'Ghost Hunters' claims to be scientific -- with thermal imaging technology, etc. -- the show presents something that is much more valuable as entertaintment than as scientific study."

To develop my argument, I might look at the ways in which the actors on the show (I'd argue in the essay that they're actors, not scientists) set the stage by telling some sort of background story about the place they're investigating, how they seem to latch onto any anomaly as evidence of "something," etc.

A thesis statement is a first presentation of the position that you are going to advocate in your essay. You need to determine the position you want to argue - do you feel that some paranormal events are real or are they all fake? - and determine the information you are going to use to support your position. This information can then be summarized to develop your thesis statement.

I can't give you a thesis statement because I don't know what you want to accomplish with your essay. Do you have a specific type of so-called paranormal event you wish to present as being scientifically provable as being real? Do you plan to present reasons why paranormal sightings or events are brilliant hoaxes? Your opinion on the subject is critical to the writing of your thesis statement, particularly since you are writing a persuasive essay. Your job in the essay is to convince your reader that your opinion is the correct one based on the evidence and arguments you present. Your thesis statement needs to come from your feelings about the subject.

Before you begin to write, collect scientific data on your subject, testimony from authorities, and as many facts as possible.

1. To begin with, you will want to write a brief, direct statement of where you stand on the issue:  This is your position statement , or proposition--the thesis statement of your persuasive essay which indicates two broad, fundamental reason for your position.
2. Set up a pro-con table.  It is important that you understand and anticipate all the arguments/counterarguments that your issue gives rise to.  Put "Pro" on the left-hand side and "Con" on the right-hand side, then, jot down all the reasons that you have collected.
3. List arguments and counterarguments.  Using your pro-con table as a basis, write a more extensive list of possible arguments to support your side and a list of possible objections, or counterarguments, for the other side.  Come back to this and check for the validity of your arguments (i.e. be sure you have not used logical fallacies.)  If, as you collect arguments for and against the issue, you come across an opposing argument that you cannot refute, you must acknowledge it and affirm its validity.  (This is called conceding a point.)  It is not a weakness to do this; in fact, it is a sign of strength that demonstrates that you have thoroughly considered all sides and are being fair.

Be sure to write a well reasoned essay with plenty of support that no one can argue with [examples, expert opinions, statistics).  Be sure to deal thoroughly and fairly with counterarguments.

Craft an effective introduction as it is important to make your readers care about the issue from the outset.  Begin with an attention-getting anecdote or example, a surprising statistic, of a rhetorical question [ one that is asked to make people think)  Then, clearly identify the issue, and state your position on it

You may wish to organize your essay by importance with the most significant argument first.  However, sometimes it is effective to move from least to most, saving the "heaviest ammuntion" for the last.

Logical order presents oppononents' positions and then presents your refutations of these arguments through comparison and contrast or rebuttal.

Use both logical appeals, ones made to reason, and emotional appeals.  To develop emotional appeals, think about the evidence you have collected that will speak to your readers' hearts:  Examples, vivid details, anecdotes, and experiences can be used effectively.

Emotional appeals also come from the connotative meanings of words that you choose.  Connotative words are words that can deliver a "punch." Used carefully and sparingly, these words will cause readers to become not just intellectually involved, but emotionally, as well.

Always consider the audience's response, since affecting their opinions is your primary goal.  Think about how much your audience already knows about your issue, and provide background information, if necessary

The conclusion of your essay should leave readers feeling that and issue has been adequately and fairly explored.  You may wish to reword your thesis, or make a statement about what might happen if they do not follow the course of action you recommend.