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?
- picture_as_pdf Thesis
How to Write a Thesis Statement (Full Guide + 60 Examples)
Crafting the perfect thesis statement is an art form that sets the foundation for your entire paper.
Here is how to write a thesis statement:
Write a thesis statement by clearly stating your topic, expressing your position, and providing key points. For example: “Social media impacts teens by influencing self-esteem, enabling cyberbullying, and shaping social interactions.” Be specific, concise, and arguable.
This ultimate guide will break down everything you need to know about how to write a thesis statement, plus 60 examples.
What Is a Thesis Statement?
Table of Contents
A thesis statement is a concise summary of the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, or other piece of academic writing.
It presents the topic of your paper and your position on the topic, ideally in a single sentence.
Think of it as the roadmap to your paper—it guides your readers through your arguments and provides a clear direction.
Key Elements of a Thesis Statement
- Clarity: Your thesis should be clear and specific.
- Position: It should convey your stance on the topic.
- Argument: The statement should make a claim that others might dispute.
Types of Thesis Statements
There are various types of thesis statements depending on the kind of paper you’re writing.
Here are the main ones:
- Standard Method – This is the classic thesis statement used in many academic essays. It provides a straightforward approach, clearly stating the main argument or claim and outlining the supporting points.
- Research Paper – Designed for research papers, this type involves extensive research and evidence. It presents a hypothesis or a central argument based on your research findings.
- Informative Essay – Used for essays that aim to inform or explain a topic. It provides a clear summary of what the reader will learn.
- Persuasive Essay – For essays meant to persuade or convince the reader of a particular point of view. It clearly states your position and outlines your main arguments.
- Compare and Contrast Essay – Used when comparing two or more subjects. It highlights the similarities and differences between the subjects and presents a clear argument based on these comparisons.
- Analytical Essay – Breaks down an issue or idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.
- Argumentative Essay – Makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. It’s similar to the persuasive essay but usually requires more evidence and a more formal tone.
- Expository Essay – Explains or describes a topic in a straightforward, logical manner. It provides a balanced analysis of a subject based on facts without opinions.
- Narrative Essay – Tells a story or relates an event. The thesis statement for a narrative essay usually highlights the main point or lesson of the story.
- Cause and Effect Essay – Explores the causes of a particular event or situation and its effects. It provides a clear argument about the cause and effect relationship.
How to Write a Thesis Statement (Standard Method)
Writing a standard thesis statement involves a few straightforward steps.
Here’s a detailed guide:
- Identify Your Topic: What is your essay about?
- Take a Stance: What is your position on the topic?
- Outline Your Main Points: What are the key arguments that support your stance?
- Combine All Elements: Formulate a single, coherent sentence that encompasses all the above points.
- “Social media has a significant impact on teenagers because it influences their self-esteem, provides a platform for cyberbullying, and shapes their social interactions.”
- “Climate change is a pressing issue that requires immediate action because it threatens global ecosystems, endangers human health, and disrupts economies.”
- “The rise of remote work is transforming the modern workplace by increasing flexibility, reducing overhead costs, and enhancing work-life balance.”
- “School uniforms should be mandatory in public schools as they promote equality, reduce bullying, and simplify the morning routine.”
- “Digital literacy is essential in today’s world because it improves communication, enhances job prospects, and enables informed decision-making.”
How to Write a Thesis Statement for a Research Paper
Research papers require a more detailed and evidence-based thesis.
Here’s how to craft one:
- Start with a Research Question: What are you trying to find out?
- Conduct Preliminary Research: Gather evidence and sources.
- Formulate a Hypothesis: Based on your research, what do you think will happen?
- Refine Your Thesis: Make it specific and arguable.
- “The implementation of renewable energy sources can significantly reduce carbon emissions in urban areas, as evidenced by case studies in cities like Copenhagen and Vancouver.”
- “Genetically modified crops have the potential to improve food security, but their impact on biodiversity and human health requires further investigation.”
- “The use of artificial intelligence in healthcare can improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes, but ethical concerns about data privacy and algorithmic bias must be addressed.”
- “Urban green spaces contribute to mental well-being and community cohesion, as demonstrated by longitudinal studies in various metropolitan areas.”
- “Microplastic pollution in oceans poses a severe threat to marine life and human health, highlighting the need for stricter waste management policies.”
How to Write a Thesis Statement for an Essay
You’ll write thesis statements a little differently for different kinds of essays.
Informative Essay
- Choose Your Topic: What are you informing your readers about?
- Outline Key Points: What are the main pieces of information?
- Draft Your Statement: Clearly state the purpose and main points.
