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 was not justified.
The Mexican-American War was not justified.

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.

Answer 1

The two best thesis statements for your essay would be:

1. The Mexican-American War was not justified.
   This statement clearly takes a definitive position and signals to the reader that the essay will argue against the justification of the war.

2. 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.
   This statement provides context for the war while also indicating that the essay will explore different perspectives on its justification, though it is more neutral than a definitive stance.

The other statements either reassert a position without elaboration or present a vague view without committing to an argument.