Question

Is this a persuasive topic for an essay: Does television today brainwash children and teens? Yes or No? How?

My english teacher says he gets it but it needs to be more persuasive and specific. How do I that? Can you give me some examples? Please and thank you.

Answer 1

In order to make it more persuasive (!), you need to phrase it as a sentence, not a question. And you need to choose which side of the question you intend to support -- the yes or the no side. You cannot "sit on the fence" and write a really good persuasive argument.

Here's an example:

Television in the 21st century brainwashes children and teens by means of clever advertising, slanted news, and unrealistic drama.

And here are some links that should help:
http://blog.eduify.com/index.php/2009/06/21/5-tips-on-how-to-write-a-strong-thesis-statement/
and
http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/thesistatement.html

Let me know what you think.