helpful professor logo

25 Thesis Statement Examples

25 Thesis Statement Examples

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

Learn about our Editorial Process

thesis statement examples and definition, explained below

A thesis statement is needed in an essay or dissertation . There are multiple types of thesis statements – but generally we can divide them into expository and argumentative. An expository statement is a statement of fact (common in expository essays and process essays) while an argumentative statement is a statement of opinion (common in argumentative essays and dissertations). Below are examples of each.

Strong Thesis Statement Examples

school uniforms and dress codes, explained below

1. School Uniforms

“Mandatory school uniforms should be implemented in educational institutions as they promote a sense of equality, reduce distractions, and foster a focused and professional learning environment.”

Best For: Argumentative Essay or Debate

Read More: School Uniforms Pros and Cons

nature vs nurture examples and definition

2. Nature vs Nurture

“This essay will explore how both genetic inheritance and environmental factors equally contribute to shaping human behavior and personality.”

Best For: Compare and Contrast Essay

Read More: Nature vs Nurture Debate

American Dream Examples Definition

3. American Dream

“The American Dream, a symbol of opportunity and success, is increasingly elusive in today’s socio-economic landscape, revealing deeper inequalities in society.”

Best For: Persuasive Essay

Read More: What is the American Dream?

social media pros and cons

4. Social Media

“Social media has revolutionized communication and societal interactions, but it also presents significant challenges related to privacy, mental health, and misinformation.”

Best For: Expository Essay

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Social Media

types of globalization, explained below

5. Globalization

“Globalization has created a world more interconnected than ever before, yet it also amplifies economic disparities and cultural homogenization.”

Read More: Globalization Pros and Cons

urbanization example and definition

6. Urbanization

“Urbanization drives economic growth and social development, but it also poses unique challenges in sustainability and quality of life.”

Read More: Learn about Urbanization

immigration pros and cons, explained below

7. Immigration

“Immigration enriches receiving countries culturally and economically, outweighing any perceived social or economic burdens.”

Read More: Immigration Pros and Cons

cultural identity examples and definition, explained below

8. Cultural Identity

“In a globalized world, maintaining distinct cultural identities is crucial for preserving cultural diversity and fostering global understanding, despite the challenges of assimilation and homogenization.”

Best For: Argumentative Essay

Read More: Learn about Cultural Identity

technology examples and definition explained below

9. Technology

“Medical technologies in care institutions in Toronto has increased subjcetive outcomes for patients with chronic pain.”

Best For: Research Paper

capitalism examples and definition

10. Capitalism vs Socialism

“The debate between capitalism and socialism centers on balancing economic freedom and inequality, each presenting distinct approaches to resource distribution and social welfare.”

cultural heritage examples and definition

11. Cultural Heritage

“The preservation of cultural heritage is essential, not only for cultural identity but also for educating future generations, outweighing the arguments for modernization and commercialization.”

pseudoscience examples and definition, explained below

12. Pseudoscience

“Pseudoscience, characterized by a lack of empirical support, continues to influence public perception and decision-making, often at the expense of scientific credibility.”

Read More: Examples of Pseudoscience

free will examples and definition, explained below

13. Free Will

“The concept of free will is largely an illusion, with human behavior and decisions predominantly determined by biological and environmental factors.”

Read More: Do we have Free Will?

gender roles examples and definition, explained below

14. Gender Roles

“Traditional gender roles are outdated and harmful, restricting individual freedoms and perpetuating gender inequalities in modern society.”

Read More: What are Traditional Gender Roles?

work-life balance examples and definition, explained below

15. Work-Life Ballance

“The trend to online and distance work in the 2020s led to improved subjective feelings of work-life balance but simultaneously increased self-reported loneliness.”

Read More: Work-Life Balance Examples

universal healthcare pros and cons

16. Universal Healthcare

“Universal healthcare is a fundamental human right and the most effective system for ensuring health equity and societal well-being, outweighing concerns about government involvement and costs.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Universal Healthcare

raising minimum wage pros and cons

17. Minimum Wage

“The implementation of a fair minimum wage is vital for reducing economic inequality, yet it is often contentious due to its potential impact on businesses and employment rates.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Raising the Minimum Wage

homework pros and cons

18. Homework

“The homework provided throughout this semester has enabled me to achieve greater self-reflection, identify gaps in my knowledge, and reinforce those gaps through spaced repetition.”

Best For: Reflective Essay

Read More: Reasons Homework Should be Banned

charter schools vs public schools, explained below

19. Charter Schools

“Charter schools offer alternatives to traditional public education, promising innovation and choice but also raising questions about accountability and educational equity.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Charter Schools

internet pros and cons

20. Effects of the Internet

“The Internet has drastically reshaped human communication, access to information, and societal dynamics, generally with a net positive effect on society.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of the Internet

affirmative action example and definition, explained below

21. Affirmative Action

“Affirmative action is essential for rectifying historical injustices and achieving true meritocracy in education and employment, contrary to claims of reverse discrimination.”

Best For: Essay

Read More: Affirmative Action Pros and Cons

soft skills examples and definition, explained below

22. Soft Skills

“Soft skills, such as communication and empathy, are increasingly recognized as essential for success in the modern workforce, and therefore should be a strong focus at school and university level.”

Read More: Soft Skills Examples

moral panic definition examples

23. Moral Panic

“Moral panic, often fueled by media and cultural anxieties, can lead to exaggerated societal responses that sometimes overlook rational analysis and evidence.”

Read More: Moral Panic Examples

freedom of the press example and definition, explained below

24. Freedom of the Press

“Freedom of the press is critical for democracy and informed citizenship, yet it faces challenges from censorship, media bias, and the proliferation of misinformation.”

Read More: Freedom of the Press Examples

mass media examples definition

25. Mass Media

“Mass media shapes public opinion and cultural norms, but its concentration of ownership and commercial interests raise concerns about bias and the quality of information.”

Best For: Critical Analysis

Read More: Mass Media Examples

Checklist: How to use your Thesis Statement

✅ Position: If your statement is for an argumentative or persuasive essay, or a dissertation, ensure it takes a clear stance on the topic. ✅ Specificity: It addresses a specific aspect of the topic, providing focus for the essay. ✅ Conciseness: Typically, a thesis statement is one to two sentences long. It should be concise, clear, and easily identifiable. ✅ Direction: The thesis statement guides the direction of the essay, providing a roadmap for the argument, narrative, or explanation. ✅ Evidence-based: While the thesis statement itself doesn’t include evidence, it sets up an argument that can be supported with evidence in the body of the essay. ✅ Placement: Generally, the thesis statement is placed at the end of the introduction of an essay.

Try These AI Prompts – Thesis Statement Generator!

One way to brainstorm thesis statements is to get AI to brainstorm some for you! Try this AI prompt:

💡 AI PROMPT FOR EXPOSITORY THESIS STATEMENT I am writing an essay on [TOPIC] and these are the instructions my teacher gave me: [INSTUCTIONS]. I want you to create an expository thesis statement that doesn’t argue a position, but demonstrates depth of knowledge about the topic.

💡 AI PROMPT FOR ARGUMENTATIVE THESIS STATEMENT I am writing an essay on [TOPIC] and these are the instructions my teacher gave me: [INSTRUCTIONS]. I want you to create an argumentative thesis statement that clearly takes a position on this issue.

💡 AI PROMPT FOR COMPARE AND CONTRAST THESIS STATEMENT I am writing a compare and contrast essay that compares [Concept 1] and [Concept2]. Give me 5 potential single-sentence thesis statements that remain objective.

Chris

  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 20 Montessori Toddler Bedrooms (Design Inspiration)
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 21 Montessori Homeschool Setups
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 101 Hidden Talents Examples

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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

Make a Gift

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Duke University

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

technology thesis sentence

How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement: 4 Steps + Examples

technology thesis sentence

What’s Covered:

What is the purpose of a thesis statement, writing a good thesis statement: 4 steps, common pitfalls to avoid, where to get your essay edited for free.

