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.

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.

The topic you have chosen, "Does television today brainwash children and teens?", can indeed be a persuasive topic for an essay. To make it more persuasive and specific, you can follow these steps:

1. Clarify your stance: Start by clarifying whether you agree or disagree with the statement. This will help you structure your essay and provide a clear thesis statement. For example, you could state, "Television today does not merely entertain, but it has the potential to brainwash children and teens."

2. Define key terms: Clearly define what you mean by "brainwash." Explain the specific behaviors, messages, or effects that you believe television has on children and teens.

3. Gather evidence: Collect evidence that supports your thesis statement. Look for research studies, expert opinions, or specific examples from real-life situations to support your claims. For instance, you can find studies examining the impact of advertising on children, the influence of media on behavior, or the effects of excessive screen time.

4. Address counterarguments: To make your essay more persuasive, consider addressing potential counterarguments or opposing viewpoints. Acknowledge different perspectives and then provide compelling evidence to refute them. For example, you could address the argument that parents play a dominant role in shaping children's beliefs and behaviors, and counter it by showing how targeted advertising can influence children's preferences and choices.

5. Appeal to emotions and values: Persuasive essays often appeal to emotions and values to engage readers. Consider incorporating anecdotes, personal stories, or relatable examples that evoke emotional responses. For instance, you could describe specific instances where television has influenced children's beliefs or led to negative behavior changes.

6. Offer potential solutions: To make your essay more persuasive, suggest practical solutions or recommendations to mitigate the negative impacts of television on children and teens. Provide actionable steps that parents, educators, or policymakers can take to address the issue.

Remember, persuasive essays rely on strong evidence, logical reasoning, and engaging writing to convince readers of your viewpoint. By following these steps and incorporating these elements, you can make your essay more persuasive and detailed. Good luck with your essay!