Discussion Question 1:


Identifying the thesis statement

Identify the thesis statement in the article A Nation Apart. What strategies does the author use to formulate his argument? What makes the arguments so viable and compelling?

Remember, your responses must be substantive, and between 150-200 words minimum (not counting the questions or your signature block) to earn full points.

This site will help you with the identification of thesis statements.http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/thesis.html

This site will give you ideas on how to support your thesis.

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To identify the thesis statement, we need to understand the main argument that the author presents in the article "A Nation Apart." The thesis statement is usually the central claim or main idea that the author aims to support throughout the text.

To find the thesis statement, a close reading of the article is required. Pay attention to introductory paragraphs, topic sentences, and recurring ideas or arguments. Look for a sentence or paragraph that succinctly presents the author's main point or position.

Once you have found the thesis statement, analyze the strategies the author employs to support their argument. These could include logical reasoning, evidence from credible sources, anecdotes, statistics, or expert opinions. Assess whether the author's strategies effectively strengthen their argument and make their position more persuasive.

Consider what makes the arguments in the article viable and compelling. Reflect on whether the author provides strong evidence that supports their thesis statement. Assess the use of persuasive language, the organization of the article, and any counterarguments that the author acknowledges and addresses. Additionally, evaluate whether the author appeals to the reader's emotions or utilizes storytelling techniques to engage their audience.

Remember, it is important to provide evidence from the article itself to support your analysis of the author's strategies and the viability and compelling nature of their arguments.