When you set out to write an essay, there has to be some kind of point to it, right? Otherwise, your essay would just be a big jumble of word salad that makes absolutely no sense. An essay needs a central point that ties into everything else. That main point is called a thesis statement, and it’s the core of any essay or research paper.

You may hear about Master degree candidates writing a thesis, and that is an entire paper–not to be confused with the thesis statement, which is typically one sentence that contains your paper’s focus. 

Read on to learn more about thesis statements and how to write them. We’ve also included some solid examples for you to reference.

Typically the last sentence of your introductory paragraph, the thesis statement serves as the roadmap for your essay. When your reader gets to the thesis statement, they should have a clear outline of your main point, as well as the information you’ll be presenting in order to either prove or support your point. 

The thesis statement should not be confused for a topic sentence , which is the first sentence of every paragraph in your essay. If you need help writing topic sentences, numerous resources are available. Topic sentences should go along with your thesis statement, though.

Since the thesis statement is the most important sentence of your entire essay or paper, it’s imperative that you get this part right. Otherwise, your paper will not have a good flow and will seem disjointed. That’s why it’s vital not to rush through developing one. It’s a methodical process with steps that you need to follow in order to create the best thesis statement possible.

Step 1: Decide what kind of paper you’re writing

When you’re assigned an essay, there are several different types you may get. Argumentative essays are designed to get the reader to agree with you on a topic. Informative or expository essays present information to the reader. Analytical essays offer up a point and then expand on it by analyzing relevant information. Thesis statements can look and sound different based on the type of paper you’re writing. For example:

  • Argumentative: The United States needs a viable third political party to decrease bipartisanship, increase options, and help reduce corruption in government.
  • Informative: The Libertarian party has thrown off elections before by gaining enough support in states to get on the ballot and by taking away crucial votes from candidates.
  • Analytical: An analysis of past presidential elections shows that while third party votes may have been the minority, they did affect the outcome of the elections in 2020, 2016, and beyond.

Step 2: Figure out what point you want to make

Once you know what type of paper you’re writing, you then need to figure out the point you want to make with your thesis statement, and subsequently, your paper. In other words, you need to decide to answer a question about something, such as:

  • What impact did reality TV have on American society?
  • How has the musical Hamilton affected perception of American history?
  • Why do I want to major in [chosen major here]?

If you have an argumentative essay, then you will be writing about an opinion. To make it easier, you may want to choose an opinion that you feel passionate about so that you’re writing about something that interests you. For example, if you have an interest in preserving the environment, you may want to choose a topic that relates to that. 

If you’re writing your college essay and they ask why you want to attend that school, you may want to have a main point and back it up with information, something along the lines of:

“Attending Harvard University would benefit me both academically and professionally, as it would give me a strong knowledge base upon which to build my career, develop my network, and hopefully give me an advantage in my chosen field.”

Step 3: Determine what information you’ll use to back up your point

Once you have the point you want to make, you need to figure out how you plan to back it up throughout the rest of your essay. Without this information, it will be hard to either prove or argue the main point of your thesis statement. If you decide to write about the Hamilton example, you may decide to address any falsehoods that the writer put into the musical, such as:

“The musical Hamilton, while accurate in many ways, leaves out key parts of American history, presents a nationalist view of founding fathers, and downplays the racism of the times.”

Once you’ve written your initial working thesis statement, you’ll then need to get information to back that up. For example, the musical completely leaves out Benjamin Franklin, portrays the founding fathers in a nationalist way that is too complimentary, and shows Hamilton as a staunch abolitionist despite the fact that his family likely did own slaves. 

Step 4: Revise and refine your thesis statement before you start writing

Read through your thesis statement several times before you begin to compose your full essay. You need to make sure the statement is ironclad, since it is the foundation of the entire paper. Edit it or have a peer review it for you to make sure everything makes sense and that you feel like you can truly write a paper on the topic. Once you’ve done that, you can then begin writing your paper.

When writing a thesis statement, there are some common pitfalls you should avoid so that your paper can be as solid as possible. Make sure you always edit the thesis statement before you do anything else. You also want to ensure that the thesis statement is clear and concise. Don’t make your reader hunt for your point. Finally, put your thesis statement at the end of the first paragraph and have your introduction flow toward that statement. Your reader will expect to find your statement in its traditional spot.

If you’re having trouble getting started, or need some guidance on your essay, there are tools available that can help you. CollegeVine offers a free peer essay review tool where one of your peers can read through your essay and provide you with valuable feedback. Getting essay feedback from a peer can help you wow your instructor or college admissions officer with an impactful essay that effectively illustrates your point.

technology thesis sentence

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

technology thesis sentence

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

  • Knowledge Base
  • Dissertation
  • What Is a Thesis? | Ultimate Guide & Examples

What Is a Thesis? | Ultimate Guide & Examples

Published on September 14, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on April 16, 2024.

A thesis is a type of research paper based on your original research. It is usually submitted as the final step of a master’s program or a capstone to a bachelor’s degree.

Writing a thesis can be a daunting experience. Other than a dissertation , it is one of the longest pieces of writing students typically complete. It relies on your ability to conduct research from start to finish: choosing a relevant topic , crafting a proposal , designing your research , collecting data , developing a robust analysis, drawing strong conclusions , and writing concisely .

Thesis template

You can also download our full thesis template in the format of your choice below. Our template includes a ready-made table of contents , as well as guidance for what each chapter should include. It’s easy to make it your own, and can help you get started.

Download Word template Download Google Docs template

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

upload-your-document-ai-proofreader

Table of contents

Thesis vs. thesis statement, how to structure a thesis, acknowledgements or preface, list of figures and tables, list of abbreviations, introduction, literature review, methodology, reference list, proofreading and editing, defending your thesis, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about theses.

You may have heard the word thesis as a standalone term or as a component of academic writing called a thesis statement . Keep in mind that these are two very different things.

  • A thesis statement is a very common component of an essay, particularly in the humanities. It usually comprises 1 or 2 sentences in the introduction of your essay , and should clearly and concisely summarize the central points of your academic essay .
  • A thesis is a long-form piece of academic writing, often taking more than a full semester to complete. It is generally a degree requirement for Master’s programs, and is also sometimes required to complete a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts colleges.
  • In the US, a dissertation is generally written as a final step toward obtaining a PhD.
  • In other countries (particularly the UK), a dissertation is generally written at the bachelor’s or master’s level.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

The final structure of your thesis depends on a variety of components, such as:

  • Your discipline
  • Your theoretical approach

Humanities theses are often structured more like a longer-form essay . Just like in an essay, you build an argument to support a central thesis.

In both hard and social sciences, theses typically include an introduction , literature review , methodology section ,  results section , discussion section , and conclusion section . These are each presented in their own dedicated section or chapter. In some cases, you might want to add an appendix .

Thesis examples

We’ve compiled a short list of thesis examples to help you get started.

  • Example thesis #1:   “Abolition, Africans, and Abstraction: the Influence of the ‘Noble Savage’ on British and French Antislavery Thought, 1787-1807” by Suchait Kahlon.
  • Example thesis #2: “’A Starving Man Helping Another Starving Man’: UNRRA, India, and the Genesis of Global Relief, 1943-1947″ by Julian Saint Reiman.

The very first page of your thesis contains all necessary identifying information, including:

  • Your full title
  • Your full name
  • Your department
  • Your institution and degree program
  • Your submission date.

Sometimes the title page also includes your student ID, the name of your supervisor, or the university’s logo. Check out your university’s guidelines if you’re not sure.

Read more about title pages

The acknowledgements section is usually optional. Its main point is to allow you to thank everyone who helped you in your thesis journey, such as supervisors, friends, or family. You can also choose to write a preface , but it’s typically one or the other, not both.

