Imagine that you have been given this prompt for an essay:

Question

"Evaluate the arguments for and against the Mexican-American war. Then, write an essay where you take a position on whether or not the Mexican-American war was justified."



Which two statements below would work best as a thesis statement for your essay?

(2 points)
Responses

The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) was a conflict between the United States and Mexico that resulted in the U.S. acquisition of large parts of what is now the American Southwest. Evaluating the arguments for and against the war provides a nuanced understanding of its justifications and criticisms.
The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) was a conflict between the United States and Mexico that resulted in the U.S. acquisition of large parts of what is now the American Southwest. Evaluating the arguments for and against the war provides a nuanced understanding of its justifications and criticisms.
The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) was a conflict between the United States and Mexico that resulted in the U.S. acquisition of large parts of what is now the American Southwest. Evaluating the arguments for and against the war provides a nuanced understanding of its justifications and criticisms.
The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) was a conflict between the United States and Mexico that resulted in the U.S. acquisition of large parts of what is now the American Southwest. Evaluating the arguments for and against the war provides a nuanced understanding of its justifications and criticisms.

The United States had valid reasons for going to war against Mexico in 1846.
The United States had valid reasons for going to war against Mexico in 1846.

Some people would say the Mexican-American War was justified, but others would disagree.
Some people would say the Mexican-American War was justified, but others would disagree.

The Mexican-American War was not justified.

Answer 1

The two statements that would work best as a thesis statement for your essay are:

1. "The United States had valid reasons for going to war against Mexico in 1846."
2. "The Mexican-American War was not justified."

These statements clearly take a position on the justification of the Mexican-American War, which aligns with the prompt asking for an evaluation and a definitive stance. The first statement supports the idea that the war was justified, while the second clearly argues against that perspective. Either statement can serve as a solid foundation for your essay.