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• How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

Published on January 11, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on August 15, 2023 by Eoghan Ryan.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . It usually comes near the end of your introduction .

Your thesis will look a bit different depending on the type of essay you’re writing. But the thesis statement should always clearly state the main idea you want to get across. Everything else in your essay should relate back to this idea.

You can write your thesis statement by following four simple steps:

• Start with a question
• Write your initial answer
• Develop your answer
• Refine your thesis statement

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Table of contents

What is a thesis statement, placement of the thesis statement, step 1: start with a question, step 2: write your initial answer, step 3: develop your answer, step 4: refine your thesis statement, types of thesis statements, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about thesis statements.

A thesis statement summarizes the central points of your essay. It is a signpost telling the reader what the essay will argue and why.

The best thesis statements are:

• Concise: A good thesis statement is short and sweet—don’t use more words than necessary. State your point clearly and directly in one or two sentences.
• Contentious: Your thesis shouldn’t be a simple statement of fact that everyone already knows. A good thesis statement is a claim that requires further evidence or analysis to back it up.
• Coherent: Everything mentioned in your thesis statement must be supported and explained in the rest of your paper.

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The thesis statement generally appears at the end of your essay introduction or research paper introduction .

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts and among young people more generally is hotly debated. For many who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education: the internet facilitates easier access to information, exposure to different perspectives, and a flexible learning environment for both students and teachers.

You should come up with an initial thesis, sometimes called a working thesis , early in the writing process . As soon as you’ve decided on your essay topic , you need to work out what you want to say about it—a clear thesis will give your essay direction and structure.

You might already have a question in your assignment, but if not, try to come up with your own. What would you like to find out or decide about your topic?

For example, you might ask:

After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process .

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Now you need to consider why this is your answer and how you will convince your reader to agree with you. As you read more about your topic and begin writing, your answer should get more detailed.

In your essay about the internet and education, the thesis states your position and sketches out the key arguments you’ll use to support it.

The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education because it facilitates easier access to information.

In your essay about braille, the thesis statement summarizes the key historical development that you’ll explain.

The invention of braille in the 19th century transformed the lives of blind people, allowing them to participate more actively in public life.

A strong thesis statement should tell the reader:

• Why you hold this position
• What they’ll learn from your essay
• The key points of your argument or narrative

The final thesis statement doesn’t just state your position, but summarizes your overall argument or the entire topic you’re going to explain. To strengthen a weak thesis statement, it can help to consider the broader context of your topic.

These examples are more specific and show that you’ll explore your topic in depth.

Your thesis statement should match the goals of your essay, which vary depending on the type of essay you’re writing:

• In an argumentative essay , your thesis statement should take a strong position. Your aim in the essay is to convince your reader of this thesis based on evidence and logical reasoning.
• In an expository essay , you’ll aim to explain the facts of a topic or process. Your thesis statement doesn’t have to include a strong opinion in this case, but it should clearly state the central point you want to make, and mention the key elements you’ll explain.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy

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• Write a College Essay
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A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

• It gives your writing direction and focus.
• It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

Follow these four steps to come up with a thesis statement :

• Ask a question about your topic .
• Write your initial answer.
• Develop your answer by including reasons.
• Refine your answer, adding more detail and nuance.

The thesis statement should be placed at the end of your essay introduction .

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Developing a Thesis Statement

Many papers you write require developing a thesis statement. In this section you’ll learn what a thesis statement is and how to write one.

Keep in mind that not all papers require thesis statements . If in doubt, please consult your instructor for assistance.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement . . .

• Makes an argumentative assertion about a topic; it states the conclusions that you have reached about your topic.
• Makes a promise to the reader about the scope, purpose, and direction of your paper.
• Is focused and specific enough to be “proven” within the boundaries of your paper.
• Is generally located near the end of the introduction ; sometimes, in a long paper, the thesis will be expressed in several sentences or in an entire paragraph.
• Identifies the relationships between the pieces of evidence that you are using to support your argument.

Not all papers require thesis statements! Ask your instructor if you’re in doubt whether you need one.

Identify a topic

Your topic is the subject about which you will write. Your assignment may suggest several ways of looking at a topic; or it may name a fairly general concept that you will explore or analyze in your paper.

Consider what your assignment asks you to do

Inform yourself about your topic, focus on one aspect of your topic, ask yourself whether your topic is worthy of your efforts, generate a topic from an assignment.

Below are some possible topics based on sample assignments.

Sample assignment 1

Analyze Spain’s neutrality in World War II.

Identified topic

Franco’s role in the diplomatic relationships between the Allies and the Axis

This topic avoids generalities such as “Spain” and “World War II,” addressing instead on Franco’s role (a specific aspect of “Spain”) and the diplomatic relations between the Allies and Axis (a specific aspect of World War II).

Sample assignment 2

Analyze one of Homer’s epic similes in the Iliad.

The relationship between the portrayal of warfare and the epic simile about Simoisius at 4.547-64.

This topic focuses on a single simile and relates it to a single aspect of the Iliad ( warfare being a major theme in that work).

Developing a Thesis Statement–Additional information

Your assignment may suggest several ways of looking at a topic, or it may name a fairly general concept that you will explore or analyze in your paper. You’ll want to read your assignment carefully, looking for key terms that you can use to focus your topic.

Sample assignment: Analyze Spain’s neutrality in World War II Key terms: analyze, Spain’s neutrality, World War II

After you’ve identified the key words in your topic, the next step is to read about them in several sources, or generate as much information as possible through an analysis of your topic. Obviously, the more material or knowledge you have, the more possibilities will be available for a strong argument. For the sample assignment above, you’ll want to look at books and articles on World War II in general, and Spain’s neutrality in particular.

As you consider your options, you must decide to focus on one aspect of your topic. This means that you cannot include everything you’ve learned about your topic, nor should you go off in several directions. If you end up covering too many different aspects of a topic, your paper will sprawl and be unconvincing in its argument, and it most likely will not fulfull the assignment requirements.

For the sample assignment above, both Spain’s neutrality and World War II are topics far too broad to explore in a paper. You may instead decide to focus on Franco’s role in the diplomatic relationships between the Allies and the Axis , which narrows down what aspects of Spain’s neutrality and World War II you want to discuss, as well as establishes a specific link between those two aspects.

Before you go too far, however, ask yourself whether your topic is worthy of your efforts. Try to avoid topics that already have too much written about them (i.e., “eating disorders and body image among adolescent women”) or that simply are not important (i.e. “why I like ice cream”). These topics may lead to a thesis that is either dry fact or a weird claim that cannot be supported. A good thesis falls somewhere between the two extremes. To arrive at this point, ask yourself what is new, interesting, contestable, or controversial about your topic.

As you work on your thesis, remember to keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times . Sometimes your thesis needs to evolve as you develop new insights, find new evidence, or take a different approach to your topic.

Derive a main point from topic

Once you have a topic, you will have to decide what the main point of your paper will be. This point, the “controlling idea,” becomes the core of your argument (thesis statement) and it is the unifying idea to which you will relate all your sub-theses. You can then turn this “controlling idea” into a purpose statement about what you intend to do in your paper.

Look for patterns in your evidence

Compose a purpose statement.

Consult the examples below for suggestions on how to look for patterns in your evidence and construct a purpose statement.

• Franco first tried to negotiate with the Axis
• Franco turned to the Allies when he couldn’t get some concessions that he wanted from the Axis

Possible conclusion:

Spain’s neutrality in WWII occurred for an entirely personal reason: Franco’s desire to preserve his own (and Spain’s) power.

Purpose statement

This paper will analyze Franco’s diplomacy during World War II to see how it contributed to Spain’s neutrality.

• The simile compares Simoisius to a tree, which is a peaceful, natural image.
• The tree in the simile is chopped down to make wheels for a chariot, which is an object used in warfare.

At first, the simile seems to take the reader away from the world of warfare, but we end up back in that world by the end.

This paper will analyze the way the simile about Simoisius at 4.547-64 moves in and out of the world of warfare.

Derive purpose statement from topic

To find out what your “controlling idea” is, you have to examine and evaluate your evidence . As you consider your evidence, you may notice patterns emerging, data repeated in more than one source, or facts that favor one view more than another. These patterns or data may then lead you to some conclusions about your topic and suggest that you can successfully argue for one idea better than another.

For instance, you might find out that Franco first tried to negotiate with the Axis, but when he couldn’t get some concessions that he wanted from them, he turned to the Allies. As you read more about Franco’s decisions, you may conclude that Spain’s neutrality in WWII occurred for an entirely personal reason: his desire to preserve his own (and Spain’s) power. Based on this conclusion, you can then write a trial thesis statement to help you decide what material belongs in your paper.

Sometimes you won’t be able to find a focus or identify your “spin” or specific argument immediately. Like some writers, you might begin with a purpose statement just to get yourself going. A purpose statement is one or more sentences that announce your topic and indicate the structure of the paper but do not state the conclusions you have drawn . Thus, you might begin with something like this:

• This paper will look at modern language to see if it reflects male dominance or female oppression.
• I plan to analyze anger and derision in offensive language to see if they represent a challenge of society’s authority.

At some point, you can turn a purpose statement into a thesis statement. As you think and write about your topic, you can restrict, clarify, and refine your argument, crafting your thesis statement to reflect your thinking.

As you work on your thesis, remember to keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times. Sometimes your thesis needs to evolve as you develop new insights, find new evidence, or take a different approach to your topic.

Compose a draft thesis statement

If you are writing a paper that will have an argumentative thesis and are having trouble getting started, the techniques in the table below may help you develop a temporary or “working” thesis statement.

Begin with a purpose statement that you will later turn into a thesis statement.

Assignment: Discuss the history of the Reform Party and explain its influence on the 1990 presidential and Congressional election.

