Your teacher has given you the assignment to deliver a 7-10 minute speech about gun control laws to your classmates. Begin your preparation by narrowing your topic and deciding on a purpose (i.e. to persuade or to inform), then write a specific thesis statement for your speech.

Answer:

Answers will vary, but should be a full sentence in the form of a declarative statement, should be narrow enough to cover in a 7-10 minute speech, should present one clear central idea or stance, and should state or imply a specific purpose (i.e.. persuasive or informative). Example persuasive thesis: Gun laws are the cause of much violent crime in America, and should be changed to require all gun purchasers to undergo a psychological exam, an FBI background check, and an extensive training course prior to obtaining a permit. Example informative thesis: How gun control laws affect the crime rate has been the subject of much debate in America, with one side claiming it should be easier for Americans to purchase handguns, while the other side claims laws should be much stricter.