• Example of an argumentative thesis: “Thomas Paine’s use of plain language, biblical
analogies, and egalitarian rhetoric explains the enormous appeal of Common Sense.”
*Note: A writer could easily prove this argument by examining the three points listed in the sentence.
Example Essay Thesis: After reading several works, weigh the evidence and decide whether or
not you think the New Deal was effective. Your answer to that question will be the thesis of the
paper. In this case, you have concluded that while the New Deal did not actually end the
Depression and that some of its programs were unsuccessful, the bulk of the evidence
demonstrates that the New Deal restored public confidence, promoted a partial economic
recovery, and created many beneficial programs. You state your thesis as follows: "Although the
New Deal did not end the Depression, it successfully restored public confidence and created new
programs that brought relief to millions of Americans."
4. Find supporting evidence for your thesis. You should have done most of this work during
your initial research, but you may wish to find additional information that will strengthen your
argument. Remember that you have a page limit. Limit yourself to the evidence that you believe
best supports your thesis. When you find evidence that contradicts your thesis, do not ignore it!
As a historian, you should present contrary evidence, but show that the evidence that supports
your thesis outweighs it. You might even consider reworking your thesis to account for this
contrary evidence.
Example Essay Supporting Evidence:
A. The activity of Roosevelt's first "Hundred Days" in office helped restore public
confidence by showing that the government was actively promoting recovery.
B. The "Bank Holiday" helped place the banking industry back on sound footing.
C. Programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress
Administration (WPA) put Americans back to work and accomplished important projects that
benefited the public.
D. The New Deal created Social Security, which helped millions of people at the time
and continues to help millions of Americans today.
5. List contrary evidence. You will touch upon these points briefly in your paper, but you do
not want to spend excessive time on them. Acknowledge and describe the contrary evidence, but
not in such depth that it undermines the evidence that supports your thesis.
Example Essay Contrary Evidence:
A. The New Deal did not end the Depression.
B. The Supreme Court declared some New Deal programs unconstitutional.
6. Complete your outline. An outline does not need to be anything more than your thesis and a
list of the supporting evidence. You can add as much or as little detail to this as you deem
helpful. Do not get bogged down creating an overly detailed outline.
An outline should start with your thesis statement. Beneath your thesis, note what your
introduction will include (e.g. background information necessary to understand your thesis and
supporting evidence). Then list your items of supporting evidence and contrary evidence. If you