Purpose Statement: This paper briefly sketches the history of the grassroots, conservative, Perot-led Reform Party and analyzes how it influenced the economic and social ideologies of the two mainstream parties.

Question-to-Assertion

If your assignment asks a specific question(s), turn the question(s) into an assertion and give reasons why it is true or reasons for your opinion.

Assignment : What do Aylmer and Rappaccini have to be proud of? Why aren’t they satisfied with these things? How does pride, as demonstrated in “The Birthmark” and “Rappaccini’s Daughter,” lead to unexpected problems?

Beginning thesis statement: Alymer and Rappaccinni are proud of their great knowledge; however, they are also very greedy and are driven to use their knowledge to alter some aspect of nature as a test of their ability. Evil results when they try to “play God.”

Write a sentence that summarizes the main idea of the essay you plan to write.

Main idea: The reason some toys succeed in the market is that they appeal to the consumers’ sense of the ridiculous and their basic desire to laugh at themselves.

Make a list of the ideas that you want to include; consider the ideas and try to group them.

• nature = peaceful
• war matériel = violent (competes with 1?)
• need for time and space to mourn the dead
• war is inescapable (competes with 3?)

Use a formula to arrive at a working thesis statement (you will revise this later).

• although most readers of _______ have argued that _______, closer examination shows that _______.
• _______ uses _______ and _____ to prove that ________.
• phenomenon x is a result of the combination of __________, __________, and _________.

What to keep in mind as you draft an initial thesis statement

Beginning statements obtained through the methods illustrated above can serve as a framework for planning or drafting your paper, but remember they’re not yet the specific, argumentative thesis you want for the final version of your paper. In fact, in its first stages, a thesis statement usually is ill-formed or rough and serves only as a planning tool.

As you write, you may discover evidence that does not fit your temporary or “working” thesis. Or you may reach deeper insights about your topic as you do more research, and you will find that your thesis statement has to be more complicated to match the evidence that you want to use.

You must be willing to reject or omit some evidence in order to keep your paper cohesive and your reader focused. Or you may have to revise your thesis to match the evidence and insights that you want to discuss. Read your draft carefully, noting the conclusions you have drawn and the major ideas which support or prove those conclusions. These will be the elements of your final thesis statement.

Sometimes you will not be able to identify these elements in your early drafts, but as you consider how your argument is developing and how your evidence supports your main idea, ask yourself, “ What is the main point that I want to prove/discuss? ” and “ How will I convince the reader that this is true? ” When you can answer these questions, then you can begin to refine the thesis statement.

Refine and polish the thesis statement

To get to your final thesis, you’ll need to refine your draft thesis so that it’s specific and arguable.

• Ask if your draft thesis addresses the assignment
• Question each part of your draft thesis
• Clarify vague phrases and assertions
• Investigate alternatives to your draft thesis

Consult the example below for suggestions on how to refine your draft thesis statement.

Sample Assignment

Choose an activity and define it as a symbol of American culture. Your essay should cause the reader to think critically about the society which produces and enjoys that activity.

• Ask The phenomenon of drive-in facilities is an interesting symbol of american culture, and these facilities demonstrate significant characteristics of our society.This statement does not fulfill the assignment because it does not require the reader to think critically about society.

Drive-ins are an interesting symbol of American culture because they represent Americans’ significant creativity and business ingenuity.

Among the types of drive-in facilities familiar during the twentieth century, drive-in movie theaters best represent American creativity, not merely because they were the forerunner of later drive-ins and drive-throughs, but because of their impact on our culture: they changed our relationship to the automobile, changed the way people experienced movies, and changed movie-going into a family activity.

While drive-in facilities such as those at fast-food establishments, banks, pharmacies, and dry cleaners symbolize America’s economic ingenuity, they also have affected our personal standards.

While drive-in facilities such as those at fast- food restaurants, banks, pharmacies, and dry cleaners symbolize (1) Americans’ business ingenuity, they also have contributed (2) to an increasing homogenization of our culture, (3) a willingness to depersonalize relationships with others, and (4) a tendency to sacrifice quality for convenience.

This statement is now specific and fulfills all parts of the assignment. This version, like any good thesis, is not self-evident; its points, 1-4, will have to be proven with evidence in the body of the paper. The numbers in this statement indicate the order in which the points will be presented. Depending on the length of the paper, there could be one paragraph for each numbered item or there could be blocks of paragraph for even pages for each one.

Complete the final thesis statement

The bottom line.

As you move through the process of crafting a thesis, you’ll need to remember four things:

• Context matters! Think about your course materials and lectures. Try to relate your thesis to the ideas your instructor is discussing.
• As you go through the process described in this section, always keep your assignment in mind . You will be more successful when your thesis (and paper) responds to the assignment than if it argues a semi-related idea.
• Your thesis statement should be precise, focused, and contestable ; it should predict the sub-theses or blocks of information that you will use to prove your argument.
• Make sure that you keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times. Change your thesis as your paper evolves, because you do not want your thesis to promise more than your paper actually delivers.

In the beginning, the thesis statement was a tool to help you sharpen your focus, limit material and establish the paper’s purpose. When your paper is finished, however, the thesis statement becomes a tool for your reader. It tells the reader what you have learned about your topic and what evidence led you to your conclusion. It keeps the reader on track–well able to understand and appreciate your argument.

Writing Process and Structure

This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.

Getting Started with Your Paper

Interpreting Writing Assignments from Your Courses

Generating Ideas for

Creating an Argument

Thesis vs. Purpose Statements

Architecture of Arguments

Working with Sources

Quoting and Paraphrasing Sources

Using Literary Quotations

Citing Sources in Your Paper

Drafting Your Paper

Generating Ideas for Your Paper

Introductions

Paragraphing

Developing Strategic Transitions

Conclusions

Revising Your Paper

Peer Reviews

Reverse Outlines

Revising an Argumentative Paper

Revision Strategies for Longer Projects

Finishing Your Paper

Twelve Common Errors: An Editing Checklist

How to Proofread your Paper

Writing Collaboratively

Collaborative and Group Writing

Thesis Statements

What this handout is about.

This handout describes what a thesis statement is, how thesis statements work in your writing, and how you can craft or refine one for your draft.

Introduction

Writing in college often takes the form of persuasion—convincing others that you have an interesting, logical point of view on the subject you are studying. Persuasion is a skill you practice regularly in your daily life. You persuade your roommate to clean up, your parents to let you borrow the car, your friend to vote for your favorite candidate or policy. In college, course assignments often ask you to make a persuasive case in writing. You are asked to convince your reader of your point of view. This form of persuasion, often called academic argument, follows a predictable pattern in writing. After a brief introduction of your topic, you state your point of view on the topic directly and often in one sentence. This sentence is the thesis statement, and it serves as a summary of the argument you’ll make in the rest of your paper.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement:

• tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion.
• is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper.
• directly answers the question asked of you. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. The subject, or topic, of an essay might be World War II or Moby Dick; a thesis must then offer a way to understand the war or the novel.
• makes a claim that others might dispute.
• is usually a single sentence near the beginning of your paper (most often, at the end of the first paragraph) that presents your argument to the reader. The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation.

If your assignment asks you to take a position or develop a claim about a subject, you may need to convey that position or claim in a thesis statement near the beginning of your draft. The assignment may not explicitly state that you need a thesis statement because your instructor may assume you will include one. When in doubt, ask your instructor if the assignment requires a thesis statement. When an assignment asks you to analyze, to interpret, to compare and contrast, to demonstrate cause and effect, or to take a stand on an issue, it is likely that you are being asked to develop a thesis and to support it persuasively. (Check out our handout on understanding assignments for more information.)

How do I create a thesis?

A thesis is the result of a lengthy thinking process. Formulating a thesis is not the first thing you do after reading an essay assignment. Before you develop an argument on any topic, you have to collect and organize evidence, look for possible relationships between known facts (such as surprising contrasts or similarities), and think about the significance of these relationships. Once you do this thinking, you will probably have a “working thesis” that presents a basic or main idea and an argument that you think you can support with evidence. Both the argument and your thesis are likely to need adjustment along the way.

Writers use all kinds of techniques to stimulate their thinking and to help them clarify relationships or comprehend the broader significance of a topic and arrive at a thesis statement. For more ideas on how to get started, see our handout on brainstorming .

How do I know if my thesis is strong?

If there’s time, run it by your instructor or make an appointment at the Writing Center to get some feedback. Even if you do not have time to get advice elsewhere, you can do some thesis evaluation of your own. When reviewing your first draft and its working thesis, ask yourself the following :

• Do I answer the question? Re-reading the question prompt after constructing a working thesis can help you fix an argument that misses the focus of the question. If the prompt isn’t phrased as a question, try to rephrase it. For example, “Discuss the effect of X on Y” can be rephrased as “What is the effect of X on Y?”
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? If your thesis simply states facts that no one would, or even could, disagree with, it’s possible that you are simply providing a summary, rather than making an argument.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? Thesis statements that are too vague often do not have a strong argument. If your thesis contains words like “good” or “successful,” see if you could be more specific: why is something “good”; what specifically makes something “successful”?
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? If a reader’s first response is likely to  be “So what?” then you need to clarify, to forge a relationship, or to connect to a larger issue.
• Does my essay support my thesis specifically and without wandering? If your thesis and the body of your essay do not seem to go together, one of them has to change. It’s okay to change your working thesis to reflect things you have figured out in the course of writing your paper. Remember, always reassess and revise your writing as necessary.
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? If a reader’s first response is “how?” or “why?” your thesis may be too open-ended and lack guidance for the reader. See what you can add to give the reader a better take on your position right from the beginning.

Suppose you are taking a course on contemporary communication, and the instructor hands out the following essay assignment: “Discuss the impact of social media on public awareness.” Looking back at your notes, you might start with this working thesis:

Social media impacts public awareness in both positive and negative ways.

