The document provides guidance on selecting a debatable topic for an argumentative essay. It notes that a debatable topic must have differing reasonable opinions and not be generally agreed upon. An example of a non-debatable topic given is that pollution is bad for the environment, while spending at least 25% of the federal budget on limiting pollution is considered a debatable topic. The document also recommends narrowing the thesis to a manageable argument and provides examples of broad versus narrowed topics. Finally, it lists some common categories for argumentative theses, such as facts/definitions, causes and effects, values, and solutions/policies.

1. Must be debatable

2. Debatable
 Must have differing opinions (not generally agreed upon)
Example:
 Non debatable: Pollution is bad for the environment.
(No one could reasonably argue that pollution is good)
 Debatable: At least 25% of federal budget should be spent on
limiting pollution.
(Reasonable people could disagree)

3. Specific
 Condense Thesis to a manageable sized argument (a
broader claim requires more evidence to persuade)
Example:
• Too broad: Drug use is detrimental to society. (Too many open ended
question to cover, such as, Which drug? Which part of
society?)
•Narrowed: Illegal drug use is detrimental because it encourages gang
violence. (Being specific eliminates the broad topic)

4. FACT OR DEFINITION CAUSE AND EFFECT
 Argument for a definition of  A person, thing, or event
what something is or caused another thing or
whether it is settled in fact. event to occur.
Example Example
 Global warming is actually nothing  The popularity of SUV’s in the
more than normal, long-term cycles states has caused pollution to
of climate change. increase.

5. VALUE SOLUTIONS OR POLICIES
 What something is  Argue for or against a certain
worth, whether we value it or solution or policy approach to a
not, rate or categorize it. problem.
Example Example
 Global warming is the most  Instead of drilling for oil in
pressing challenge facing the Alaska we should be focusing
world today. on ways to reduce oil
consumption, such as
researching renewable energy
resources.

6.  Be aware of audience, topic, and context of
paper.
 Evaluate the biggest difference between
viewpoints.
 Identify debate and define position early in
paper.
Works Cited
Weida, Stacy. Stolley, Karl. “Developing Strong Thesis Statements.”
Owl.english.purdue.edu. Owl Purdue Online Writing Lab. 2011. Web. October
30, 2011.