- “The process of photosynthesis is essential for plant life as it converts light energy into chemical energy, produces oxygen, and is the basis for the food chain.”
- “The human digestive system is a complex series of organs and glands that process food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste.”
- “The Industrial Revolution was a period of major technological advancement and social change that reshaped the economies and societies of Europe and North America.”
- “The history of the internet from its early development in the 1960s to its current role in global communication and commerce is a fascinating journey of innovation and transformation.”
- “The impact of climate change on Arctic ecosystems is profound, affecting wildlife, indigenous communities, and global weather patterns.”
Persuasive Essay
- Identify Your Position: What are you trying to convince your reader of?
- Gather Supporting Evidence: What evidence backs up your position?
- Combine Elements: Make a clear, arguable statement.
- “Implementing a four-day workweek can improve productivity and employee well-being, as supported by studies from Iceland and Japan.”
- “The death penalty should be abolished as it is inhumane, does not deter crime, and risks executing innocent people.”
- “Public transportation should be made free to reduce traffic congestion, decrease pollution, and promote social equity.”
- “Recycling should be mandatory to conserve natural resources, reduce landfill waste, and protect the environment.”
- “Vaccination should be mandatory to protect public health and prevent the spread of contagious diseases.”
Compare and Contrast Essay
- Choose Subjects to Compare: What are the two (or more) subjects?
- Determine the Basis of Comparison: What specific aspects are you comparing?
- Draft the Thesis: Clearly state the subjects and the comparison.
- “While both solar and wind energy are renewable sources, solar energy is more versatile and can be used in a wider variety of environments.”
- “Although both capitalism and socialism aim to improve economic welfare, capitalism emphasizes individual freedom while socialism focuses on collective equality.”
- “Traditional classroom education and online learning each offer unique benefits, but online learning provides greater flexibility and access to resources.”
- “The novels ‘1984’ by George Orwell and ‘Brave New World’ by Aldous Huxley both depict dystopian societies, but ‘1984’ focuses on totalitarianism while ‘Brave New World’ explores the dangers of technological control.”
- “While iOS and Android operating systems offer similar functionality, iOS provides a more streamlined user experience, whereas Android offers greater customization options.”
How to Write a Thesis Statement for an Analytical Essay
An analytical essay breaks down an issue or idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.
- Choose Your Topic: What will you analyze?
- Identify Key Components: What are the main parts of your analysis?
- Formulate Your Thesis: Combine the components into a coherent statement.
- “Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ explores themes of madness and revenge through the complex characterization of Hamlet and his interactions with other characters.”
- “The economic policies of the New Deal addressed the Great Depression by implementing financial reforms, creating job opportunities, and providing social welfare programs.”
- “The symbolism in ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald reflects the moral decay and social stratification of the Jazz Age.”
- “The narrative structure of ‘Inception’ uses nonlinear storytelling to explore the complexities of dreams and reality.”
- “The use of color in Wes Anderson’s films enhances the whimsical and nostalgic tone of his storytelling.”
How to Write a Thesis Statement for an Argumentative Essay
An argumentative essay makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence.
It’s similar to the persuasive essay but usually requires more evidence and a more formal tone.
- Choose Your Topic: What are you arguing about?
- Gather Evidence: What evidence supports your claim?
- Formulate Your Thesis: Make a clear, evidence-based statement.
- “Climate change is primarily driven by human activities, such as deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels, which increase greenhouse gas emissions.”
- “The benefits of universal healthcare outweigh the costs, as it ensures equal access to medical services, reduces overall healthcare expenses, and improves public health.”
- “The death penalty should be abolished because it violates human rights, is not a deterrent to crime, and risks the execution of innocent people.”
- “Animal testing for cosmetics should be banned as it is unethical, unnecessary, and alternatives are available.”
- “Net neutrality should be maintained to ensure a free and open internet, preventing service providers from prioritizing or blocking content.”
How to Write a Thesis Statement for an Expository Essay
An expository essay explains or describes a topic in a straightforward, logical manner.
It provides a balanced analysis of a subject based on facts without opinions.
- Choose Your Topic: What are you explaining or describing?
- Outline Key Points: What are the main facts or components?
- Formulate Your Thesis: Combine the elements into a clear statement.
- “The water cycle consists of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, which are essential for maintaining the earth’s water balance.”
- “The human respiratory system is responsible for taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide through a series of organs, including the lungs, trachea, and diaphragm.”
- “Photosynthesis in plants involves the absorption of light energy by chlorophyll, which converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.”
- “The structure of DNA is a double helix composed of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of genetic information.”
- “The process of mitosis ensures that cells divide correctly, allowing for growth, repair, and reproduction in living organisms.”
