Building an Argument

Example Sheet

Thesis statement: the main point of your argument. It should consist

of two parts: your OPINION and a PLAN--the points that support
your opinion

When you want to convince someone that your main thesis is true,
you need to support your thesis with several good points that explain
your PLAN.

Example

Thesis statement: It is wrong for advertisers to glamorize smoking

(OPINION) because it is dirty, bothers others, and is bad for one’s
health (PLAN).

Supporting Points and Examples/Explanations

1. Smoking is dirty, not glamorous.

Smokers leave ashes, matches, and cigarette butts on the ground. In
addition, over time their teeth turn yellow, and everything they own smells
of stale smoke.

2. Smoking bothers other people.

Secondhand smoke causes others to suffer the harmful effects of
cigarettes even though they are not smoking. The smell of smoke will stick
to their clothes and hair.

3. Smoking is bad for health.

Smoking causes throat and lung cancers well as as well as heart disease to
both the smoker and those affected by second hand smoke. The American
Heart Association states that 400,000 people die per year from tobacco-
related illness—that is one death from cigarettes every 72 seconds. The
American Heart Association also states that Smoking causes more deaths
than alcohol, AIDS, illegal drugs, car crashes, fires, murders, and suicides
combined.
Instructions: Use the following sheet to build your argument. Be sure that your examples
are clear and thorough, don’t just give a single sentence to support your point. You must
include at least four supporting points. Refer to the sample sheet for assistance if you
need to.

Building an Argument

Thesis:_________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
__

Supporting Points and Examples/Explanations

1.

2.

3.

4.
 Outline Form

Thesis:_________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
__

Supporting Points and Examples/Explanations

A. Smoking is dirty, not glamorous.

1. Smokers leave ashes, matches, and cigarette butts on the ground.
2. their teeth turn yellow, and skin gets wrinkly
3. and everything they own smells of stale smoke.

B. Smoking bothers other people.

1. Secondhand smoke causes others to suffer the harmful effects of
cigarettes even though they are not smoking.
2. The smell of smoke will stick to their clothes and hair.
3. Some people could be allergic to cigarette smoke

C. Smoking is bad for health.

1. Smoking causes throat and lung cancers well as as well as heart
disease to both the smoker and those affected by second hand
smoke.
2. The American Heart Association states that 400,000 people die per
year from tobacco-related illness—that is one death from cigarettes
every 72 seconds.
3. The American Heart Association also states that Smoking causes
more deaths than alcohol, AIDS, illegal drugs, car crashes, fires,
murders, and suicides combined.
 Outline Form

Thesis:_________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
__

Supporting Points and Examples/Explanations

A. ____________________________________________

1. ____________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________

3. ____________________________________________

B. ____________________________________________

1. ____________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________

3. ____________________________________________

C. ____________________________________________

1. ____________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________

3. ____________________________________________

D. ___________________________________________

1. ____________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________

3. ____________________________________________