Read more about acknowledgements Read more about prefaces

Don't submit your assignments before you do this

The academic proofreading tool has been trained on 1000s of academic texts. Making it the most accurate and reliable proofreading tool for students. Free citation check included.

technology thesis sentence

Try for free

An abstract is a short summary of your thesis. Usually a maximum of 300 words long, it’s should include brief descriptions of your research objectives , methods, results, and conclusions. Though it may seem short, it introduces your work to your audience, serving as a first impression of your thesis.

Read more about abstracts

A table of contents lists all of your sections, plus their corresponding page numbers and subheadings if you have them. This helps your reader seamlessly navigate your document.

Your table of contents should include all the major parts of your thesis. In particular, don’t forget the the appendices. If you used heading styles, it’s easy to generate an automatic table Microsoft Word.

Read more about tables of contents

While not mandatory, if you used a lot of tables and/or figures, it’s nice to include a list of them to help guide your reader. It’s also easy to generate one of these in Word: just use the “Insert Caption” feature.

Read more about lists of figures and tables

If you have used a lot of industry- or field-specific abbreviations in your thesis, you should include them in an alphabetized list of abbreviations . This way, your readers can easily look up any meanings they aren’t familiar with.

Read more about lists of abbreviations

Relatedly, if you find yourself using a lot of very specialized or field-specific terms that may not be familiar to your reader, consider including a glossary . Alphabetize the terms you want to include with a brief definition.

Read more about glossaries

An introduction sets up the topic, purpose, and relevance of your thesis, as well as expectations for your reader. This should:

  • Ground your research topic , sharing any background information your reader may need
  • Define the scope of your work
  • Introduce any existing research on your topic, situating your work within a broader problem or debate
  • State your research question(s)
  • Outline (briefly) how the remainder of your work will proceed

In other words, your introduction should clearly and concisely show your reader the “what, why, and how” of your research.

Read more about introductions

A literature review helps you gain a robust understanding of any extant academic work on your topic, encompassing:

  • Selecting relevant sources
  • Determining the credibility of your sources
  • Critically evaluating each of your sources
  • Drawing connections between sources, including any themes, patterns, conflicts, or gaps

A literature review is not merely a summary of existing work. Rather, your literature review should ultimately lead to a clear justification for your own research, perhaps via:

  • Addressing a gap in the literature
  • Building on existing knowledge to draw new conclusions
  • Exploring a new theoretical or methodological approach
  • Introducing a new solution to an unresolved problem
  • Definitively advocating for one side of a theoretical debate

Read more about literature reviews

Theoretical framework

Your literature review can often form the basis for your theoretical framework, but these are not the same thing. A theoretical framework defines and analyzes the concepts and theories that your research hinges on.

Read more about theoretical frameworks

Your methodology chapter shows your reader how you conducted your research. It should be written clearly and methodically, easily allowing your reader to critically assess the credibility of your argument. Furthermore, your methods section should convince your reader that your method was the best way to answer your research question.

A methodology section should generally include:

  • Your overall approach ( quantitative vs. qualitative )
  • Your research methods (e.g., a longitudinal study )
  • Your data collection methods (e.g., interviews or a controlled experiment
  • Any tools or materials you used (e.g., computer software)
  • The data analysis methods you chose (e.g., statistical analysis , discourse analysis )
  • A strong, but not defensive justification of your methods

Read more about methodology sections

Your results section should highlight what your methodology discovered. These two sections work in tandem, but shouldn’t repeat each other. While your results section can include hypotheses or themes, don’t include any speculation or new arguments here.

Your results section should:

  • State each (relevant) result with any (relevant) descriptive statistics (e.g., mean , standard deviation ) and inferential statistics (e.g., test statistics , p values )
  • Explain how each result relates to the research question
  • Determine whether the hypothesis was supported

Additional data (like raw numbers or interview transcripts ) can be included as an appendix . You can include tables and figures, but only if they help the reader better understand your results.

Read more about results sections

Your discussion section is where you can interpret your results in detail. Did they meet your expectations? How well do they fit within the framework that you built? You can refer back to any relevant source material to situate your results within your field, but leave most of that analysis in your literature review.

For any unexpected results, offer explanations or alternative interpretations of your data.

Read more about discussion sections

Your thesis conclusion should concisely answer your main research question. It should leave your reader with an ultra-clear understanding of your central argument, and emphasize what your research specifically has contributed to your field.

Why does your research matter? What recommendations for future research do you have? Lastly, wrap up your work with any concluding remarks.

Read more about conclusions

In order to avoid plagiarism , don’t forget to include a full reference list at the end of your thesis, citing the sources that you used. Choose one citation style and follow it consistently throughout your thesis, taking note of the formatting requirements of each style.

Which style you choose is often set by your department or your field, but common styles include MLA , Chicago , and APA.

Create APA citations Create MLA citations

In order to stay clear and concise, your thesis should include the most essential information needed to answer your research question. However, chances are you have many contributing documents, like interview transcripts or survey questions . These can be added as appendices , to save space in the main body.

Read more about appendices

Once you’re done writing, the next part of your editing process begins. Leave plenty of time for proofreading and editing prior to submission. Nothing looks worse than grammar mistakes or sloppy spelling errors!

Consider using a professional thesis editing service or grammar checker to make sure your final project is perfect.

Once you’ve submitted your final product, it’s common practice to have a thesis defense, an oral component of your finished work. This is scheduled by your advisor or committee, and usually entails a presentation and Q&A session.

After your defense , your committee will meet to determine if you deserve any departmental honors or accolades. However, keep in mind that defenses are usually just a formality. If there are any serious issues with your work, these should be resolved with your advisor way before a defense.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

Research bias

  • Survivorship bias
  • Self-serving bias
  • Availability heuristic
  • Halo effect
  • Hindsight bias
  • Deep learning
  • Generative AI
  • Machine learning
  • Reinforcement learning
  • Supervised vs. unsupervised learning

 (AI) Tools

  • Grammar Checker
  • Paraphrasing Tool
  • Text Summarizer
  • AI Detector
  • Plagiarism Checker
  • Citation Generator

The conclusion of your thesis or dissertation shouldn’t take up more than 5–7% of your overall word count.

If you only used a few abbreviations in your thesis or dissertation , you don’t necessarily need to include a list of abbreviations .

If your abbreviations are numerous, or if you think they won’t be known to your audience, it’s never a bad idea to add one. They can also improve readability, minimizing confusion about abbreviations unfamiliar to your reader.

When you mention different chapters within your text, it’s considered best to use Roman numerals for most citation styles. However, the most important thing here is to remain consistent whenever using numbers in your dissertation .

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical first steps in your writing process. It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding what kind of research you’d like to undertake.

Generally, an outline contains information on the different sections included in your thesis or dissertation , such as:

  • Your anticipated title
  • Your abstract
  • Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review , research methods , avenues for future research, etc.)

A thesis is typically written by students finishing up a bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Some educational institutions, particularly in the liberal arts, have mandatory theses, but they are often not mandatory to graduate from bachelor’s degrees. It is more common for a thesis to be a graduation requirement from a Master’s degree.

Even if not mandatory, you may want to consider writing a thesis if you:

  • Plan to attend graduate school soon
  • Have a particular topic you’d like to study more in-depth
  • Are considering a career in research
  • Would like a capstone experience to tie up your academic experience

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

George, T. (2024, April 16). What Is a Thesis? | Ultimate Guide & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved September 3, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/thesis/

Is this article helpful?

Tegan George

Tegan George

Other students also liked, dissertation & thesis outline | example & free templates, writing strong research questions | criteria & examples, 10 research question examples to guide your research project, what is your plagiarism score.

  • Search Website
  • Office Directory
  • Employee Directory
  • Learning Commons
  • Topic Sentences

Thesis Statements

A thesis statement is a sentence (sometimes more than one sentence) in the introduction that tells the reader the following information:

  • What the topic of the paper is
  • How the writer intends to discuss that topic
  •  It gives a blueprint for how the essay will be structured
  •  How the writer intends to prove or demonstrate his or her main points.

Think of your paper as a human body, and your thesis statement as the spinal cord. Without it, there is no structure.

