what is the element of a thesis statement

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• Creating Thesis Statements

WHAT IS A THESIS?

• A thesis statement indicates what the rest of the paper is about as well as indicating what the writer is specifically going to argue.  
• Remember, your reader is always searching for the main point of your paper. Your thesis will allow your reader to discover what your paper is all about.   
• A thesis answers questions that your reader might ask: What is your paper about? What is your main point? What is interesting about your topic? Why should I (as the reader) be interested in your topic? etc.

HOW DO I WRITE A THESIS?

• First, think about your topic.  What is it about your topic that interests you?  What kind of point do you want to make about your topic?
• Make some kind of argument about the topic—some statement that your reader could either agree or disagree with.
• Remember, your job as a writer is to convince your reader.  A thesis is not just a statement of fact.
• Keep in mind that since your thesis is a condensed version of what your paper is about, you should make your thesis clear and specific. Your reader shouldn’t have to use detective work to discover and understand the main point of your paper.   
• Additionally, your thesis should be focused, specific, and strong. Keep in mind the length of your paper and try to narrow the focus of your thesis appropriately.

CONSTRUCTING A THESIS

• Start by identifying the subject of your paper: Kate Chopin’s character Edna in The Awakening
• Next, make some comment about the subject: Kate Chopin’s character Edna in The Awakening is a repressed woman
• Then, go one step further and state WHY you think the way you do. Consider questions like who, what, when, where, why, how, etc. This is a good way to synthesize, or connect, your subject and your commentary. Here’s an example of a final thesis:   Kate Chopin’s character Edna in The Awakening is a repressed woman because she, like many women in the nineteenth-century American South, felt she had very few options in life.     

FAQs ABOUT A THESIS

Q:  Does a thesis always have to be just one sentence? A:  Absolutely not! A thesis can be made up of several sentences. In addition, it often takes several sentences just to lead up to your thesis statement. You have to set the scene before you leave your thesis “clue.”

Q:  Does a thesis always have to be the last sentence of the introductory paragraph? A:  It doesn’t always have to be the last sentence, but a thesis is probably most effective when it is placed somewhere in the introductory paragraph. Your introductory paragraph should establish your paper’s main idea and clarify what is to be discussed in the body of your paper.

Q:  Does a thesis always have to make an argument? A:  Not exactly. A thesis doesn’t always have to make a blatant argument (something which calls for readers to agree or disagree), but it does always have to make a point that you must support with evidence in order to get the reader to see and understand your “take” on the issue.                                     

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Thesis Statements

The thesis statement (which may be more than one sentence) usually appears at the end of your introduction and presents your specific argument or claim to the reader. The thesis should cover only what you discuss in your paper and be supported throughout the paper with evidence. A thesis statement serves many purposes, including the following:

• Prepare your readers for the purpose of your paper and the content
• Set the focus for your paper
• States your side on an issue
• Previews the ideas you will address

Steps to Writing a Thesis

Brainstorm by answering the following questions about your argument.

1. What is your main argument?

Miami University should install refill stations on its water fountains.

2. Why are you making this argument?

So students and faculty at Miami University can refill their water bottles easily, instead of purchasing bottled water.

3. What support will you give for your argument? What ideas will you discuss in your paper?

Refill stations can discourage waste and thus are better for the environment. Students will be more likely to use these stations if they are required to purchase reusable water bottles and do not have the option to buy bottled water on campus.

Then, combine these ideas into a thesis statement. Your thesis can be one- to two sentences long.

Miami University could improve its sustainability efforts and discourage waste through installing refill stations and encouraging their use by limiting the sale of bottled water on campus and requiring all first-year students to purchase reusable water bottles

Problems to Avoid When Writing a Thesis

1. Don't write a highly opinionated thesis. You may alienate readers, especially the ones you are trying to convince.

Example: With characteristic clumsiness, campus officials bumbled their way through the recent budget crisis. Better: Campus officials had trouble managing the recent budget crisis effectively.