How to Write a Thesis Statement for a Narrative Essay
A narrative essay tells a story or relates an event.
The thesis statement for a narrative essay usually highlights the main point or lesson of the story.
- Identify the Main Point: What is the main lesson or theme of your story?
- Outline Key Events: What are the key events that support this point?
- Formulate Your Thesis: Combine the main point and events into a coherent statement.
- “Overcoming my fear of public speaking in high school taught me the value of confidence and perseverance.”
- “My summer volunteering at a wildlife rescue center showed me the importance of compassion and teamwork.”
- “A family road trip across the country provided me with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for our diverse landscapes.”
- “Moving to a new city for college challenged me to adapt to new environments and build independence.”
- “A childhood friendship that ended in betrayal taught me the importance of trust and resilience.”
How to Write a Thesis Statement for a Cause and Effect Essay
A cause and effect essay explores the causes of a particular event or situation and its effects.
It provides a clear argument about the cause and effect relationship.
- Identify the Event or Situation: What are you analyzing?
- Determine the Causes: What are the reasons behind this event or situation?
- Identify the Effects: What are the consequences?
- Formulate Your Thesis: Combine the causes and effects into a coherent statement.
- “The rise in global temperatures is primarily caused by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, and leads to severe weather patterns and rising sea levels.”
- “The introduction of invasive species in an ecosystem disrupts the balance and leads to the decline of native species.”
- “Economic recession is caused by a combination of factors, including high unemployment rates and declining consumer confidence, and results in reduced business investments and government spending.”
- “Prolonged exposure to screen time can cause digital eye strain and sleep disturbances, affecting overall health and productivity.”
- “Deforestation contributes to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity, leading to the degradation of ecosystems and reduced agricultural productivity.”
How to Write a Good Thesis Statement
Writing a good thesis statement is all about clarity and specificity.
Here’s a formula to help you:
- State the Topic: What are you writing about?
- Express Your Opinion: What do you think about the topic?
- Provide a Reason: Why do you think this way?
- “Remote work is beneficial because it offers flexibility, reduces commuting time, and increases job satisfaction.”
- “Regular exercise is essential for maintaining physical and mental health as it boosts energy levels, improves mood, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.”
- “Reading fiction enhances empathy by allowing readers to experience different perspectives and emotions.”
- “A plant-based diet is advantageous for both personal health and environmental sustainability.”
- “Learning a second language enhances cognitive abilities and opens up cultural and professional opportunities.”
Check out this video about how to write a strong thesis statement:
How to Write a Thesis Statement (Formula + Template)
Use this simple formula to craft your thesis statement:
[Main Topic] + [Your Opinion/Position] + [Reason/Key Points]
Template: “__________ (main topic) has __________ (your opinion) because __________ (reason/key points).”
- “Electric cars are the future of transportation because they reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower fuel costs, and require less maintenance.”
- “Social media platforms should implement stricter privacy controls because user data is vulnerable to breaches, exploitation, and misuse.”
- “Higher education should be more affordable to ensure equal access and promote social mobility.”
- “Television news often fails to provide balanced coverage, leading to public misinformation.”
- “Volunteer work should be encouraged in schools to foster community engagement and personal development.”
Thesis Statement Tips
Writing a strong thesis statement is crucial for a successful essay. Here are some tips to help you craft a killer thesis statement:
- Be Specific: Avoid vague language. Make sure your thesis statement clearly defines your argument or main point.
- Be Concise: Keep it to one or two sentences. Your thesis statement should be brief and to the point.
- Make It Arguable: Ensure that your thesis statement presents a claim or argument that can be disputed.
- Place It Appropriately: Typically, your thesis statement should be placed at the end of your introduction paragraph.
- Revise and Refine: Don’t be afraid to revise your thesis statement as you write and refine your essay. It should evolve as your ideas develop.
Common Thesis Statement Errors
Avoid these common errors when crafting your thesis statement:
- Too Broad: A thesis statement that is too broad makes it difficult to focus your essay. Narrow it down to a specific point.
- Too Vague: Avoid vague language that lacks specificity. Be clear about what you’re arguing.
- Lacks an Argument: Ensure that your thesis statement makes a clear argument or claim. Avoid statements that are purely factual or descriptive.
- Too Complex: A thesis statement should be straightforward and easy to understand. Avoid overly complex sentences.
- Off-Topic: Make sure your thesis statement is directly related to the topic of your essay. Stay on track.
How Do You Start a Thesis Statement?
Starting a thesis statement involves using clear and concise language that sets the stage for your argument.