For you as the writer, the thesis statement:

Develops through the interrelationship of thinking, reading, and writing;

Limits your research by providing you with one controlling main idea that intrigues you;

Narrows your writing to one specific claim that you can develop or prove;

Organizes your ideas so you know the important points you want to make in your paper; and

Clarifies your writing by keeping you on target to fulfill your proposed purpose.

For your readers, the thesis statement:

 Identifies the main point and sub-points of your essay clearly and quickly;

Functions as a road map so your readers can easily follow your ideas; and

Gives satisfaction at the conclusion of the paper when your readers discover you have fulfilled your promise by proving or developing your main point.

Characteristics of Effective Thesis Statements

An effective thesis statement must be  factual and narrow.

An effective thesis statement prepares readers for facts and details, but it cannot itself be a fact. It must always be an inference that demands proof or further development. These proofs come from the literature. 

UNT Dallas campus has two buildings.

Not factual enough: The UNT Dallas campus is the perfect size.

Just Right:  While some might see small universities as a disadvantage, the small campus of UNT Dallas holds many advantages for students, including a close-knit campus community, smaller class sizes, and better support from professors.

2. Narrow Topic

A good thesis should be narrow, and not too broad or too vague. If the topic is too broad, you won’t be able to cover the entire topic in your paper.  If it’s too narrow, you might not be able to find research, and your paper probably won’t be long enough. 

Too Broad: College students have a lot of responsibilities.

Too Narrow: Student workers in the Learning Commons at UNT Dallas have many responsibilities in their course work and tutoring. 

Just Right: College students who are financially independent have many responsibilities as they must maintain good grades, pay living expenses, and balance work and school.

Remember, a thesis statement is not: 

  • Instead , you should argue, based on facts and literature, why or why not NASA should receive more funding.  
  • Ask yourself--can I find anything in literature to prove this point, or is this MY opinion? 
  • Instead, you should argue why or why not people like chocolate OR why or why not chocolate is healthy for you based on facts and literature findings. 
  • Similar to the subjective opinion, ask yourself is this statement is based on facts and literature findings or if this is YOUR opinion. Although it is ok to have your own opinion, professors usually do not like to read articles about beliefs (students have been writing about these for years and years). 
  • Instead, you could discuss theories about politics or religions and use literature to prove or disprove those theories.
  • This is too factual (the Himalayas WERE formed from a collision of tectonic plates), and there is nothing to discuss because this IS a fact in itself. 
  • Instead, you could compare and contrast the tectonic plate formation of different mountains. 

Examples of Thesis Statements

A thesis statement f or a 5 paragraph essay conta ins three parts:.

1. A Topic: the main idea of the essay

2. The Controlling Idea: what you want to say about the topic

3. The subtopics: usually 3 examples/reasons you will discuss in your paper

Here is an example  of a thesis statement.

Ex: Regularly visiting the Writing Center at UNT Dallas will help you become the best writer on the planet because it offers superhero tutors, current technology, and fantastic handouts.

The main topic explores the idea that regularly vsiting the writing center will help you become the best writer on the planet, and the subtopics further expand this opinion with three distinct examples: 1) tutors, 2) technology, and 3) the handouts.

Outline Example

The paper should be organized around the subtopics.  For example, for the thesis written above, the writer would write one body paragraph about the tutors, one about technology, and one about the handouts. 

Here is a sample essay outline based on this thesis:

  • Introduce the topic of tutoring
  • Thesis (last sentence of intro): Regularly visiting the Writing Center at UNT Dallas will help you become the best writer on the planet because it offers superhero tutors, current technology, and fantastic handouts.
  • topic sentence
  • Restate thesis
  • Concluding remarks

For further assistance with the structure, see our handouts on Introductions and Conclusions and Topic Sentences.

A thesis statement for a LONG ESSAY contains two parts: A Topic: the main idea of the essay The Controlling Idea: what you want to say about the topic 

Throughout the paper, your thesis promises your readers that you will prove specific facts or develop certain ideas ; therefore, every paragraph, sentence, and word in your paper must relate to this controlling idea.

Here are some examples of thesis statements.

  • Baseball, once a national pastime and even an addiction, has lost its popularity because of the new interest in more violent sports.
  • Since the space program has yet to provide the American people with any substantial, practical returns, it is a waste of money and should be dissolved.
  • To stop the alarming rise in the number of violent crimes committed every year, our courts must hand out tougher sentences.
  • Detective stories appeal to the basic human desire for thrills.
  • Hemingway's war stories helped to create a new prose style.
  • Bronte utilizes light and fire to symbolize the emotional expressions of the characters.

Here is a suggested outline for a long essay and how that would look in terms of your thesis statement, topic, and controlling ideas:

  • Introduce the novel Jane Eyre and the topic of symbolism
  • Thesis (last sentence of intro): Bronte utilizes light and fire to symbolize the emotional expressions of the characters.
  • textual examples and elaboration
  • Skip to Content
  • Skip to Main Navigation
  • Skip to Search

technology thesis sentence

Indiana University Bloomington Indiana University Bloomington IU Bloomington

Open Search

  • Mission, Vision, and Inclusive Language Statement
  • Locations & Hours
  • Undergraduate Employment
  • Graduate Employment
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Newsletter Archive
  • Support WTS
  • Schedule an Appointment
  • Online Tutoring
  • Before your Appointment
  • WTS Policies
  • Group Tutoring
  • Students Referred by Instructors
  • Paid External Editing Services
  • Writing Guides
  • Scholarly Write-in
  • Dissertation Writing Groups
  • Journal Article Writing Groups
  • Early Career Graduate Student Writing Workshop
  • Workshops for Graduate Students
  • Teaching Resources
  • Syllabus Information
  • Course-specific Tutoring
  • Nominate a Peer Tutor
  • Tutoring Feedback
  • Schedule Appointment
  • Campus Writing Program

Writing Tutorial Services

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.

[ Back to top ]

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.

Produced by Writing Tutorial Services, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN

Writing Tutorial Services social media channels

  • Translators
  • Graphic Designers

Solve

Please enter the email address you used for your account. Your sign in information will be sent to your email address after it has been verified.

25 Thesis Statement Examples That Will Make Writing a Breeze

JBirdwellBranson

Understanding what makes a good thesis statement is one of the major keys to writing a great research paper or argumentative essay. The thesis statement is where you make a claim that will guide you through your entire paper. If you find yourself struggling to make sense of your paper or your topic, then it's likely due to a weak thesis statement.

Let's take a minute to first understand what makes a solid thesis statement, and what key components you need to write one of your own.

Perfecting Your Thesis Statement

A thesis statement always goes at the beginning of the paper. It will typically be in the first couple of paragraphs of the paper so that it can introduce the body paragraphs, which are the supporting evidence for your thesis statement.

Your thesis statement should clearly identify an argument. You need to have a statement that is not only easy to understand, but one that is debatable. What that means is that you can't just put any statement of fact and have it be your thesis. For example, everyone knows that puppies are cute . An ineffective thesis statement would be, "Puppies are adorable and everyone knows it." This isn't really something that's a debatable topic.

Something that would be more debatable would be, "A puppy's cuteness is derived from its floppy ears, small body, and playfulness." These are three things that can be debated on. Some people might think that the cutest thing about puppies is the fact that they follow you around or that they're really soft and fuzzy.

All cuteness aside, you want to make sure that your thesis statement is not only debatable, but that it also actually thoroughly answers the research question that was posed. You always want to make sure that your evidence is supporting a claim that you made (and not the other way around). This is why it's crucial to read and research about a topic first and come to a conclusion later. If you try to get your research to fit your thesis statement, then it may not work out as neatly as you think. As you learn more, you discover more (and the outcome may not be what you originally thought).

Additionally, your thesis statement shouldn't be too big or too grand. It'll be hard to cover everything in a thesis statement like, "The federal government should act now on climate change." The topic is just too large to actually say something new and meaningful. Instead, a more effective thesis statement might be, "Local governments can combat climate change by providing citizens with larger recycling bins and offering local classes about composting and conservation." This is easier to work with because it's a smaller idea, but you can also discuss the overall topic that you might be interested in, which is climate change.