You can use the questions above to help you revise this general statement into a stronger thesis.

• Do I answer the question? You can analyze this if you rephrase “discuss the impact” as “what is the impact?” This way, you can see that you’ve answered the question only very generally with the vague “positive and negative ways.”
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not likely. Only people who maintain that social media has a solely positive or solely negative impact could disagree.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? No. What are the positive effects? What are the negative effects?
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? No. Why are they positive? How are they positive? What are their causes? Why are they negative? How are they negative? What are their causes?
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? No. Why should anyone care about the positive and/or negative impact of social media?

After thinking about your answers to these questions, you decide to focus on the one impact you feel strongly about and have strong evidence for:

Because not every voice on social media is reliable, people have become much more critical consumers of information, and thus, more informed voters.

This version is a much stronger thesis! It answers the question, takes a specific position that others can challenge, and it gives a sense of why it matters.

Let’s try another. Suppose your literature professor hands out the following assignment in a class on the American novel: Write an analysis of some aspect of Mark Twain’s novel Huckleberry Finn. “This will be easy,” you think. “I loved Huckleberry Finn!” You grab a pad of paper and write:

Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn is a great American novel.

You begin to analyze your thesis:

• Do I answer the question? No. The prompt asks you to analyze some aspect of the novel. Your working thesis is a statement of general appreciation for the entire novel.

Think about aspects of the novel that are important to its structure or meaning—for example, the role of storytelling, the contrasting scenes between the shore and the river, or the relationships between adults and children. Now you write:

In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore.

• Do I answer the question? Yes!
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not really. This contrast is well-known and accepted.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? It’s getting there–you have highlighted an important aspect of the novel for investigation. However, it’s still not clear what your analysis will reveal.
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? Not yet. Compare scenes from the book and see what you discover. Free write, make lists, jot down Huck’s actions and reactions and anything else that seems interesting.
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? What’s the point of this contrast? What does it signify?”

After examining the evidence and considering your own insights, you write:

Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain’s Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American democratic ideals, one must leave “civilized” society and go back to nature.

This final thesis statement presents an interpretation of a literary work based on an analysis of its content. Of course, for the essay itself to be successful, you must now present evidence from the novel that will convince the reader of your interpretation.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Anson, Chris M., and Robert A. Schwegler. 2010. The Longman Handbook for Writers and Readers , 6th ed. New York: Longman.

Lunsford, Andrea A. 2015. The St. Martin’s Handbook , 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s.

Ramage, John D., John C. Bean, and June Johnson. 2018. The Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing , 8th ed. New York: Pearson.

Ruszkiewicz, John J., Christy Friend, Daniel Seward, and Maxine Hairston. 2010. The Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers , 9th ed. Boston: Pearson Education.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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While Sandel argues that pursuing perfection through genetic engineering would decrease our sense of humility, he claims that the sense of solidarity we would lose is also important.

This thesis summarizes several points in Sandel’s argument, but it does not make a claim about how we should understand his argument. A reader who read Sandel’s argument would not also need to read an essay based on this descriptive thesis.  

Broad thesis (arguable, but difficult to support with evidence) 

Michael Sandel’s arguments about genetic engineering do not take into consideration all the relevant issues.

This is an arguable claim because it would be possible to argue against it by saying that Michael Sandel’s arguments do take all of the relevant issues into consideration. But the claim is too broad. Because the thesis does not specify which “issues” it is focused on—or why it matters if they are considered—readers won’t know what the rest of the essay will argue, and the writer won’t know what to focus on. If there is a particular issue that Sandel does not address, then a more specific version of the thesis would include that issue—hand an explanation of why it is important.  

Arguable thesis with analytical claim 

While Sandel argues persuasively that our instinct to “remake” (54) ourselves into something ever more perfect is a problem, his belief that we can always draw a line between what is medically necessary and what makes us simply “better than well” (51) is less convincing.

This is an arguable analytical claim. To argue for this claim, the essay writer will need to show how evidence from the article itself points to this interpretation. It’s also a reasonable scope for a thesis because it can be supported with evidence available in the text and is neither too broad nor too narrow.  

Arguable thesis with normative claim 

Given Sandel’s argument against genetic enhancement, we should not allow parents to decide on using Human Growth Hormone for their children.

This thesis tells us what we should do about a particular issue discussed in Sandel’s article, but it does not tell us how we should understand Sandel’s argument.  

Questions to ask about your thesis 

• Is the thesis truly arguable? Does it speak to a genuine dilemma in the source, or would most readers automatically agree with it?  
• Is the thesis too obvious? Again, would most or all readers agree with it without needing to see your argument?  
• Is the thesis complex enough to require a whole essay's worth of argument?  
• Is the thesis supportable with evidence from the text rather than with generalizations or outside research?  
• Would anyone want to read a paper in which this thesis was developed? That is, can you explain what this paper is adding to our understanding of a problem, question, or topic?
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How to write a thesis statement, what is a thesis statement.

Almost all of us—even if we don’t do it consciously—look early in an essay for a one- or two-sentence condensation of the argument or analysis that is to follow. We refer to that condensation as a thesis statement.

Why Should Your Essay Contain a Thesis Statement?

• to test your ideas by distilling them into a sentence or two
• to better organize and develop your argument
• to provide your reader with a “guide” to your argument

In general, your thesis statement will accomplish these goals if you think of the thesis as the answer to the question your paper explores.

How Can You Write a Good Thesis Statement?

Here are some helpful hints to get you started. You can either scroll down or select a link to a specific topic.

How to Generate a Thesis Statement if the Topic is Assigned How to Generate a Thesis Statement if the Topic is not Assigned How to Tell a Strong Thesis Statement from a Weak One

How to Generate a Thesis Statement if the Topic is Assigned

Almost all assignments, no matter how complicated, can be reduced to a single question. Your first step, then, is to distill the assignment into a specific question. For example, if your assignment is, “Write a report to the local school board explaining the potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class,” turn the request into a question like, “What are the potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class?” After you’ve chosen the question your essay will answer, compose one or two complete sentences answering that question.

Q: “What are the potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class?” A: “The potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class are . . .”

A: “Using computers in a fourth-grade class promises to improve . . .”

The answer to the question is the thesis statement for the essay.

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How to Generate a Thesis Statement if the Topic is not Assigned

Even if your assignment doesn’t ask a specific question, your thesis statement still needs to answer a question about the issue you’d like to explore. In this situation, your job is to figure out what question you’d like to write about.

A good thesis statement will usually include the following four attributes:

• take on a subject upon which reasonable people could disagree
• deal with a subject that can be adequately treated given the nature of the assignment
• express one main idea
• assert your conclusions about a subject

Let’s see how to generate a thesis statement for a social policy paper.

Brainstorm the topic . Let’s say that your class focuses upon the problems posed by changes in the dietary habits of Americans. You find that you are interested in the amount of sugar Americans consume.

You start out with a thesis statement like this:

Sugar consumption.

This fragment isn’t a thesis statement. Instead, it simply indicates a general subject. Furthermore, your reader doesn’t know what you want to say about sugar consumption.

Narrow the topic . Your readings about the topic, however, have led you to the conclusion that elementary school children are consuming far more sugar than is healthy.

You change your thesis to look like this:

Reducing sugar consumption by elementary school children.

This fragment not only announces your subject, but it focuses on one segment of the population: elementary school children. Furthermore, it raises a subject upon which reasonable people could disagree, because while most people might agree that children consume more sugar than they used to, not everyone would agree on what should be done or who should do it. You should note that this fragment is not a thesis statement because your reader doesn’t know your conclusions on the topic.

Take a position on the topic. After reflecting on the topic a little while longer, you decide that what you really want to say about this topic is that something should be done to reduce the amount of sugar these children consume.

You revise your thesis statement to look like this:

More attention should be paid to the food and beverage choices available to elementary school children.

This statement asserts your position, but the terms more attention and food and beverage choices are vague.

Use specific language . You decide to explain what you mean about food and beverage choices , so you write:

Experts estimate that half of elementary school children consume nine times the recommended daily allowance of sugar.

This statement is specific, but it isn’t a thesis. It merely reports a statistic instead of making an assertion.

Make an assertion based on clearly stated support. You finally revise your thesis statement one more time to look like this:

Because half of all American elementary school children consume nine times the recommended daily allowance of sugar, schools should be required to replace the beverages in soda machines with healthy alternatives.

Notice how the thesis answers the question, “What should be done to reduce sugar consumption by children, and who should do it?” When you started thinking about the paper, you may not have had a specific question in mind, but as you became more involved in the topic, your ideas became more specific. Your thesis changed to reflect your new insights.

How to Tell a Strong Thesis Statement from a Weak One

1. a strong thesis statement takes some sort of stand..

Remember that your thesis needs to show your conclusions about a subject. For example, if you are writing a paper for a class on fitness, you might be asked to choose a popular weight-loss product to evaluate. Here are two thesis statements:

There are some negative and positive aspects to the Banana Herb Tea Supplement.

This is a weak thesis statement. First, it fails to take a stand. Second, the phrase negative and positive aspects is vague.

Because Banana Herb Tea Supplement promotes rapid weight loss that results in the loss of muscle and lean body mass, it poses a potential danger to customers.

This is a strong thesis because it takes a stand, and because it's specific.

2. A strong thesis statement justifies discussion.

Your thesis should indicate the point of the discussion. If your assignment is to write a paper on kinship systems, using your own family as an example, you might come up with either of these two thesis statements:

My family is an extended family.

This is a weak thesis because it merely states an observation. Your reader won’t be able to tell the point of the statement, and will probably stop reading.

While most American families would view consanguineal marriage as a threat to the nuclear family structure, many Iranian families, like my own, believe that these marriages help reinforce kinship ties in an extended family.