2. Don't make an announcement. Include your attitude toward the subject as well as the subject. Otherwise, you're just stating your intent, not your thesis or claim.

Example: My essay will discuss handgun legislation. Better: Banning handguns is the first step toward controlling crime in America.

Example: In this essay, I will discuss cable television. OK: In this essay, I will present three reasons why cable television has not delivered on its promises. (Though this includes the writer's attitude about the subject, it is still announcing intent and is not as sophisticated and direct as the following thesis.) Even better: Cable television has not delivered on its promise to provide an alternative to network programming. (This directly states what the writer will discuss and attempt to prove.)

3. Don't make a factual statement. Your essay will develop an issue. Stating a fact doesn't give you anything to develop; there's no where to go. It just is.

Example: Many businesses pollute the environment. Better: Tax penalties should be levied against companies that pollute the environment.

Example: Today's movies are violent. Better: Movie violence provides a healthy outlet for aggression.

4. Don't make a broad statement. Your thesis should focus on the point(s) you will make; limit your subject. Use specific rather than vague or general terms.

Example: Education is often meaningless. Better: A high school education has been devalued by grade inflation.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, ap lit test - how to prepare.

Hey, so I'm planning on taking the AP Lit Test next year and I want to start preparing early. Do you have any tips or resources that you found particularly useful in getting ready for the exam? Anything would be super helpful!

Hi there! It's great you're starting early for your AP Lit Test preparation. Here are some tips and resources to help you get ready:

1. Understand the exam format: Familiarize yourself with the format of the exam, which consists of a multiple-choice section (45% of the score) and a free-response section (55% of the score).

2. Review the College Board's Course and Exam Description (CED): The CED contains a detailed outline of the exam content, skills, and question samples. Familiarize yourself with the topics covered and the types of questions asked in each section.

3. Read widely: Exposure to a variety of literary works, genres, and time periods is crucial. Try to read a mix of novels, poetry, and plays, specifically focusing on works from the recommended College Board reading list.

4. Analyze texts: Develop your analytical reading skills by identifying themes, symbolism, figurative language, and other literary elements in the works you read. Practice writing short analyses of texts to build your essay-writing skills.

5. Use prep books: Consider purchasing an AP Lit prep book like the Princeton Review or Barron's, which provide an overview of the course content, practice questions, and test-taking strategies.

6. Practice multiple-choice questions: Develop your skills in reading and interpreting literary passages by practicing multiple-choice questions. Many prep books and online resources offer practice questions, which can help familiarize you with the types of passages and questions you'll encounter on the exam.

7. Master essay writing: AP Lit has three types of essays: poetry analysis, prose fiction analysis, and literary argument. Familiarize yourself with the expectations for each essay type and practice writing essays with clear thesis statements and well-organized supporting evidence.

8. Time management: Work on managing your time effectively during the exam, as you'll have roughly 60 minutes for the multiple-choice section and 120 minutes for the three essays. Develop a pacing strategy that allows you to thoroughly read and analyze passages and write complete essays.

9. Participate in class discussions: Engage in discussions about the literary works you study in your AP Lit class to deepen your understanding of the texts and sharpen your analytical skills.

10. Get feedback from your teacher: Share your practice essays with your AP Lit teacher and seek feedback on your writing and analytical skills. They can help you improve and better understand what's expected on the real exam.

11. Participate in online forums: Join online AP Lit communities on platforms like College Confidential and Reddit, where you can discuss texts, share study resources, and seek advice from other students.

Finally, CollegeVine's blog provides a comprehensive breakdown of what you can expect on this exam, including sample questions, as well as tips for how to prepare effectively: https://blog.collegevine.com/ultimate-guide-to-the-english-literature-and-composition-ap-exam/.

Remember, consistent practice and studying various literary works will help you build the skills necessary for success on the AP Lit exam. Good luck!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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