How to Write a Thesis: Steps 5–7

Step 5: Argue Both Sides

It is important to take time to argue both sides. You don’t have to write out the arguments; a list of a few points will do. You do need to be sure there really are two sides (if one option is obviously better, there won’t be a reason to consider your thesis). Another benefit of arguing both sides is that you can use the opposing side to help introduce your argument.

Here is an example of an “arguing-both-sides” list:

Using your notes, write this kind of list for Wilson’s statement. Check your understanding when you are finished. Remember to argue both sides:

• For: There is some truth in Wilson’s statement.
• Against: There is no truth in Wilson’s statement.

Check Your Understanding

Sample Response:

1. For: There is some truth in Wilson’s statement.

     • Dogs sense fear.
     • Dogs are not distracted by reputation, clothes, money, etc.
     • Dogs judge each other in this way.
     • The idea can be wrong but still have some truth in it.

2. Against: There is no truth in Wilson’s statement.

     • People’s response to dogs is often based on their past experiences with dogs, not their sincerity.
     • Dogs can sense whether or not a person is comfortable but not why.
     • People are more complex than this idea indicates.
     • Some dogs like all people, and some dogs like only people they know well.

Close

Step 6: Revise the Thesis

As you work your way through the writing of an essay, from preliminary plans to final draft, you should always consider revisions that would make your thesis better. That means revisions that will make your thesis more clear, closer to what you want to say, and (most importantly) more consistent with the support that you are providing. It is much (MUCH) easier to make adjustments in your thesis than to adjust your support paragraphs to fit your thesis.

If your thesis has been created through these steps, it is probably a good thesis. You should give it a final check to see if it is defensible and debatable.

Step 7: Is Your Thesis Defensible? Is Your Thesis Debatable?

Your thesis is valuable if it is both defensible and debatable. If your thesis can be justified or proven by argument or evidence, it is considered defensible. If no reasonable argument or evidence can be provided to support your thesis, it is not defensible.

Similarly, if a thesis has merits or flaws that can be argued or viewed in different ways, it is worthy of debate, or debatable. On the other hand, if most reasonable people already agree with your thesis, or its truth is obvious, the thesis is not debatable.

Let’s say you’re considering this thesis: “Everyone who graduates from college becomes wealthy.” To attempt to prove your thesis, you would have to provide evidence about the financial status of everyone who graduates from college. It isn’t reasonable to amass this evidence, so this thesis is not defensible. However, since most reasonable people could argue against this thesis, it is debatable.

For another example, take the thesis “Dogs should be prohibited from running for elective offices.” This thesis is not debatable because it is obviously true to reasonable people. (Sure, there might be a dog enthusiast somewhere who insists that a dog would make a superior mayor if given a fair shake, but this person would not be considered reasonable.) This thesis is defensible: much evidence could be found about the tendency of dogs to chase squirrels rather than attend town hall meetings. It doesn’t matter, though, because the thesis is not debatable.

The thesis statements below are either "not debatable" or "not defensible." Decide which error each thesis statement commits, and then click on your answer to see if it’s correct.