For my history class I have to do a research report about a social topic and I want to talk about cults. My teacher said to choose one and I chose Heaven's Gate. At first I was going to talk about the harmful effects of cults but after researching it, it was hard to find. A lot of it is a matter of opinion. So now I'm on the fence of what I should write about. What should my thesis statement be?

Answer 1

You've learned a lot already! :-)

These sites will help you develop your thesis statement.

http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/thesis.html

http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/thesistatement.html

After you've decided on your thesis statement, we'll be glad to comment on it.

Answer 2

I was thinking maybe it could be something like this:

While the effects of a cult are a matter of opinion, it is important to realize that "mind control" is more of an unclear and incorrectly named reason for cult conversion.

I don't know if this makes sense or maybe it should be more specific? I'm trying to say that mind control is not exactly true for cult conversion.

Answer 3

You wrote, "I'm trying to say that mind control is not exactly true for cult conversion."

I think the bold part of what you wrote is the crux of what you're getting at. Please clarify the meaning of "true" for me, though.

Answer 4

Not true as in mind control is not a valid reason for cult conversion. Does that make more sense?

Answer 5

OK, let's make sure I understand. Let me know if I don't, OK?

Something like this ~ mind control is not always a factor in a person's conversion to a cult.

or

Brainwashing and other forms of mind control are not always needed in order for a person to decide to join a cult.

I have trouble with the wording "valid reason" or "true" because I'm not clear on the "validity" or the "truth" -- on the part of the person joining the cult? or on the part of the person doing the recruiting? or ... ?