This is a strong thesis because it shows how your experience contradicts a widely-accepted view. A good strategy for creating a strong thesis is to show that the topic is controversial. Readers will be interested in reading the rest of the essay to see how you support your point.

3. A strong thesis statement expresses one main idea.

Readers need to be able to see that your paper has one main point. If your thesis statement expresses more than one idea, then you might confuse your readers about the subject of your paper. For example:

Companies need to exploit the marketing potential of the Internet, and Web pages can provide both advertising and customer support.

This is a weak thesis statement because the reader can’t decide whether the paper is about marketing on the Internet or Web pages. To revise the thesis, the relationship between the two ideas needs to become more clear. One way to revise the thesis would be to write:

Because the Internet is filled with tremendous marketing potential, companies should exploit this potential by using Web pages that offer both advertising and customer support.

This is a strong thesis because it shows that the two ideas are related. Hint: a great many clear and engaging thesis statements contain words like because , since , so , although , unless , and however .

4. A strong thesis statement is specific.

A thesis statement should show exactly what your paper will be about, and will help you keep your paper to a manageable topic. For example, if you're writing a seven-to-ten page paper on hunger, you might say:

World hunger has many causes and effects.

This is a weak thesis statement for two major reasons. First, world hunger can’t be discussed thoroughly in seven to ten pages. Second, many causes and effects is vague. You should be able to identify specific causes and effects. A revised thesis might look like this:

Hunger persists in Glandelinia because jobs are scarce and farming in the infertile soil is rarely profitable.

This is a strong thesis statement because it narrows the subject to a more specific and manageable topic, and it also identifies the specific causes for the existence of hunger.

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Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements

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This resource provides tips for creating a thesis statement and examples of different types of thesis statements.

Tips for Writing Your Thesis Statement

1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing:

• An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.
• An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.
• An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.

If you are writing a text that does not fall under these three categories (e.g., a narrative), a thesis statement somewhere in the first paragraph could still be helpful to your reader.

2. Your thesis statement should be specific—it should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and should be supported with specific evidence.

3. The thesis statement usually appears at the end of the first paragraph of a paper.

4. Your topic may change as you write, so you may need to revise your thesis statement to reflect exactly what you have discussed in the paper.

Thesis Statement Examples

Example of an analytical thesis statement:

The paper that follows should:

• Explain the analysis of the college admission process
• Explain the challenge facing admissions counselors

Example of an expository (explanatory) thesis statement:

• Explain how students spend their time studying, attending class, and socializing with peers

Example of an argumentative thesis statement:

• Present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community projects before entering college

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Crafting a Thesis Statement

What is it?

A thesis statement concisely expresses the argument an essay makes and indicates to readers what the writer knows about the topic. Particularly in shorter essays, the thesis statement is often one sentence placed at the end of the introduction; the body of the essay then provides evidence to prove that thesis. Remember that your thesis is not the same thing as your topic; your thesis is an argument about your topic.

Creating a thesis

A good thesis is the result of a lengthy process involving brainstorming, critical reading, [usually] researching, and revising. You cannot determine your final stance on a topic until you have reflected on the available evidence. 

• Consider your topic carefully. Do not choose a topic just because you think it will be easy to research or write a lot about it. What really interests you? What relates to the class? What fits your assignment instructions?
• Narrow your topic by determining a question you want to answer about it. What issues/ideas are debated about this topic? What questions do you have? What do you want to know more about? What is your connection to the topic? Ask yourself who , what , when , where , and why questions to stimulate your thinking: What happened to the dinosaurs? When did it happen? Who were their predators? Where did they live? Why did they become extinct?
• Determine a tentative claim stating an argument about your chosen aspect of the topic. This is your working thesis . As you continue to develop or research evidence to support your working thesis, consider how new information affects it. Your thesis statement will likely change throughout your writing process; never be afraid to adjust it! 

Elements of an effective thesis

An effective thesis states a debatable claim that can be supported with evidence..

A thesis statement is not a fact; it takes a position about a fact – a position that not everyone will support.

•    
• Facts Dinosaurs became extinct millions of years ago.
• Thesis Based on geological and paleontological evidence, a giant meteor striking the earth probably caused the extinction of dinosaurs. 

AN EFFECTIVE THESIS IS NEITHER TOO BROAD NOR TOO NARROW

To strike a balance between broad and narrow, you must be as specific as possible while also ensuring you will be able to find sufficient evidence to support your claim. Consider the length of your paper: a two-page paper needs a much more specific thesis than a longer paper. 

Too Broad : Dinosaurs became extinct for many complex reasons.

Too Narrow : The Tyrannosaurus Rex became extinct because its tiny arms limited its ability to hunt the small dinosaurs increasingly common in its environment.

Balanced : Dinosaurs became extinct because they were unable to adapt to their changing environment.

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8.4: Creating and Revising a Thesis Statement

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HOW CAN I CREATE A THESIS?

TOPIC + OPINION + SO WHAT? = THESIS

Step 1 : Brainstorm Topics

Here are some questions that could help you:

• What in the text inspired, confused, angered, excited, annoyed, and/or surprised you?
• What in the text was important for you to understand or you feel others should be aware of?
• What does the prompt/assignment ask you to focus on and explore?

Brainstorm the issues, ideas, and themes raised in the reading (create at least 15 for a range of options):

Step 2 : Select a topic

Choose one of the topics that most interest you and you want to explore further:

Step 3 : Create complex questions about your topic

Create complex questions to be answered with opinion, not facts or yes/no answers. Here are some question formats that could help you: How is (topic) connected to (outside issue)? How do the flaws in the author’s arguments on (topic) result in (outcome)? What angles on (topic) have been overlooked? How can we apply the information about (topic)? How did/will (effect) occur because/if (cause) happened or will happen? How can (problem) be addressed or changed for (topic)?

Step 4 : Answer your best question with your opinion.

This creates a rough thesis statement.

Step 5 : Ask yourself “so what?” So what is the impact, importance, outcomes, or larger implications?

This strengthens and deepens your thesis statement.

Step 6 : Using your answer with its significance, write a 1-2 sentence thesis statement.

This refines and focuses your thesis statement.

Step 7 : Test the thesis by seeing if you can gather good evidence to support it.

Go through the main text(s) you are writing on and list all the passages (using page numbers) that directly prove and/or illustrate your argument: List potential outside evidence, such as research, outside sources, real-life examples, personal knowledge, personal examples that could possibly further prove and/or illustrate your argument: If you cannot find strong or sufficient evidence, then rethink your thesis statement.

Step 1 : Brainstorm Topics Here are some questions that could help you:

Reading and writing as dangerous

How is control of human beings connected to writing and reading?

Why were the slaveholders so fearful of slaves learning to read and write?

When has reading lead to violence and uprising?

What about becoming educated leads to Douglass’s despair?

Slaves were controlled by not being able to read and write because they could not learn by reading the arguments and experiences of others and from history what is fair, just and reasonable and what is not.

So what? We should be concerned because in certain parts of the world today, what the public can read and write is controlled and as a result the rights of the people are violated and they are powerless or ignorant of this.

The control and limitations over reading and writing during slavery sought to make slaves like Douglass ignorant, powerless, and more easily controlled, and this control over literacy and education is still happening in the world today.

Go through the main text(s) you are writing on and list all the passages (using page numbers) that directly prove and/or illustrate your argument:

• Douglass discovers that “… education and slavery were incompatible with each other.” (1)
• On page 2 it describes how Douglass read in “The Columbian Orator” how a slave used logic and persuasive argument so well that his master freed him (shows education can lead to change).
• Reading and education makes one intolerant of injustice: “The more I read, the more I was led to abhor and detest my enslavers” (2).
• Douglass says: “…that very discontentment which Master Hugh had predicted would follow my learning to read had already come, to torment and sting my soul to unutterable anguish. As I writhed under it, I would at times feel that learning to read had been a curse rather than a blessing. It had given me a view of my wretched condition, without the remedy. It opened my eyes to the horrible pit, but to no ladder upon which to get out. In moments of agony, I envied my fellow-slaves for their stupidity” (2) (But Douglass did not give up and later was instrumental in abolishing slavery)

List potential outside evidence, such as research, outside sources, real-life examples, personal knowledge, personal examples that could possibly further prove and/or illustrate your argument:

• Mukhtar Mai in her memoir In the Name of Honor , tells how as a woman in Pakistan, she was not allowed to learn to read and write. As a result, when she was publically gang raped in 2002 by members of a more powerful clan, she went to the police and they wrote down an incorrect statement of the account so after years of going through the court system, the men were acquitted. Since then she has learned to read and write, she has started schools to educate girls, and remains today an outspoken advocate for women’s rights.
• In Alex S. Jones’s Losing the News: The Future of the News that Feeds Democracy he argues that in the United States we are losing funding and support for investigative journalism so Americans are getting sound bites of news and no real understanding of what is going on politically or financially so we don’t protest and don’t understand the sources for the larger societal problems like the recent financial collapse.
• Jonathan Kozol in Savage Inequalities , looks at different cities and sees how many of the urban poor, most of whom are black and Latino, are not given an equal education because school funding is based on income and property tax. As a result, there is an enormous dropout rate and many of these kids can barely read and write.

HOW CAN I REVISE AND STRENGTHEN A THESIS?

Changing ineffective thesis statements to effective ones:.

1. A strong thesis statement takes a stand: your thesis needs to show your conclusions about a subject.

WEAK THESIS: Douglass makes the interesting point that there are some negative and positive aspects to reading.

This is a weak thesis statement. It fails to take a stand and the words interesting and negative and positive aspects are vague.

STRONGER THESIS:

2. A strong thesis statement justifies discussion: your thesis should indicate the point of the discussion.

WEAK THESIS: Christians practiced slavery in the United States.

