the O.W.L. at Perdue, which is accessible to anyone with an Internet connection.