Here are some exact words and phrases to begin with:
- “The purpose of this paper is to…”
- “This essay will argue that…”
- “In this essay, I will demonstrate that…”
- “The central idea of this paper is…”
- “This research aims to prove that…”
- “This study focuses on…”
- “This analysis will show that…”
- “The main argument presented in this paper is…”
- “The goal of this essay is to…”
- “Through this research, it will be shown that…”
How Long Should a Thesis Statement Be?
A thesis statement should be clear and concise, typically one to two sentences long.
Aim for 20 to 30 words, ensuring it includes the main topic, your position, and the key points that will be covered in your paper.
This provides a focused and precise summary of your argument, making it easier for readers to understand the main direction of your essay or research paper.
While brevity is essential, it’s also crucial to provide enough detail to convey the scope of your argument.
Avoid overly complex sentences that can confuse readers. Instead, strive for a balance between clarity and comprehensiveness, ensuring your thesis statement is straightforward and informative.
Summary Table of Thesis Statement Writing
Final thoughts: how to write a thesis statement.
Writing a strong thesis statement is the cornerstone of a successful paper.
It guides your writing and helps your readers understand your argument. Remember to be clear, specific, and concise. With practice, you’ll master the art of crafting killer thesis statements.
Read This Next:
- How to Write a Hypothesis [31 Tips + Examples]
- How to Write a Topic Sentence (30+ Tips & Examples)
- How to Write a Paragraph [Ultimate Guide + Examples] What Is A Universal Statement In Writing? (Explained) 21 Best Ways To Write Essays When You Are Stuck [Examples]
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Writing a Paper: Thesis Statements
Basics of thesis statements.
The thesis statement is the brief articulation of your paper's central argument and purpose. You might hear it referred to as simply a "thesis." Every scholarly paper should have a thesis statement, and strong thesis statements are concise, specific, and arguable. Concise means the thesis is short: perhaps one or two sentences for a shorter paper. Specific means the thesis deals with a narrow and focused topic, appropriate to the paper's length. Arguable means that a scholar in your field could disagree (or perhaps already has!).
Strong thesis statements address specific intellectual questions, have clear positions, and use a structure that reflects the overall structure of the paper. Read on to learn more about constructing a strong thesis statement.
Being Specific
This thesis statement has no specific argument:
Needs Improvement: In this essay, I will examine two scholarly articles to find similarities and differences.
This statement is concise, but it is neither specific nor arguable—a reader might wonder, "Which scholarly articles? What is the topic of this paper? What field is the author writing in?" Additionally, the purpose of the paper—to "examine…to find similarities and differences" is not of a scholarly level. Identifying similarities and differences is a good first step, but strong academic argument goes further, analyzing what those similarities and differences might mean or imply.
Better: In this essay, I will argue that Bowler's (2003) autocratic management style, when coupled with Smith's (2007) theory of social cognition, can reduce the expenses associated with employee turnover.
The new revision here is still concise, as well as specific and arguable. We can see that it is specific because the writer is mentioning (a) concrete ideas and (b) exact authors. We can also gather the field (business) and the topic (management and employee turnover). The statement is arguable because the student goes beyond merely comparing; he or she draws conclusions from that comparison ("can reduce the expenses associated with employee turnover").
Making a Unique Argument
This thesis draft repeats the language of the writing prompt without making a unique argument:
Needs Improvement: The purpose of this essay is to monitor, assess, and evaluate an educational program for its strengths and weaknesses. Then, I will provide suggestions for improvement.
You can see here that the student has simply stated the paper's assignment, without articulating specifically how he or she will address it. The student can correct this error simply by phrasing the thesis statement as a specific answer to the assignment prompt.
Better: Through a series of student interviews, I found that Kennedy High School's antibullying program was ineffective. In order to address issues of conflict between students, I argue that Kennedy High School should embrace policies outlined by the California Department of Education (2010).
Words like "ineffective" and "argue" show here that the student has clearly thought through the assignment and analyzed the material; he or she is putting forth a specific and debatable position. The concrete information ("student interviews," "antibullying") further prepares the reader for the body of the paper and demonstrates how the student has addressed the assignment prompt without just restating that language.
Creating a Debate
This thesis statement includes only obvious fact or plot summary instead of argument:
Needs Improvement: Leadership is an important quality in nurse educators.
A good strategy to determine if your thesis statement is too broad (and therefore, not arguable) is to ask yourself, "Would a scholar in my field disagree with this point?" Here, we can see easily that no scholar is likely to argue that leadership is an unimportant quality in nurse educators. The student needs to come up with a more arguable claim, and probably a narrower one; remember that a short paper needs a more focused topic than a dissertation.