So, now that we know what makes a good, solid thesis statement, you can start to write your own. If you find that you're getting stuck or you are the type of person who needs to look at examples before you start something, then check out our list of thesis statement examples below.

Thesis statement examples

A quick note that these thesis statements have not been fully researched. These are merely examples to show you what a thesis statement might look like and how you can implement your own ideas into one that you think of independently. As such, you should not use these thesis statements for your own research paper purposes. They are meant to be used as examples only.

  • Vaccinations Because many children are unable to vaccinate due to illness, we must require that all healthy and able children be vaccinated in order to have herd immunity.
  • Educational Resources for Low-Income Students Schools should provide educational resources for low-income students during the summers so that they don't forget what they've learned throughout the school year.
  • School Uniforms School uniforms may be an upfront cost for families, but they eradicate the visual differences in income between students and provide a more egalitarian atmosphere at school.
  • Populism The rise in populism on the 2016 political stage was in reaction to increasing globalization, the decline of manufacturing jobs, and the Syrian refugee crisis.
  • Public Libraries Libraries are essential resources for communities and should be funded more heavily by local municipalities.
  • Cyber Bullying With more and more teens using smartphones and social media, cyber bullying is on the rise. Cyber bullying puts a lot of stress on many teens, and can cause depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. Parents should limit the usage of smart phones, monitor their children's online activity, and report any cyber bullying to school officials in order to combat this problem.
  • Medical Marijuana for Veterans Studies have shown that the use of medicinal marijuana has been helpful to veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Medicinal marijuana prescriptions should be legal in all states and provided to these veterans. Additional medical or therapy services should also be researched and implemented in order to help them re-integrate back into civilian life.
  • Work-Life Balance Corporations should provide more work from home opportunities and six-hour workdays so that office workers have a better work-life balance and are more likely to be productive when they are in the office.
  • Teaching Youths about Consensual Sex Although sex education that includes a discussion of consensual sex would likely lead to less sexual assault, parents need to teach their children the meaning of consent from a young age with age appropriate lessons.
  • Whether or Not to Attend University A degree from a university provides invaluable lessons on life and a future career, but not every high school student should be encouraged to attend a university directly after graduation. Some students may benefit from a trade school or a "gap year" where they can think more intensely about what it is they want to do for a career and how they can accomplish this.
  • Studying Abroad Studying abroad is one of the most culturally valuable experiences you can have in college. It is the only way to get completely immersed in another language and learn how other cultures and countries are different from your own.
  • Women's Body Image Magazines have done a lot in the last five years to include a more diverse group of models, but there is still a long way to go to promote a healthy woman's body image collectively as a culture.
  • Cigarette Tax Heavily taxing and increasing the price of cigarettes is essentially a tax on the poorest Americans, and it doesn't deter them from purchasing. Instead, the state and federal governments should target those economically disenfranchised with early education about the dangers of smoking.
  • Veganism A vegan diet, while a healthy and ethical way to consume food, indicates a position of privilege. It also limits you to other cultural food experiences if you travel around the world.
  • University Athletes Should be Compensated University athletes should be compensated for their service to the university, as it is difficult for these students to procure and hold a job with busy academic and athletic schedules. Many student athletes on scholarship also come from low-income neighborhoods and it is a struggle to make ends meet when they are participating in athletics.
  • Women in the Workforce Sheryl Sandberg makes a lot of interesting points in her best-selling book, Lean In , but she only addressed the very privileged working woman and failed to speak to those in lower-skilled, lower-wage jobs.
  • Assisted Suicide Assisted suicide should be legal and doctors should have the ability to make sure their patients have the end-of-life care that they want to receive.
  • Celebrity and Political Activism Although Taylor Swift's lyrics are indicative of a feminist perspective, she should be more politically active and vocal to use her position of power for the betterment of society.
  • The Civil War The insistence from many Southerners that the South seceded from the Union for states' rights versus the fact that they seceded for the purposes of continuing slavery is a harmful myth that still affects race relations today.
  • Blue Collar Workers Coal miners and other blue-collar workers whose jobs are slowly disappearing from the workforce should be re-trained in jobs in the technology sector or in renewable energy. A program to re-train these workers would not only improve local economies where jobs have been displaced, but would also lead to lower unemployment nationally.
  • Diversity in the Workforce Having a diverse group of people in an office setting leads to richer ideas, more cooperation, and more empathy between people with different skin colors or backgrounds.
  • Re-Imagining the Nuclear Family The nuclear family was traditionally defined as one mother, one father, and 2.5 children. This outdated depiction of family life doesn't quite fit with modern society. The definition of normal family life shouldn't be limited to two-parent households.
  • Digital Literacy Skills With more information readily available than ever before, it's crucial that students are prepared to examine the material they're reading and determine whether or not it's a good source or if it has misleading information. Teaching students digital literacy and helping them to understand the difference between opinion or propaganda from legitimate, real information is integral.
  • Beauty Pageants Beauty pageants are presented with the angle that they empower women. However, putting women in a swimsuit on a stage while simultaneously judging them on how well they answer an impossible question in a short period of time is cruel and purely for the amusement of men. Therefore, we should stop televising beauty pageants.
  • Supporting More Women to Run for a Political Position In order to get more women into political positions, more women must run for office. There must be a grassroots effort to educate women on how to run for office, who among them should run, and support for a future candidate for getting started on a political career.

Still stuck? Need some help with your thesis statement?

If you are still uncertain about how to write a thesis statement or what a good thesis statement is, be sure to consult with your teacher or professor to make sure you're on the right track. It's always a good idea to check in and make sure that your thesis statement is making a solid argument and that it can be supported by your research.

After you're done writing, it's important to have someone take a second look at your paper so that you can ensure there are no mistakes or errors. It's difficult to spot your own mistakes, which is why it's always recommended to have someone help you with the revision process, whether that's a teacher, the writing center at school, or a professional editor such as one from ServiceScape .

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Developing Strong Thesis Statements

OWL logo

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

The thesis statement or main claim must be debatable

An argumentative or persuasive piece of writing must begin with a debatable thesis or claim. In other words, the thesis must be something that people could reasonably have differing opinions on. If your thesis is something that is generally agreed upon or accepted as fact then there is no reason to try to persuade people.

Example of a non-debatable thesis statement:

This thesis statement is not debatable. First, the word pollution implies that something is bad or negative in some way. Furthermore, all studies agree that pollution is a problem; they simply disagree on the impact it will have or the scope of the problem. No one could reasonably argue that pollution is unambiguously good.

Example of a debatable thesis statement:

This is an example of a debatable thesis because reasonable people could disagree with it. Some people might think that this is how we should spend the nation's money. Others might feel that we should be spending more money on education. Still others could argue that corporations, not the government, should be paying to limit pollution.

Another example of a debatable thesis statement:

In this example there is also room for disagreement between rational individuals. Some citizens might think focusing on recycling programs rather than private automobiles is the most effective strategy.

The thesis needs to be narrow

Although the scope of your paper might seem overwhelming at the start, generally the narrower the thesis the more effective your argument will be. Your thesis or claim must be supported by evidence. The broader your claim is, the more evidence you will need to convince readers that your position is right.

Example of a thesis that is too broad:

There are several reasons this statement is too broad to argue. First, what is included in the category "drugs"? Is the author talking about illegal drug use, recreational drug use (which might include alcohol and cigarettes), or all uses of medication in general? Second, in what ways are drugs detrimental? Is drug use causing deaths (and is the author equating deaths from overdoses and deaths from drug related violence)? Is drug use changing the moral climate or causing the economy to decline? Finally, what does the author mean by "society"? Is the author referring only to America or to the global population? Does the author make any distinction between the effects on children and adults? There are just too many questions that the claim leaves open. The author could not cover all of the topics listed above, yet the generality of the claim leaves all of these possibilities open to debate.