This is a weak thesis statement because it merely states a fact, so your reader won’t be able to tell the point of the statement.

3. A strong thesis statement expresses one main idea: Readers need to be able to see that your paper has one main point. If your thesis statement expresses more than one idea, then you might confuse your readers about the subject of your paper.

WEAK THESIS: People should not follow unjust laws and showing strong determination is what helped Douglass to be successful.

This is a weak thesis statement because the reader can’t decide whether the paper is about unjust laws or strong determination. To revise the thesis, the relationship between the two ideas needs to become clearer. STRONGER THESIS:

4. A strong thesis statement is specific: A thesis statement should show exactly what your paper will be about and the argument should be narrow enough to be concretely proven.

WEAK THESIS: Slavery in the United States damaged many lives.

This is a weak thesis statement for two reasons. First, slavery can’t be discussed thoroughly in a short essay. Second, damaged is vague and many lives is very general. You should be able to identify specific causes and effects. STRONGER THESIS:

Home » How to Craft a Powerful Thesis Statement for Your Essay

How to Craft a Powerful Thesis Statement for Your Essay

Introduction

In the realm of academic writing, a powerful thesis statement serves as the bedrock upon which your entire essay rests. It is the linchpin that holds your arguments together, the guiding star that illuminates the path of your exploration, and the foundation upon which you build a persuasive and coherent piece of work. Crafting a strong thesis statement is no mere triviality; it is a skill that can elevate your writing and captivate your readers. In this blog post, we will delve into the art of crafting a powerful thesis statement for your essay, exploring the strategies that can help you master this essential aspect of academic writing.

Picture this: you’ve been assigned an essay prompt, and you sit down to begin the writing process. As you ponder over your topic, ideas start to flood your mind, but where do you begin? How do you channel those thoughts into a concise, impactful, and memorable thesis statement? This is where our journey begins.

The thesis statement is the compass that guides your essay, providing direction and focus. It encapsulates the central argument or main idea of your piece, presenting it to your readers in a clear, assertive, and concise manner. A well-crafted thesis statement not only sets the stage for your essay but also entices your readers to delve deeper into your analysis.

Understanding the purpose of a thesis statement is paramount. It serves as a roadmap for both you and your readers, outlining the scope and purpose of your essay. A strong thesis statement establishes the tone, sets expectations, and creates a framework for your arguments, ensuring that your essay remains coherent and organized. It helps you avoid the pitfalls of wandering off-topic or losing sight of your main argument, providing a solid anchor to keep your writing on track.

To craft a compelling thesis statement, it is crucial to carefully analyze the essay prompt. Take the time to decipher its intricacies, unravel its underlying themes, and discern the key ideas it presents. By thoroughly understanding the prompt, you can identify the main focus of your essay and tailor your thesis statement accordingly. The prompt serves as your guiding light, illuminating the path you must take to develop a robust thesis statement.

When brainstorming ideas for your thesis statement, explore multiple avenues and consider different perspectives. Allow your thoughts to flow freely, employing techniques such as mind-mapping or freewriting to uncover connections and possibilities. This creative process enables you to generate unique insights and uncover potential arguments that will strengthen your thesis statement.

Once you have a pool of ideas, it is time to refine and distill them into a clear and concise thesis statement. Precision is key here. A strong thesis statement should be specific, avoiding vague or general statements. It should present a clear argument or position that you will support throughout your essay. Refining your thesis statement is an iterative process that requires revision, reflection, and a keen eye for precision.

Incorporating your thesis statement effectively within your essay is equally important. The placement of your thesis statement within the introduction sets the tone for the entire piece. It should seamlessly lead readers into your arguments, captivating their attention and motivating them to continue reading. Integrating the thesis statement throughout your essay helps maintain a sense of unity and coherence, ensuring that each paragraph aligns with and supports your central argument.

In the following sections, we will explore each step in detail, offering practical tips, techniques, and examples to guide you on your journey to crafting a powerful thesis statement for your essay. By following these strategies, you will not only enhance your writing skills but also engage your readers and leave a lasting impression. So, let us embark on this transformative adventure and unlock the true potential of your academic writing.

1: Understanding the Purpose of a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is the heart and soul of any well-crafted essay. In this section, we will delve into the purpose of a thesis statement and its significance in guiding the direction of your writing.

At its core, a thesis statement serves as a concise summary of the main argument or central idea that you aim to convey in your essay. It is a declaration that encapsulates the essence of your work and presents it to your readers in a clear and assertive manner. Think of it as the North Star that guides both you and your audience throughout the essay, providing a sense of direction and focus.

The primary purpose of a thesis statement is to establish the purpose and scope of your essay. It acts as a roadmap, informing your readers about what they can expect from your writing. A well-crafted thesis statement sets the stage, defines the boundaries, and prepares the groundwork for the subsequent analysis and argumentation in your essay.

Clarity is of utmost importance when it comes to a thesis statement. It should convey your main point with precision and eliminate any ambiguity. By doing so, you ensure that your readers understand the central message you are trying to convey, enabling them to engage with your ideas more effectively.

Moreover, a strong thesis statement helps maintain the coherence and organization of your essay. It serves as a unifying thread that connects the different elements of your writing, ensuring that every paragraph and argument aligns with the overarching message. This cohesive structure enhances the readability and logical flow of your essay, making it easier for readers to follow and comprehend your ideas.

Crafting a powerful thesis statement involves careful consideration of the key components that make it effective. First and foremost, it should be specific and focused. Avoid vague or general statements that lack depth and fail to provide a clear direction for your essay. Instead, zero in on a particular aspect or argument that you will explore in your writing.

Additionally, a thesis statement should be assertive. It should present a strong and confident position or claim that you will support and defend throughout your essay. By taking a clear stance, you engage your readers and prompt them to consider your perspective.

It’s important to note that a thesis statement is not a mere statement of fact. It goes beyond stating the obvious and delves into the realm of analysis, interpretation, and argumentation. It should be thought-provoking and invite discussion, encouraging readers to explore the complexities of the topic at hand.

As you develop your thesis statement, keep in mind that it is not set in stone. It can evolve and adapt as you delve deeper into your research and writing process. Don’t be afraid to refine and revise your thesis statement as your understanding of the topic expands. This flexibility allows you to incorporate new insights and perspectives, enhancing the overall quality and depth of your essay.

2. Analyzing the Essay Prompt

When you receive an essay prompt, it is crucial to take the time to dissect and comprehend its nuances. The essay prompt provides valuable insights into the main ideas, themes, and objectives of your assignment. By carefully analyzing the prompt, you can identify the key elements that should be addressed in your essay.

The first step in analyzing the essay prompt is to read it thoroughly. Pay close attention to the wording and structure of the prompt. Look for keywords or phrases that provide clues about the specific focus or approach required. These keywords might include “analyze,” “compare and contrast,” “evaluate,” or “discuss.” Understanding these instructions will help you shape your thesis statement accordingly.

Next, identify the main ideas or concepts presented in the essay prompt. These are the building blocks of your essay and should be reflected in your thesis statement. Consider the central question or problem that the prompt poses and how it relates to the broader context of your subject or course.

As you analyze the essay prompt, be mindful of any subtopics or specific areas of emphasis that are mentioned. These can guide your thinking and influence the direction of your thesis statement. Take note of any limitations or constraints mentioned in the prompt, such as a specific time period, geographical context, or theoretical framework, as these factors will shape the scope of your thesis statement.

It is also essential to consider the target audience of your essay. The prompt may indicate whether the essay should be geared towards a general audience or a specific group of readers, such as experts in the field. Understanding your audience will help you tailor your thesis statement to meet their needs and expectations.

Another aspect to consider when analyzing the prompt is the desired outcome or objective of your essay. What is the purpose of your writing? Are you expected to present an argument, provide an analysis, or propose a solution? By understanding the intended outcome, you can ensure that your thesis statement aligns with the goals of the assignment.

Furthermore, take note of any additional guidelines or formatting requirements outlined in the prompt. These might include citation styles, word limits, or specific sources to be referenced. Adhering to these guidelines will ensure that your thesis statement and subsequent essay meet the specific criteria set by your instructor.

3. Brainstorming and Generating Ideas

In this section, we will explore effective techniques for brainstorming and generating ideas to support the development of a powerful thesis statement. By tapping into your creativity and employing various strategies, you can uncover compelling arguments and perspectives for your essay.

(i) Mind Mapping:

Begin by creating a mind map, a visual representation of your thoughts and ideas. Start with the main topic or concept in the center and branch out to related subtopics or supporting arguments. This technique allows you to explore different angles and connections, helping you generate a range of ideas that can contribute to your thesis statement.

(ii) Freewriting:

Set a timer for a designated period, such as 10 or 15 minutes, and write continuously without worrying about grammar, punctuation, or coherence. Let your thoughts flow freely, allowing unexpected ideas and associations to emerge. Freewriting enables you to bypass self-censorship and access your subconscious, leading to unique insights and potential thesis statement concepts.

(iii) Research and Reading:

Engage in extensive research and reading on your topic. Explore scholarly articles, books, reputable websites, and other relevant sources. As you gather information, jot down interesting ideas, arguments, or quotes that resonate with you. These can serve as inspiration for your thesis statement and provide a solid foundation for your essay.

(iv) Discussion and Collaboration:

Engage in discussions with peers, instructors, or experts in the field. Share your ideas, listen to different perspectives, and ask thought-provoking questions. Collaborative brainstorming sessions can stimulate creativity and offer valuable insights that you may not have considered on your own.

(v) Questioning Techniques:

Use questioning techniques to prompt deeper thinking and generate ideas. Ask yourself open-ended questions such as “What are the underlying causes of this issue?” or “How does this concept relate to other aspects of the topic?” These questions can help you explore different dimensions and uncover potential arguments for your thesis statement.

