4.

Topics and Thesis Statements

HOW TO WRITE A PERSUASIVE ESSAY?

OBJECTIVES: Write a thesis statement based on the topic chosen by yourself

ACTIVITY 1 (at home)

Choose one topic that you feel interested in.
TOPICS
 City expansion  Mysteries of the world
 Overpopulation in urban areas  Rewards at work
 Technology influence in our society  Ways of shopping
 Flexible thinking

CONTEXTS & QUESTIONS

These are some contexts and their corresponding questions, so you get familiar with some of the topics from the
English textbook. Pay attention to the question since it guides you on generating your thesis later on.
CONTEXT QUESTION

Industrialization has become one of the most important activities in any Given this scenario, do you think that
country. This has triggered an expansion in rural areas which has governments should continue granting
caused positive and negative aspects such as destruction of the habitat licenses to these companies in contexts
and employment for the locals. like these?

There has been a great discussion towards renting or buying. Some Given this scenario, do you think people
argue that renting is more affordable than buying since the price for an should be encouraged to have their
apartment might be too high. own place?

There have been many mysteries around the world that have had an Given this scenario, do you think these
impact on people’s lives. Some people believe that it is important to secrets should be revealed to the
keep those secret to maintain the world order while other say the world immediately?
people have the right to know the truth.

Rewards have become an essential part in people’s lives since it works Given this scenario, do you think
as a source of motivation in their jobs. Nevertheless, some experts companies should continue giving
argue that such benefits do not increase productivity at work. these benefits to employees?

News is an important aspect in our lives since it keeps us informed Given this scenario, do you think
about what is going on around the world; however, some news tend to journalist who create fake news should
be manipulated by some journalists in order to control people’s be sent to jail?
behavior or beliefs, causing serious negative effects.
  Example: TOPIC: Overpopulation in urban areas

Context: Nowadays, forced immigration has been increasing the number of refugees in Europe, The U.S.A and Latin
America. This situation has become a challenge for the hosting countries that have to deal with several social
problems that include overpopulation in urban areas. Given this scenario: Do you think undocumented immigrants
should be deported right away to avoid overpopulation?

TOPIC CHOSEN Overpopulation in urban areas.

Nowadays, forced immigration has been increasing the number of
refugees in Europe, The U.S.A and Latin America. Thus, jobs,
employment and the health system have been affected. This situation
has become a challenge for the hosting countries that have to deal
CONTEXT with several social problems that include overpopulation in urban
areas.

Do you think undocumented immigrants should be deported right

CONTROVERSIAL QUESTION 1 away to avoid overpopulation?

ACTIVITY 2 (At home)

Look at the example below. Then write a possible thesis statement for the other outlines.

Question selected: Do you think undocumented immigrants should be deported right away to avoid
overpopulation in urban areas?

Thesis statement: Turn the question into a sentence by taking a stand or position towards the topic.

Example:
HOOK More than 3 million refugees arrive illegally to the U.S Europe and Latin America every
year.
BACKGROUND  Local citizens/not find a job easily/increase unemployment
 Not enough places to stay
 Health security system collapse
THESIS STATEMENT Therefore, undocumented Latin American immigrants should be deported right away
(Controversial) to avoid overpopulation in urban areas

HOOK Around 15% of passengers/ not pay ticket in Transmilenio

BACKGROUND  Insecurity in the system
 Transmilenio crashes death rate
 Loss of money
THESIS STATEMENT
(Controversial)
HOOK Electronic cigarettes (vaping)/ new alternatives for smokers
BACKGROUND  12 vaper death in the Us/805 lung injuries in 46 states
 Vapers aged 18-35/tendency starting younger
 Side effects/ no vapers
 THESIS STATEMENT
(Controversial)

HOOK Videogames industry/+148.100 million of US dollars in 2019

BACKGROUND  World health organization (WHO)/ video disruption = mental health
problem.
 Significant personal/family/educational detriment in gamers
 Addiction confusion reality vs fantasy
THESIS STATEMENT
(Controversial)

ACTIVITY 3 (In class)

It is your turn now: Complete the chart below and look at the Activity 1 again to select the topic for your essay. You
are advised to browse your textbook to get inspired. Then, think of a question and make a thesis statement out of it:

TOPIC CHOSEN

CONTEXT

CONTROVERSIAL
QUESTION

THESIS STATEMENT:
(controversial)
Include Should or Should
not