Summarize the following:
Your thesis is the theory you're attempting to prove. Choose something that is debatable, and be as specific as possible. For example, instead of saying, "Pollution is bad for the environment," which is not debatable, say, "To reduce pollution, the government should tax car owners more heavily." Try not to be combative or confrontational in your thesis. Don't use words like stupid or evil, which can quickly alienate the people you're trying to convince. It may also be helpful to present both sides of the argument in a neutral and objective way early in your presentation. Seek out a librarian at your local library and ask them to help you find books and journals that relate to your research. If you are putting together an assignment for a class, your teacher may be able to provide sources, as well. You can also do much of your research online, but you'll need to be careful about which sites you're using. Some are more reliable than others. Government or university websites, peer-reviewed journals, well-known news publications, or documentaries are good places to start. In general, social media posts, personal websites, and collaborative websites where anyone can make changes are not reliable sources to cite. These are, however, a good place to gain a basic understanding of a topic. They might also cite more reliable sources that you can use. Avoid sources that are trying to sell you something, since their claims may not be completely honest. Research an opposing viewpoint so that you can anticipate the arguments someone else will make against your thesis. This will also help you prepare for your response to the counterargument. Try imagining what someone who disagreed with you would say. For example, if you're arguing for taxing drivers in order to reduce pollution, research the ways in which taxes can have a negative impact on society.
Select your thesis. Find reliable sources that support your thesis. Find reliable sources that support the counterargument.