this goes with the research question you did the topic needs to be the same these  will all go into a paper at the end!!

Academic papers have a set structure to them.  The thesis statement is the road map for the paper. It clearly sets up the claim of the paper.  A thesis statement is different than a purpose statement.

A purpose statement tells the topic that is going to be explored, but does not indicate the conclusion the author has come to about the topic.  Purpose statements often begin with “This essay will explore….”

For your academic papers, you will be using a thesis statement.  It clearly identifies the claim of the paper and the main points that will be addressed in the paper.

• Your thesis statement is going to answer your research question. It needs to clearly take a position that a reasonable person could argue against.
• For this discussion, post a thesis statement and outline for your Argumentative Research Paper .  Submit it to the discussion forum, using the formula in the examples below. Be sure the thesis statement is clearly stated in the outline.
  • Respond to your classmates about their thesis statements
  • Can you identify their topic, opinion and main points?
  • Does their outline match their thesis statement?
  • What feedback do you have for them to consider as they begin their paper?
• The thesis statement should include:
  • the topic of your paper,
  • your opinion/position, and
  • the main points you are going to cover in the paper.

Example 1 - Thesis

Research Question: What are the best kinds of pets?

Thesis: Dogs make the best pets because they are loyal, protective, and can improve the mental and physical health of their owners.

Topic: Dogs as pets

Opinions: they make the best ones

Main points: loyal, protective, and improve mental/physical health of owners

Example 1 Outline

1. Introduction:
   1. Hook: “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” – Roger Caras
   2. Set up: Many factors need to be considered when deciding on a pet.
   3. Thesis: Dogs make the best pets because they are loyal, protective, and can improve the mental and physical health of their owners.
2. Loyalty
3. Protective
4. Mental and Physical Health of Owners
5. Conclusion

Example 2 - Thesis

Research Question: Is it worth it to go to college?

Thesis: While going to college can create a large amount of debt, getting a degree can help earn more money, find more satisfaction in work, and create job security

Topic: getting a college degree

Opinion: is beneficial

Main Points: debt (con), earn more money, satisfaction, job security

Example 2 Outline

1. Introduction
   1. Hook: A March 2018 Upjohn Institute working paper found career earnings for college graduates were 71% to 136% higher than those of high school graduates.
   2. Set up: The work force in the United States has changed, and with an ever changing economy, employers need to do what they can to stay competitive and relevant.
   3. Thesis: While going to college can create a large amount of debt, getting a degree can help earn more money, find more satisfaction in work, and create job security
2. Incurring Debt
3. Earning Potential
4. Job Satisfaction
5. Job Security
6. Conclusion

Click on "TWO: Thesis Discussion" above to compose your discussion forum post.