Example of a narrow or focused thesis:

In this example the topic of drugs has been narrowed down to illegal drugs and the detriment has been narrowed down to gang violence. This is a much more manageable topic.

We could narrow each debatable thesis from the previous examples in the following way:

Narrowed debatable thesis 1:

This thesis narrows the scope of the argument by specifying not just the amount of money used but also how the money could actually help to control pollution.

Narrowed debatable thesis 2:

This thesis narrows the scope of the argument by specifying not just what the focus of a national anti-pollution campaign should be but also why this is the appropriate focus.

Qualifiers such as " typically ," " generally ," " usually ," or " on average " also help to limit the scope of your claim by allowing for the almost inevitable exception to the rule.

Types of claims

Claims typically fall into one of four categories. Thinking about how you want to approach your topic, or, in other words, what type of claim you want to make, is one way to focus your thesis on one particular aspect of your broader topic.

Claims of fact or definition: These claims argue about what the definition of something is or whether something is a settled fact. Example:

Claims of cause and effect: These claims argue that one person, thing, or event caused another thing or event to occur. Example:

Claims about value: These are claims made of what something is worth, whether we value it or not, how we would rate or categorize something. Example:

Claims about solutions or policies: These are claims that argue for or against a certain solution or policy approach to a problem. Example:

Which type of claim is right for your argument? Which type of thesis or claim you use for your argument will depend on your position and knowledge of the topic, your audience, and the context of your paper. You might want to think about where you imagine your audience to be on this topic and pinpoint where you think the biggest difference in viewpoints might be. Even if you start with one type of claim you probably will be using several within the paper. Regardless of the type of claim you choose to utilize it is key to identify the controversy or debate you are addressing and to define your position early on in the paper.

Examples

Thesis Sentence

Ai generator.

technology thesis sentence

Embarking on academic writing or preparing a pivotal argument for your essay? The heart of your piece lies in its thesis sentence . A succinct, powerful statement, the thesis guides readers, setting the tone for what’s to come. Discover prime examples, expert writing strategies, and invaluable tips to make your thesis stand out in a sea of academic prose.

What is the Thesis Sentence? – Definition

In simple terms, a thesis sentence is a one or two-sentence statement in an essay or research paper that precisely expresses the main idea or argument. It provides readers with an overview of the topic and the author’s stance on it, effectively laying the groundwork for the entire piece.

What is the best Example of a Thesis Sentence?

A standout thesis sentence offers clarity and a definitive perspective. For instance, if writing about the impact of social media on youth, a strong thesis might be: “Social media has a profound, often detrimental, effect on the mental well-being of today’s youth, as evidenced by rising rates of anxiety and decreased attention spans.” This statement not only presents a clear position but also hints at the evidence that the writer might use to support this claim.

100 Thesis Sentence Examples

Thesis Sentence Examples

Size: 145 KB

Crafting the ideal thesis sentence can elevate your essay or paper, presenting your argument in a clear and compelling manner. To provide you with inspiration and guidance, we’ve curated a collection of 100 exemplary thesis sentences. These samples, spanning various topics and disciplines, demonstrate the potential of a well-constructed thesis to anchor your work and captivate your audience.

  • Electric vehicles have the potential to drastically reduce carbon emissions, leading us toward a sustainable future.
  • Online education offers unparalleled flexibility but lacks the personal touch of traditional classroom settings.
  • Globalization brings economic growth; however, it also exacerbates income inequalities within countries.
  • Artificial intelligence poses both opportunities for efficiency and ethical dilemmas in decision-making processes.
  • Childhood obesity is a growing concern, directly linked to sedentary lifestyles and processed food consumption.
  • Mental health awareness needs greater emphasis in schools to combat rising cases of student depression.
  • Space exploration provides not just scientific advancement but also unifies humanity in exploration.
  • Modern architecture reflects a blend of functionality and aesthetics, representing societal values.
  • Organic farming promises a sustainable solution to the environmental crises caused by conventional agricultural practices.
  • Music therapy can play a pivotal role in the rehabilitation of patients with neurological disorders.
  • Virtual reality transforms not only gaming but also medical training and therapy.
  • Renewable energy sources are the key to addressing the looming global energy crisis.
  • Animal testing is an ethically contentious issue, with alternatives emerging in recent scientific advancements.
  • Social media platforms influence public opinion more powerfully than traditional media.
  • Remote work culture has its merits in work-life balance but can erode team cohesion.
  • Digital currencies represent the future of trade, though they introduce new regulatory challenges.
  • Youth sports contribute not only to physical health but also to discipline and teamwork skills.
  • Urban green spaces are essential for mental health, biodiversity, and counteracting pollution in cities.
  • E-commerce has revolutionized shopping, yet it poses challenges to brick-and-mortar stores and local economies.
  • Cultural exchange programs promote global unity and understanding, dismantling stereotypes.
  • Preservation of indigenous languages is crucial for maintaining cultural heritage and diversity.
  • The gig economy provides flexibility for workers but often lacks job security and benefits.
  • Online privacy is endangered by the rise of data breaches and surveillance capitalism.
  • Children’s exposure to screens impacts cognitive development and necessitates stricter parental controls.
  • Nuclear energy remains a double-edged sword: a potent energy source but with disposal concerns.
  • Modern tourism threatens historical sites but boosts local economies.
  • Adopting pets from shelters can help reduce the stray animal crisis and promotes humane treatment.
  • Mindfulness meditation reduces stress levels and has potential applications in clinical therapy.
  • Fast fashion contributes to environmental degradation, advocating for sustainable consumption.
  • Artificial sweeteners , while calorie-free, may have unforeseen health impacts.
  • Urban farming holds the promise of food sustainability in densely populated cities.
  • Mandatory voting laws could increase political participation but question voluntary democratic engagement.
  • Homeschooling offers personalized education but might limit social interactions.
  • Antibiotic resistance is a burgeoning global crisis spurred by over-prescription and misuse.
  • Gender-neutral parenting challenges traditional norms and fosters an inclusive environment.
  • Augmented reality will reshape education, making it more interactive and immersive.
  • Binge-watching culture is reshaping entertainment consumption and impacts mental health.
  • Marine conservation zones protect biodiversity and ensure sustainable fishing practices.
  • Intermittent fasting has health benefits beyond weight loss, including cognitive and cardiac improvements.
  • Digital detox retreats answer the modern need to disconnect and recharge mentally.
  • Museums in the digital age must evolve to remain relevant and engage younger generations.
  • Public transport investments reduce urban congestion and carbon footprints.
  • Plant-based diets mitigate environmental degradation and promote holistic health.
  • Consumer data collection straddles the line between business intelligence and privacy invasion.
  • Urban vertical gardens can revolutionize urban agriculture and combat pollution.
  • Telemedicine is revolutionizing healthcare access, especially in remote areas.
  • Biodegradable packaging is the future of sustainability in the retail industry.
  • Microfinancing empowers grassroots entrepreneurs, especially in developing countries.
  • Language learning apps are democratizing education but cannot replace traditional methods entirely.
  • Carpooling and ride-sharing reduce urban emissions and promote a shared economy.
  • Theaters in the digital age face challenges from streaming platforms but offer a unique experience.
  • 3D printing will revolutionize manufacturing, reducing waste and speeding production.
  • Sleep’s role is underestimated in cognitive function and overall health.
  • Ocean cleanup initiatives combat the plastic crisis but require global cooperation.
  • Gamified learning platforms enhance student engagement and retention.
  • Blockchain technology offers secure data management but is energy-consuming and requires widespread adoption.
  • Historical fiction novels blend factual events with imaginative storytelling, enhancing both education and entertainment.
  • Zero waste initiatives promote sustainable living, combating the throwaway culture of modern society.
  • Telecommuting benefits the environment and worker satisfaction, but challenges team dynamics.
  • Green architecture is the intersection of design and sustainability, making it vital for future urban planning.
  • Astronomical tourism opens the wonders of the universe but requires careful management to protect natural nightscapes.
  • The rise of abooks redefines reading, making literature accessible in our multitasking age.
  • Gene editing techniques hold promise for medical breakthroughs, yet they introduce ethical dilemmas.
  • Agroforestry practices enhance biodiversity, soil health, and offer economic benefits to farmers.
  • Veganism goes beyond diet; it’s an ethical stance against animal exploitation.
  • Cloud computing streamlines data storage but introduces security concerns.
  • Holistic medicine integrates mind and body healing, challenging conventional medical paradigms.
  • Subscription-based business models resonate with modern consumers, ensuring steady revenue for businesses.
  • Cultural immersion travel deepens understanding, combating shallow tourist experiences.
  • Biometrics is revolutionizing security, yet poses personal privacy risks.
  • Freelance economies offer freedom and flexibility, contrasting the stability of traditional job markets.
  • Biodiversity conservation is essential for ecosystem stability and the survival of humanity.
  • Mental health days acknowledge the importance of psychological well-being in the workplace.
  • Solar power technology is rapidly advancing, making it a feasible replacement for fossil fuels.
  • Civic education is crucial in fostering informed and active citizens in democracies.
  • Edible insect consumption addresses food sustainability and introduces new culinary experiences.
  • Urban beekeeping supports declining bee populations and promotes local food production.
  • Mobile health apps enhance personal health management but require stringent data protection measures.
  • Trade school education is equally valuable as traditional college degrees, offering practical skills.
  • Elderly care robots alleviate human caregiver burdens but prompt questions about emotional connections.
  • Second language acquisition enriches cognitive abilities and cultural understanding.
  • Craftsmanship in the digital age celebrates hands-on creation amidst automated mass production.
  • Ocean wave energy conversion is a promising, untapped sustainable energy resource.
  • Diverse representation in media is essential for societal inclusivity and combating stereotypes.
  • Microplastics in water sources pose severe environmental and health concerns.
  • Fair trade products support ethical consumerism and uplift marginalized producers.
  • Hybrid learning models combine online and offline methods, optimizing educational outcomes.
  • Multi-generational households foster family bonding but present unique challenges.
  • Urban rewilding projects revitalize natural habitats in cityscapes, supporting biodiversity.
  • Digital art forms elevate traditional art through technology, yet spark debates on authenticity.
  • Food forest initiatives enhance sustainable agriculture, merging productivity with ecosystem health.
  • Biophilic design in offices boosts worker productivity and well-being.
  • Rainwater harvesting is a sustainable solution to global water scarcity issues.
  • Paperless offices reduce environmental impact and increase organizational efficiency.
  • Drama therapy offers transformative healing, using performance as a therapeutic tool.
  • Ethical AI development balances technological advancement with humane considerations.
  • Micro-adventures encourage local exploration, redefining the concept of travel.
  • Refurbishing old buildings preserves historical heritage and is environmentally responsible.
  • Inclusive toy designs reflect diverse societies, promoting acceptance from a young age.
  • Afforestation projects combat deforestation, sequester carbon, and restore habitats.