Better: Roderick's (2009) theory of participatory leadership is particularly appropriate to nurse educators working within the emergency medicine field, where students benefit most from collegial and kinesthetic learning.
Here, the student has identified a particular type of leadership ("participatory leadership"), narrowing the topic, and has made an arguable claim (this type of leadership is "appropriate" to a specific type of nurse educator). Conceivably, a scholar in the nursing field might disagree with this approach. The student's paper can now proceed, providing specific pieces of evidence to support the arguable central claim.
Choosing the Right Words
This thesis statement uses large or scholarly-sounding words that have no real substance:
Needs Improvement: Scholars should work to seize metacognitive outcomes by harnessing discipline-based networks to empower collaborative infrastructures.
There are many words in this sentence that may be buzzwords in the student's field or key terms taken from other texts, but together they do not communicate a clear, specific meaning. Sometimes students think scholarly writing means constructing complex sentences using special language, but actually it's usually a stronger choice to write clear, simple sentences. When in doubt, remember that your ideas should be complex, not your sentence structure.
Better: Ecologists should work to educate the U.S. public on conservation methods by making use of local and national green organizations to create a widespread communication plan.
Notice in the revision that the field is now clear (ecology), and the language has been made much more field-specific ("conservation methods," "green organizations"), so the reader is able to see concretely the ideas the student is communicating.
Leaving Room for Discussion
This thesis statement is not capable of development or advancement in the paper:
Needs Improvement: There are always alternatives to illegal drug use.
This sample thesis statement makes a claim, but it is not a claim that will sustain extended discussion. This claim is the type of claim that might be appropriate for the conclusion of a paper, but in the beginning of the paper, the student is left with nowhere to go. What further points can be made? If there are "always alternatives" to the problem the student is identifying, then why bother developing a paper around that claim? Ideally, a thesis statement should be complex enough to explore over the length of the entire paper.
Better: The most effective treatment plan for methamphetamine addiction may be a combination of pharmacological and cognitive therapy, as argued by Baker (2008), Smith (2009), and Xavier (2011).
In the revised thesis, you can see the student make a specific, debatable claim that has the potential to generate several pages' worth of discussion. When drafting a thesis statement, think about the questions your thesis statement will generate: What follow-up inquiries might a reader have? In the first example, there are almost no additional questions implied, but the revised example allows for a good deal more exploration.
Thesis Mad Libs
If you are having trouble getting started, try using the models below to generate a rough model of a thesis statement! These models are intended for drafting purposes only and should not appear in your final work.
- In this essay, I argue ____, using ______ to assert _____.
- While scholars have often argued ______, I argue______, because_______.
- Through an analysis of ______, I argue ______, which is important because_______.
Words to Avoid and to Embrace
When drafting your thesis statement, avoid words like explore, investigate, learn, compile, summarize , and explain to describe the main purpose of your paper. These words imply a paper that summarizes or "reports," rather than synthesizing and analyzing.
Instead of the terms above, try words like argue, critique, question , and interrogate . These more analytical words may help you begin strongly, by articulating a specific, critical, scholarly position.
Read Kayla's blog post for tips on taking a stand in a well-crafted thesis statement.
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COMMENTS
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. What is a thesis statement? A thesis statement summarizes the central points of your essay.
Before we get into details, here are the basic steps for how to write a thesis statement: Develop the best topic to cover in your paper. Phrase your topic as a question-and-answer. Add some polish. We’ll describe each of those steps in more detail below, but we wanted to share a quick guide.
Your thesis is the central claim in your essay—your main insight or idea about your source or topic. Your thesis should appear early in an academic essay, followed by a logically constructed argument that supports this central claim.
Present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community projects before entering college. This resource provides tips for creating a thesis statement and examples of different types of thesis statements.
A thesis statement is a concise summary of the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, or other piece of academic writing. It presents the topic of your paper and your position on the topic, ideally in a single sentence.
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.
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.
Drafting. Academic Arguments. Revising. Proofreading. Reflecting & Improving. Basics of Thesis Statements. The thesis statement is the brief articulation of your paper's central argument and purpose. You might hear it referred to as simply a "thesis."
A thesis statement is the sentence at the end of your introduction. It states your position on your topic and summarizes your overall argument. To write a strong thesis statement, you’ll need to start by phrasing your topic as a question. Then, answer it to get a clear stance and add specific details to strengthen it.
1. Understand The Topic. Before writing your thesis statement, it's essential to understand the essay topic fully. Read the prompt carefully, analyze the question, and brainstorm ideas. Make sure you have a solid understanding of the subject matter and the angle you want to take. 2.