(vi) Reviewing Notes and Outlines:

Review any notes, outlines, or previous drafts you may have on the topic. Look for key points, supporting evidence, or connections that can contribute to your thesis statement. This review process allows you to build upon your existing knowledge and refine your understanding of the topic.

(vii) Considering Counterarguments:

Challenge your own assumptions and consider potential counterarguments. By exploring opposing viewpoints, you can strengthen your thesis statement by addressing possible objections or alternative perspectives. This approach adds depth and credibility to your argumentation.

Remember, during the brainstorming phase, quantity is more important than quality. Allow yourself to explore a wide range of ideas without judgment. Once you have generated a substantial list of potential arguments, evaluate and prioritize them based on their relevance, strength, and alignment with the essay prompt.

4. Refining Your Thesis Statement

Now that we have explored the initial steps of brainstorming and generating ideas, it’s time to shift our focus to the crucial process of refining your thesis statement. This stage involves honing in on the most compelling and precise expression of your main argument or position. By following the strategies outlined below, you can refine your thesis statement to ensure it effectively communicates the central theme of your essay.

(i) Review and Reflect:

Take a step back and carefully review your initial thesis statement. Reflect on its alignment with the essay prompt and its ability to capture the essence of your argument. Consider its clarity, relevance, and specificity. Identify any areas that may require further development or clarification.

(ii) Be Specific and Concise:

One of the key aspects of refining your thesis statement is to ensure it is specific and concise. Avoid general or vague statements that lack depth and fail to provide a clear direction for your essay. Instead, focus on a particular aspect or argument that you will explore in your writing. Use precise language and avoid broad claims that may dilute the impact of your thesis statement.

(iii) Incorporate Keywords:

Refer back to the keywords or key phrases from the essay prompt. Incorporate these words or concepts into your refined thesis statement to demonstrate a clear connection between your argument and the essay prompt. This helps to establish the relevance and coherence of your thesis statement within the context of your assignment.

(iv) Seek Precision and Clarity:

Refining your thesis statement involves striving for precision and clarity in your expression. Make sure your statement accurately reflects the main idea or argument of your essay, leaving no room for misinterpretation. Use specific language that leaves no doubt about the focus of your analysis.

(v) Evaluate and Eliminate Redundancy:

Scan your thesis statement for any redundant or unnecessary words or phrases. Streamline your statement to make it more concise and impactful. Remove any repetition or excessive wording that may detract from the clarity and strength of your thesis statement.

(vi) Test for Relevance:

As you refine your thesis statement, test it against the main body of your essay. Ensure that every argument, piece of evidence, or analysis you present directly supports and aligns with your thesis statement. This coherence ensures that your essay remains focused and cohesive throughout.

(vii) Solicit Feedback:

Don’t hesitate to seek feedback from peers, instructors, or writing tutors. Share your refined thesis statement and ask for their input and suggestions. Others may provide valuable insights or identify areas that require further refinement.

Remember, refining your thesis statement is an iterative process. Be open to revision and be willing to make adjustments as necessary. Keep in mind the overall purpose and scope of your essay, ensuring that your refined thesis statement effectively captures the essence of your argument.

By employing these strategies, you can refine your thesis statement to a clear, concise, and powerful statement that sets the stage for the rest of your essay. The refined thesis statement will act as a guiding beacon, directing your writing and captivating your readers’ attention.

5. Crafting a Clear and Concise Thesis Statement

Crafting a clear and concise thesis statement is crucial for effectively conveying the main argument or position of your essay. In this section, we will delve into the essential elements and strategies for creating a thesis statement that is both clear and concise.

(i) Identify the Main Argument:

Start by identifying the main argument or central idea that you want to convey in your essay. This should be a specific and focused statement that encapsulates the core message of your writing. Clearly articulate the position you will take or the perspective you will present.

(ii) Use Precise and Specific Language:

Choose your words carefully to ensure precision and clarity in your thesis statement. Avoid vague or general terms that lack specificity and depth. Instead, opt for specific and concrete language that clearly communicates your intentions and avoids ambiguity.

(iii) Keep it Concise:

Aim for brevity in your thesis statement. It should be concise and to the point, expressing your main argument in a succinct manner. Avoid lengthy or convoluted statements that may confuse or overwhelm your readers. By keeping it concise, you maintain focus and enhance the impact of your thesis statement.

(iv) One Main Idea:

Your thesis statement should convey one main idea or argument. Avoid introducing multiple ideas or topics within a single thesis statement, as this can lead to a lack of clarity and dilution of your main message. Stay focused on a single central point to ensure a clear and coherent thesis statement.

(v) Make it Debatable:

A strong thesis statement is one that invites discussion and presents a debatable claim. Avoid stating obvious or universally accepted facts. Instead, aim to present an argument or perspective that can be supported, challenged, or explored further within your essay. A debatable thesis statement stimulates critical thinking and engages your readers.

(vi) Consider the Scope:

Consider the scope of your essay when crafting your thesis statement. Ensure that your statement reflects the breadth and depth of your analysis, while still remaining concise. Strike a balance between providing enough information to convey your main argument and avoiding unnecessary details that can clutter your thesis statement.

(vii) Revise and Refine:

Crafting a clear and concise thesis statement often requires revision and refinement. After drafting your initial statement, review it carefully and assess its effectiveness. Consider whether it adequately captures your main argument and if there are any areas that can be further clarified or tightened. Revise as necessary to achieve the desired clarity and conciseness.

Remember, your thesis statement serves as the foundation of your essay, guiding your writing and providing a clear roadmap for your readers. By crafting a clear and concise thesis statement, you enable your audience to grasp your main argument from the outset and set the stage for a focused and coherent essay.

Take the time to carefully craft and refine your thesis statement, ensuring it captures the essence of your argument while maintaining clarity and conciseness. A well-crafted thesis statement enhances the overall quality of your essay and paves the way for a compelling and engaging piece of writing.

6. Incorporating the Thesis Statement into Your Essay

In this section, we will explore how to effectively incorporate your thesis statement into your essay. The thesis statement serves as the guiding principle of your writing, and integrating it seamlessly into your essay is essential for maintaining focus and coherence throughout your work.

(i) Introduce the Thesis Statement:

Begin your essay by introducing your thesis statement in a clear and concise manner. Provide a brief overview of the main argument or position you will be discussing in your essay. This introduction should set the tone and context for the rest of your writing, ensuring that your readers understand the purpose and direction of your essay from the very beginning.

(ii) Use Topic Sentences:

Each paragraph of your essay should align with and support your thesis statement. Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that relates directly to your thesis. This topic sentence acts as a mini-thesis for the paragraph, outlining the main point or argument that will be discussed. By connecting each paragraph to your thesis statement, you maintain a cohesive and focused essay structure.

(iii) Provide Supporting Evidence:

As you develop your essay, provide supporting evidence, examples, or data that reinforce your thesis statement. These pieces of evidence should directly support the main argument you are making. By incorporating relevant and persuasive evidence, you strengthen the credibility and persuasiveness of your thesis statement.

(iv) Offer Analysis and Explanation:

In addition to presenting evidence, analyze and explain how each piece of evidence connects to your thesis statement. Clearly demonstrate the significance of the evidence in relation to your main argument. This analysis helps to deepen your readers’ understanding of your thesis statement and its relevance to the broader context of your essay.

(v) Address Counterarguments:

Acknowledge and address potential counterarguments to your thesis statement. Anticipate objections or alternative viewpoints and offer counterpoints or explanations to refute them. This shows that you have considered different perspectives and strengthens the overall validity of your thesis statement.

(vi) Reiterate the Thesis Statement in the Conclusion:

In your conclusion, restate your thesis statement in a slightly different way, emphasizing its importance and summarizing the main arguments you have presented in your essay. This helps to reinforce the central message of your essay and leave a lasting impression on your readers.

(vii) Revise and Edit:

As you review and edit your essay, ensure that your thesis statement remains consistent and well-integrated throughout. Check that each paragraph aligns with your thesis and contributes to the overall coherence of your essay. Make any necessary revisions to strengthen the connection between your thesis statement and the supporting content of your essay.

By effectively incorporating your thesis statement into your essay, you create a strong and cohesive piece of writing. The thesis statement acts as the backbone of your essay, guiding the content and providing a clear direction for your readers. Through thoughtful integration, you ensure that your essay remains focused, logical, and persuasive, ultimately leading to a compelling and impactful piece of work.

Crafting a powerful thesis statement is an essential skill in academic writing, as it sets the stage for a well-structured and persuasive essay. Throughout this blog, we have explored the process of understanding the purpose of a thesis statement, analyzing the essay prompt, brainstorming and generating ideas, refining the thesis statement, and incorporating it into your essay. By following these steps, you can enhance the quality of your academic writing and make a compelling impact on your readers.

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Take the next step towards achieving your academic goals by ordering at academiawriting.com today. Let us assist you in creating a compelling, well-structured essay that showcases your knowledge and critical thinking skills. Trust Academia Writing to be your partner in academic excellence.

By Erin Cross

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Creating a Thesis Statement

View in pdf format, getting started.

If you’re just beginning to think about a thesis, it may be useful to ask yourself some of the following questions. This list is not exhaustive; anything that helps you consider your text or subject in a complex, unusual, or in-depth manner will get you on the right track:

• Do I have a gut response to the prompt? Does anything from my reading jump to mind as something that could help me argue one way or another?
• What is the significance of this text or subject? Why did my professor choose it? How does it fit into the broader themes or goals of the course?
• How does this text or subject relate to the broader context of the place or time period in which it was written or in which it occurred?
• Does this text or subject challenge or complicate my ideas about race, class, gender, or religion? About political, carceral, or educational institutions?
• Does anything in this text seem to not “fit in” with the rest of it? Why could that be?
• Are there aspects of the text (or two separate texts) which, when I compare and contrast them, can illuminate something about the text(s) that wasn’t clear before?
• Does the author make any stylistic choices– perspective, word choice, pacing, setting, plot twists, poetic devices– that are crucial to our understanding of the text or subject?