Thesis Sentence Examples for Essay

Crafting an engaging thesis statement for an essay is crucial. It provides clarity, introduces the main topic, and sets the essay’s tone. This concise yet impactful statement is what keeps readers invested, guiding them through the content.

  • Climatic changes influence biodiversity, challenging ecosystems worldwide.
  • Digital currencies have revolutionized the global financial system, making transactions more transparent.
  • Remote working is a viable alternative to traditional office environments, promoting flexibility.
  • Ancient civilizations left imprints on modern cultures, influencing art, politics, and philosophy.
  • E-learning platforms provide democratized education, making knowledge accessible to all.
  • Artificial intelligence is redefining industries, enhancing efficiency, and customer experiences.
  • Organic farming supports sustainable agriculture, providing healthier produce options.
  • Sports and physical activities contribute to improved mental health and overall well-being.
  • Alternative energy sources are the key to addressing global warming and ensuring sustainable energy.
  • The role of media is pivotal in shaping public opinion, especially in this digital age.

Thesis Sentence Examples for High School

High school essays require precise thesis statements, laying the foundation for budding scholars to express their arguments. A strong thesis guides readers, ensuring they grasp the main idea being conveyed.

  • Uniforms in schools promote equality among students, reducing social discriminations.
  • Extracurricular activities enhance the overall development of high school students.
  • Advanced technology has reshaped classroom dynamics, promoting interactive learning.
  • Peer pressure in high schools plays a significant role in shaping teenagers’ personalities.
  • Summer vacations provide students with a break, enhancing productivity during academic years.
  • Counseling sessions in schools benefit students, addressing their emotional and academic needs.
  • School libraries encourage reading habits, supporting comprehensive learning.
  • Health education should be a mandatory part of the high school curriculum.
  • Bullying in schools affects students’ mental health, necessitating strict preventive measures.
  • Homework assignments reinforce classroom teachings, ensuring better understanding.

Thesis Sentence Starter Examples

Kickstarting an essay with a compelling thesis statement ensures the reader’s instant engagement. These starter thesis examples set the stage for detailed arguments and discussions.

  • Given the rising pollution, eco-friendly vehicles are the need of the hour.
  • In the realm of literature, Shakespeare’s works stand unmatched in their depth.
  • Considering the health benefits, regular exercise should be a daily routine for everyone.
  • Amidst technological advancements, preserving privacy is paramount.
  • With the surge in online communication, face-to-face interactions remain invaluable.
  • Observing the economic patterns, sustainable business models prove more beneficial long-term.
  • Facing the challenge of global warming, renewable energy sources become indispensable.
  • Through centuries of art evolution, Renaissance art holds a special place in history.
  • Given the prevalence of mental health issues, therapy and counseling are essential services.
  • In light of recent events, community building becomes vital for societal progress.

How do you start a thesis sentence?

A thesis sentence serves as the cornerstone of an essay, offering a concise summary of the main idea or claim. Crafting an impactful thesis sentence requires precision and clarity. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you start:

  • Understand the Question: Before diving in, understand the essay prompt or research question thoroughly. Knowing the question helps you tailor the thesis effectively.
  • Brainstorm: Jot down initial ideas that come to mind. This rough list can be refined later.
  • Narrow Down: Ensure your thesis focuses on a specific aspect instead of being overly broad. For instance, instead of “Eating vegetables is good,” specify why and how, like “Eating leafy greens aids digestion due to their high fiber content.”
  • Take a Stand: A thesis isn’t just a statement; it often presents an argument. Make sure you’re presenting a perspective or an opinion.
  • Be Clear and Concise: Avoid jargon and complicated sentences. Keep it direct and to the point.
  • Avoid Clichés and Generalizations: Using worn-out phrases or overly generalized statements weakens your thesis.
  • Ensure it’s Debatable: An effective thesis often presents an argument that could be challenged. For instance, “Social media affects mental health” is more debatable than “The earth revolves around the sun.”
  • Revise and Refine: After drafting, revisit your thesis. Can it be clearer or more concise? Does it thoroughly represent what your essay will discuss?
  • Seek Feedback: Sharing your thesis with peers or mentors can provide valuable insights.
  • Position Appropriately: Typically, the thesis is placed at the end of the introduction, setting the stage for the rest of the essay.

What is a thesis sentence in an essay?

A thesis sentence, often referred to as a thesis statement, is a single sentence in an essay (usually appearing in the introduction) that encapsulates the essay’s main idea, argument, or focus. It offers readers a lens through which they can understand the purpose and direction of the essay.

Characteristics of a Thesis Sentence:

  • Specificity: It pinpoints the main topic of your essay, avoiding vague generalizations.
  • Assertiveness: It takes a clear stance or position on the topic.
  • Relevance: It sets the tone and direction for the entire essay, ensuring that readers know what to expect.
  • Debatable Nature: Good thesis sentences can be argued, offering a perspective or viewpoint on a subject.
  • Clarity: It’s articulated in clear and straightforward language.
  • Conciseness: It’s typically just one or two sentences long, no matter how complex the topic might be.
  • Guide for the Reader: Think of it as a map or guidepost for your readers, giving them a clear idea of what the essay will discuss.