Developing Your Ideas

At this point you should have some potential ideas, but they don’t have to be pretty yet. Your next goal will be to play with them until you arrive at a single argument that fulfills as many of the above “Components of a Strong Thesis” as possible. See the following examples of weak or unfinished thesis statements:

Setting is an important aspect of Wuthering Heights .

Britain was stable between 1688 and 1783.

The first example is argumentative, but it’s not that argumentative– most critics agree that setting is important to Wuthering Heights . Both examples are too broad. One way to develop them is to consider potential conjunctions that would help you complicate your ideas:  

See below for examples of stronger or more complete thesis statements. In part due to the addition of conjunctions “because” and “as,” these are more argumentative, more specific, and more complex:

Because the moors in Wuthering Heights are a personification of Heathcliff’s personality, their presence suggests that human emotion and the natural world are intricately entwined in the novel.

Corruption was a major source of stability in Britain between 1688 and 1783, as landed elites controlled every aspect of British government and ensured political stability at the cost of social equality.

I Have a Thesis. Now What?

Once you feel confident about your final thesis statement, you have conquered the most important (and usually, the most difficult) part of writing a paper. Here are two ways your thesis can help you figure out what to do next to organize your introduction according to a clear, logical progression of ideas. When you complete one sentence, ask yourself what idea flows naturally out of it, or what your reader will want to know next.

By Sarah Ostrow ’18. Definition of thesis statement adapted from earlier Hamilton College Writing Center Resource “Introductions and Thesis Statements.” © Nesbitt-Johnston Writing Center, Hamilton College

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Creating a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is the main point you want your readers to accept.  It expresses an arguable point and supplies good reasons why readers should accept it. After learning about making an arguable point and supplying good reasons, go to planning the thesis-driven essay .

The Arguable Point

Making a thesis arguable requires a statement that promotes degrees of adherence .  In other words, a good thesis takes a stand on an issue in which a range of responses are possible, and no matter what your point is, it will likely produce a range of responses, from strong agreement to strong disagreement.  For instance, if you were to argue that the government should fund solar energy development, you have a contention that some will agree with whole-heartedly.  Others will disagree just as vigorously.  Still others--indeed most--will not have a strong response and might even consider themselves “neutral,” or leaning one way or the other.  How well you persuade readers to accept your point depends on the good reasons you have for your position. 

Good Reasons

In a nutshell, why should readers accept your point?  These reasons are often the “main points” that support your thesis and provide structure to each section of your paper, whether those sections are single paragraphs or groups of paragraphs.  Some of the reasons you have for a contention occur to you spontaneously.  For instance, you may think that the government should fund solar energy development because solar energy promises to be clean (less pollution) and renewable (the sun should last another five billion years, right?).  That’s a good start, but it’s not enough. 

While we may spontaneously generate reasons for our central contention, thinking of “the other side” can often help you create an even better thesis.  We call this habit of thinking otherwise “dialogical thinking,” because you imagine yourself in dialogue with others.  Going back to our example, the contention that the government should fund this enterprise is likely to make some disagree, or at least ask why the government should fund it:  shouldn’t companies risk their own money to make this happen?  Isn’t that what free-enterprise is all about?  Answering those questions can provide more good reasons and lead to a fuller thesis statement: 

Because solar technology might be too costly and risky for private industry to develop , the government should fund solar energy development to secure a clean, renewable energy source for our future. 

Taken together, the good reasons surrounding this contention can supply the building blocks for the paper:  1) Solar is clean; 2) Solar is renewable; 3) Solar needs vast support to become a reality.  You may note that some of your reasons may be easier to prove than others.  Most readers will likely agree solar energy is clean and renewable, if proper evidence is presented. The stickier issues may be the ways our society achieves these desirable ends.

Challenging, Grounded, Focused:  Recognizing a Good Thesis When You Write One

So a good thesis statement requires an arguable point and good reasons .  But how do you know if your thesis will work for the assignment?  If it’s challenging , grounded , and properly narrow , it will have promise.

Challenging

We make assertions all the time, but many would not do for a paper in college.  These kinds of assertions are either established facts or opinions held on entirely personal grounds.  Neither form creates a significant challenge for you nor serves the reader hungry for meaning.  Another way that writers avoid challenge is to ask a question instead of asserting a position on a meaningful issue. 

A paper often runs into trouble when its thesis is too vague.  The terms it uses are too vacuous to set up a specific, disciplined argument. 

An overly broad thesis statement might take a hundred pages to support decently, while an overly narrow one can be supported in a paragraph or two. 

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Developing a Thesis Statement

Updated Jun 2022

A thesis statement defines the core elements involved in the question around which a research project is built. With it you can shape and implement a plan of action for conducting your research. You begin by creating one or more suppositions-or hypotheses-as to what the answer to that question might be. Think of them as preliminary thesis statements.

The difference between a preliminary and a final thesis can be thought of as the difference between:

"I don't know, but I'm thinking such and such." -and- "Trust me on this one thing."

A final thesis statement removes the doubt inherent in a preliminary thesis and provides a solid basis for your project. The rightness of you position will be advanced and argued in your research paper.

Creating a Preliminary Thesis Statement

Creating a preliminary thesis is the first step. For this, you must already have a research question. Examine it carefully and do a little brainstorming as to what the possible answer(s) might be: make some educated guesses and write them down.

You want to end up with a statement that isn't necessarily conclusive but gets you thinking and started on building one that is: a final statement around which your research can be focused. Let's use an environmental question fueling the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge drilling debate (circa 2006) to build a thesis statement.

Research Question: What is the impact of China's rapidly expanding economy on global oil markets and how does it affect the argument against drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?

Formulate a preliminary answer; add some supporting facts or observations-in this case both-as well as a preliminary conclusion, as in the following:

Preliminary Thesis Statement: The growth of China's rapidly expanding economy is radically changing the playing field in a global oil-market dominated for decades by the United States and Japan. Currently the second largest consumer of petroleum products in the world, China may very well become the largest, possibly importing as much as two-thirds of its requirement by 2025. This may be due to the growing Chinese auto market. It may also be due to an inability to meet established nuclear power plant construction targets. Regardless, the stakes are high. The question of where enough energy to satisfy global needs is going to come from cannot be downplayed. Despite the protests of environmental activists across the United States, the increasing needs of China to sustain their growing economy by contracting with nations deemed hostile by the United States may very well change the tone of the debate about drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. It may tilt away from environmentalist conservation positions toward those who favor exploration and production.

This preliminary thesis provides some direction for your inquiry. In one short paragraph, four things are accomplished:

• A preliminary answer to the first part of a two-part question has been given: "China's economy is radically changing the global, oil-market playing-field."
• A hypothetical observation has been added: "In time, China might become the largest player in the field."
• A supporting fact is also added: "China is currently the second largest petroleum-product consumer in the world."
• Finally, a concluding supposition or hypothesis is suggested: "The tone of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge drilling debate may change."

Reviewing the Preliminary Thesis Statement

Reviewing the preliminary thesis is the second step. In this example you'll notice that the preliminary statement is a little bit loose, a little broad. This is not unusual, and it's okay. It suggests too much information, but at least there is something with which to work.

In the example, the two-part question has both a "what" and a "how" component. The preliminary thesis briefly answers the "what" component, makes a credible observation regarding "why", and then suggests a hypothetical answer to the "how" component.

So, where did the "why" come from: that wasn't part of the original question? The interesting thing about questions is how often they lead to others. The important thing to note here is that an answer to an unasked question is a good indicator that something needs to be revised. And perhaps it's in the question itself. Sometimes a research question needs revising before the preliminary thesis can be revised. How about, something like this:

Revised Research Question: Why is the expanding Chinese economy exerting so much pressure on global oil markets and how will it affect the debate between corporate America and environmentalists over drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?

Considering Your Purpose and Audience

Consider both your purpose and the interest of your audience next. Notice that the new question is more purpose driven. The inquiry is more specific. It asks: "Why" does one situation exist and "how" will it affect another? Notice that the "what" component has been removed, replaced by a fact and a rephrased question that incorporates the "why" component.

With a clearer purpose the interest of the audience will be much easier to hold. In this case, two groups with opposing views have been identified. Each has a vested interest in what you have to say. With a more purposeful question a more precise thesis can now be shaped.

Revised Preliminary Thesis Statement: Currently the second largest consumer of petroleum products in the world, China may very well become the largest, possibly importing as much as two-thirds of its requirement by 2025. This rapidly expanding demand for oil may be caused, in part, by their exploding automobile industry and, in part, by an inability to meet their nuclear power plant construction targets. Regardless, the stakes are high and oil resources are limited. With increased global competition, the demand will rapidly outpace current production capabilities in the oil producing nations. Such increased competition is going to seriously impact the current debate between environmentalists and corporate America regarding drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. And, in the end, the environmentalists may not like the outcome.

You can see that, with just a little tweaking, the preliminary thesis has taken on a sharper focus, one that will attract the attention of an audience that includes people on both sides of this divisive issue. It begins with a simple statement of fact supported by reasons that address the new "why" in the revised question. A very transparent conclusion suggesting the direction the research paper will take follows.

Considering the Scope of Your Thesis

Finally, consider the scope of your statement. There's still something a little bulky about the preliminary thesis. It's time to hone it down, narrow it to where the actual research won't be overwhelming. Here's a possibility:

Further Revised Preliminary Thesis Statement: China, currently the second largest consumer of petroleum products in the world, is poised to become the largest. Projections indicate that it will be importing as much as two-thirds of its nation's requirement by 2025. Regardless of the reasons for this-and there are many-global resources are limited as demand soars. With production capabilities in the oil producing nations maxed at current levels and increased competition from China to secure enough oil to sustain their economic growth, the current debate between environmentalists and corporate America over drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is going to ratchet up a decibel or two. And the environmentalists are going to be hard-pressed to win the argument.

Converting Your Preliminary to a Final Thesis

Converting from a preliminary to a final thesis is the last step. You've come a long way. It's shorter, but still bulky. Let's set the first few sentences aside and tweak the last to see what happens.

Final Thesis Statement: With production capabilities in the oil producing nations maxed at their current levels, and increased competition from China to import that oil, the current debate between environmentalists and corporate America over drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is going to ratchet up a decibel or two. And the environmentalists are going to be hard-pressed to win the argument.

An Even Better Final Thesis Statement: Environmentalists are likely to lose ground in the current debate over drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as oil producing nations struggle to meet the increased demands of an emerging industrial China competing for limited supplies in the global oil market.

Okay. There you have it, a final thesis statement. The preliminary statement has been honed down and tightened up. And guess what? The sentences that were set aside, as well as all the others you have worked on during your revision, aren't a waste. They, or any combination of them, might make an excellent opening paragraph. You may want to include some version of your original research question, also. It's a great way to get started:

Plausible Opening Paragraph: China, currently the second largest consumer of petroleum products in the world, is poised to become the largest. Projections indicate that it will be importing as much as two-thirds of its nation's requirement by 2025. Regardless of the reasons for this-and there are many-global resources are limited as international demand soars. How will this affect the current debate between environmentalists and corporate America over drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?

Palmquist, Mike & Peter Connor. (2008). Developing a Thesis Statement. Writing@CSU . Colorado State University. https://writing.colostate.edu/guides/guide.cfm?guideid=21

Quotations: The Protein of Academic Writing

Internship Journal 2

Importance of a Thesis Statement

• By Mackenzie Tabler in Uncategorized

Starting college can be extremely scary with all of the new concepts being thrown at you. It is a whole new way of living and the work can be very different. Writing is crucial to many college classes. Unlike high school level writing, college level writing can be a bit more thorough. Professors tend to look for key elements in your essays. One of the most essential parts to any essay is the thesis statement. Learning how to form a thesis statement is very important. A thesis statement is an imperative trait to form a strong essay. Normally one or two sentences, a thesis unifies and provides direction for a piece of writing.

There are two main reasons why thesis statements are so important for an essay.

• First, the writer develops a thesis to create a focus on an essay’s main idea. It is important for the writer to be able to write the main idea in a few sentences to create a clear idea for the paper. Not only does the thesis guide the reader, but also the writer. The thesis provides direction to help the writer keep their paper organized.
• Second, having a well-crafted thesis statement helps the reader understand the main idea of the essay. The thesis statement sets the reader up for the rest of the essay. Usually at the end of the introduction paragraph, the thesis leads into the body paragraph, which provides evidence and ideas to back up the thesis. The thesis statement is important because it tells the audience what they will be reading about.

Because thesis statements are essential in any essay, it is important for writers to understand what makes up a solid thesis. As the basis of an essay, a thesis must support three things: audience, purpose, and content. This basically just means answer who, why, and what in your thesis. Who are you writing this thesis for? Be sure to identify the audience to clarify who your paper is for. Why are you writing this thesis? Establish a purpose to ensure that the reader knows the direction of your paper. What will be included in this thesis? Determine the key points of your essay and include them in your thesis.

Here is a comparison to help you understand the importance: The role of a thesis statement is like the role of the sun in the solar system. Just as the planets orbit the sun in the solar system, the different parts of an essay orbit the thesis statement. The planets feed off of the sun, just like the body paragraphs and conclusion feed off of the thesis.

Your audience should be able to easily find the thesis in your essay. The thesis statement should be clear and concise so the reader can identify it and efficiently understand the meaning of the paper. If someone can’t find the thesis in your essay, go back and make sure that you created a meaningful and well-understood thesis.

All styles of writing are different, but a strong thesis is something that they all share.

Mackenzie Tabler

© 2024 Writing Right.

Made with by Graphene Themes .

Crafting a thesis statement

A thesis must always demonstrate an argument. If you are not trying to prove something and persuade your audience to accept your point of view, you are not writing an academic paper.

Your thesis is the most concise way of indicating to your audience the intention of your paper.

For most undergraduate writing, it is sufficient to have a one sentence thesis statement. Your introductory paragraph should build up to your thesis statement and provide your reader with the necessary context.

Creating a thesis statement

Suppose this is the prompt of a paper that you are assigned to write:

Describe the nature of womanhood in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid . How do the roles of the female protagonists differ? How are they similar?

So how should you approach this question?

You must first identify the concepts that this prompt is asking you to identify. Often, you will be asked to analyze particular characters, texts, or themes. This prompt is asking you to make conclusions about the female protagonists in these films. Before you begin writing, you might want to make a list of attributes specific to each character (or text/ theme.) This will help you identify commonalities or disparities that may be useful in helping you determine your thesis. Belle (from Beauty and the Beast )...

• lives with her father in a town in France
• is not superficial (falls in love with a beast at the end of the film)
• is beautiful but greatest passion is reading
• brave and curious

Ariel (from The Little Mermaid)

• sacrifices her voice for legs
• rebellious, curious, and headstrong
• lives with her father under the ocean
• falls in love “at first sight” with a prince that she rescues at the beginning of the film

Now you can begin to analyze the significance of these attributes. Since this is a prompt based on comparison, it might be tempting to simply list off the similar/differing attributes. This is an academic essay, however, so your paper must have an argument. A sentence like “Belle is fond of reading, yet Ariel is not” would not function as a thesis statement, because you are stating a fact, not making an argument.

In order to fully analyze this prompt, you must identify the concepts that warrant further explanation. For instance, both Belle and Ariel live with their father. Where, then, are their mothers? Since this prompt is about the nature of womanhood in these films, the absence of a mother figure might be worth mentioning. What about each character’s respective attitudes toward relationships? There is an obvious difference here: Belle falls in love with an ugly beast at the end of the film, yet Ariel is instantly—perhaps superficially—in love with a very handsome prince. By simply identifying these two attributes, it is possible to create a thesis statement:

• Although both Belle and Ariel project the consequences of an absent mother figure, Belle ultimately emerges as a more admirable model of femininity because she rejects superficiality and stereotypical romantic conventions.

This thesis gives you the opportunity to discuss the impact that the lack of a mother might have on both characters (for instance their shared insatiable curiosity and tendency to take risks.) It also gives you the opportunity to form an argument on who you view as the more “admirable” model of womanhood, and the differences in how each character approaches their respective romantic relationships. There are many other theses that could be created from this particular example, but this is one that demonstrates a clear, coherent argument and fully addresses all aspects of the prompt.

Additional tips for creating a thesis statement

In the preliminary stages of drafting your thesis, it may be helpful for you to write the phrase “I intend to argue that __________” and fill in the blank with your potential statement. This will help you understand when you are making an argument, as opposed to simply articulating a fact.

A simple thesis is often the best thesis. Remember: you do not need to include every aspect of your argument in your thesis. Be direct and concise.

It can often be helpful to begin your thesis statement with a “therefore” or “although.” This helps your reader identify that an important transition is taking place.

Creating a Thesis Statement

View in pdf format, getting started.

If you’re just beginning to think about a thesis, it may be useful to ask yourself some of the following questions. This list is not exhaustive; anything that helps you consider your text or subject in a complex, unusual, or in-depth manner will get you on the right track:

• Do I have a gut response to the prompt? Does anything from my reading jump to mind as something that could help me argue one way or another?
• What is the significance of this text or subject? Why did my professor choose it? How does it fit into the broader themes or goals of the course?
• How does this text or subject relate to the broader context of the place or time period in which it was written or in which it occurred?
• Does this text or subject challenge or complicate my ideas about race, class, gender, or religion? About political, carceral, or educational institutions?
• Does anything in this text seem to not “fit in” with the rest of it? Why could that be?
• Are there aspects of the text (or two separate texts) which, when I compare and contrast them, can illuminate something about the text(s) that wasn’t clear before?
• Does the author make any stylistic choices– perspective, word choice, pacing, setting, plot twists, poetic devices– that are crucial to our understanding of the text or subject?

Developing Your Ideas

At this point you should have some potential ideas, but they don’t have to be pretty yet. Your next goal will be to play with them until you arrive at a single argument that fulfills as many of the above “Components of a Strong Thesis” as possible. See the following examples of weak or unfinished thesis statements:

Setting is an important aspect of Wuthering Heights .

Britain was stable between 1688 and 1783.

The first example is argumentative, but it’s not that argumentative– most critics agree that setting is important to Wuthering Heights . Both examples are too broad. One way to develop them is to consider potential conjunctions that would help you complicate your ideas:  

See below for examples of stronger or more complete thesis statements. In part due to the addition of conjunctions “because” and “as,” these are more argumentative, more specific, and more complex:

Because the moors in Wuthering Heights are a personification of Heathcliff’s personality, their presence suggests that human emotion and the natural world are intricately entwined in the novel.

Corruption was a major source of stability in Britain between 1688 and 1783, as landed elites controlled every aspect of British government and ensured political stability at the cost of social equality.

I Have a Thesis. Now What?

Once you feel confident about your final thesis statement, you have conquered the most important (and usually, the most difficult) part of writing a paper. Here are two ways your thesis can help you figure out what to do next to organize your introduction according to a clear, logical progression of ideas. When you complete one sentence, ask yourself what idea flows naturally out of it, or what your reader will want to know next.

By Sarah Ostrow ’18. Definition of thesis statement adapted from earlier Hamilton College Writing Center Resource “Introductions and Thesis Statements.” © Nesbitt-Johnston Writing Center, Hamilton College

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