For instance, in an essay about the effects of technology on communication, a thesis sentence might be, “While modern technology has many benefits, its overuse has led to decreased face-to-face communication, leading to feelings of isolation in individuals.” This statement provides a clear position and direction for the essay.

How do you write a Thesis Sentence? – Step by Step Guide

Crafting a compelling thesis sentence is crucial, as it sets the tone and direction for the entirety of your essay or research paper. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your thesis sentence is effective and impactful:

  • Research Your Topic: Before you can form an opinion or argument, you need to have a clear understanding of your topic. Dive into trusted resources and gather information.
  • Understand the Prompt: If you’re writing an essay based on a prompt, make sure you fully grasp what’s being asked.
  • Brainstorm Ideas: Note down any thoughts, perspectives, or arguments related to your topic. This brainstorming can form the foundation of your thesis.
  • Narrow Your Focus: A good thesis is specific and to the point. Narrow down your topic to a specific aspect that you want to focus on.
  • Formulate an Opinion: Your thesis should not just state a fact. It should convey an opinion or take a stance on an issue.
  • Use Clear and Concise Language: Avoid complex jargon or overly long sentences. Your thesis should be understandable to a broad audience.
  • Ensure It’s Debatable: Your thesis should present a claim or argument that others could reasonably dispute.
  • Position Properly: Typically, your thesis sentence should be placed at the end of your essay’s introductory paragraph.
  • Revise and Refine: Don’t hesitate to revisit and tweak your thesis as your essay evolves. Sometimes, as you write and explore your topic further, your thesis might need adjustment.
  • Seek Feedback: Have peers or instructors review your thesis sentence. They might offer invaluable insights or ways to strengthen it.

Tips for Using Thesis Sentences

  • Stay Consistent: Ensure that your essay remains consistent with your thesis. Each paragraph should contribute to or elaborate on the argument or claim you’ve made.
  • Avoid Generalizations: Phrases like “Everyone knows,” “Since the beginning of time,” or “All people think” tend to weaken your thesis. Stick to specifics.
  • Steer Clear of Clichés: Originality strengthens your thesis. Relying on clichéd phrases or ideas can dilute its impact.
  • Stay Flexible: As you delve deeper into writing your essay, you might find more relevant points that can make your thesis even stronger. Don’t be rigid; be ready to adjust your thesis if needed.
  • Use Strong Language: Words like “might,” “maybe,” “perhaps,” can make your thesis sound uncertain. Choose assertive language to convey confidence in your argument.
  • Support Your Thesis: Throughout your essay, continuously provide evidence and examples that back up the claim made in your thesis.
  • Reiterate Your Thesis: In your conclusion, restate your thesis (though not verbatim) to remind readers of your main argument as you wrap up your essay.

Remember, your thesis sentence is the backbone of your essay. It sets the tone, direction, and foundation upon which the rest of your arguments and points will be built. Crafting it with care will set the stage for a compelling and well-structured essay.

Twitter

Text prompt

  • Instructive
  • Professional

10 Examples of Public speaking

20 Examples of Gas lighting

Welcome to the new OASIS website! We have academic skills, library skills, math and statistics support, and writing resources all together in one new home.

technology thesis sentence

  • Walden University
  • Faculty Portal

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.

Related Resources

Didn't find what you need? Email us at [email protected] .

  • Previous Page: Introductions
  • Next Page: Conclusions
  • Office of Student Disability Services

Walden Resources

Departments.

  • Academic Residencies
  • Academic Skills
  • Career Planning and Development
  • Customer Care Team
  • Field Experience
  • Military Services
  • Student Success Advising
  • Writing Skills

Centers and Offices

  • Center for Social Change
  • Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services
  • Office of Degree Acceleration
  • Office of Research and Doctoral Services
  • Office of Student Affairs

Student Resources

  • Doctoral Writing Assessment
  • Form & Style Review
  • Quick Answers
  • ScholarWorks
  • SKIL Courses and Workshops
  • Walden Bookstore
  • Walden Catalog & Student Handbook
  • Student Safety/Title IX
  • Legal & Consumer Information
  • Website Terms and Conditions
  • Cookie Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Accreditation
  • State Authorization
  • Net Price Calculator
  • Cost of Attendance
  • Contact Walden

Walden University is a member of Adtalem Global Education, Inc. www.adtalem.com Walden University is certified to operate by SCHEV © 2024 Walden University LLC. All rights reserved.

technology thesis sentence

Breaking Down the Writing Process with AI

  • View Departments
  • IT Services and Support
  • Teaching and Learning Technologies
  • Teach \ Tech

The instructional practices shared in this article are ideas for exploration, not requirements for any instructor. They were developed by Northwestern IT Teaching and Learning Technologies in partnership with the Provost’s Generative AI Advisory Committee.  Please note:

  • Accessing Copilot in Bing via your Northwestern credentials is the recommended path for accessing a generative AI tool. Questions about AI usage pertaining to information and data security, or evaluation of new AI tools can be directed to the Northwestern IT Information Security Office .
  • Output from large language models (LLMs) can include false or incorrect information. Verifying accuracy via other sources is a critical practice for instructors, students, and staff to engage in when using LLM s.

For both students and instructors, the introduction of generative AI via chatbots like ChatGPT in late 2022 introduced significant and complex challenges to core aspects of teaching and learning in higher education. Currently, the Northwestern Office of the Provost supports instructors in choosing their own level in which to integrate generative AI into their courses and notes that unattributed use by students may be a violation of the University’s Principles Regarding Academic Integrity . For many, involving generative AI in skills like writing is, at best, an uncomfortable position. For some, exploring generative AI with their students or asking them to critique ChatGPT output has been a productive way to engage students in examining the impact it can have on their writing.

When we think about generative AI and writing, a great place to start is with this short video featuring Elizabeth Lenaghan , Director of The Cook Family Writing Program and Associate Professor of Instruction, where she reiterates the importance of teaching writing in the generative AI age via a process model. The Cook Family Writing Program has created specific resources on generative AI and writing , which are referenced throughout this article. This article looks at four distinct parts of the writing process and offers step-by-step instructions on how to incorporate generative AI in ways that can help grow students’ understanding of generative AI and their own writing skills.  

Northwestern faculty, students, and staff have access to Microsoft’s large language model through Copilot in Bing at no cost to them. The use of Copilot in Bing is important because when you are signed in with your Northwestern account, any data you put into the chat is stored securely and Microsoft does not use it for product improvement or to train AI models. If you or your students want to use ChatGPT, you should use Bing .  

Growing Critical Generative AI Users  

As fall quarter starts, understanding the basics of how large language models work is critical for instructors and students, regardless of the extent to which you do or do not allow students to use generative AI in your class. We recommend watching and sharing the videos included below which were created by the Center for Advancing Safety of Machine Intelligence to build a common language and understanding with your students about how generative AI works and its potential impact when used in their writing. To use generative AI tools well, students need to employ critical thinking, information literacy, and writing skills.  

Writing Activities  

Activity 1: brainstorming with generative ai  .

Description :

Many students find it challenging to select a topic to write about. AI can assist by suggesting and refining ideas, much like guidance from a friend or instructor.   

  • Without using generative AI, students brainstorm ideas related to a given topic, generating lists of ideas.
  • Students review their lists to identify common themes and core concepts. For each core concept, they write a summary sentence explaining its significance.  
  • Students pick one summary to enter as a prompt in Copilot to explore new angles and extend their initial ideas. Be specific in the prompt about what kind of output you want to see. For example, "I am sharing an idea for an essay I will write. Give me a list of five points I should cover. Here's the idea: [Summary sentence]."   
  • Have students discuss these new perspectives in pairs, small groups, or larger group discussions to gain insights. (Source: Leon Furze )    

AI Learning Objectives:    

Students will:   

  • generate and refine ideas, articulate core concepts.   
  • use generative AI tools to enhance their understanding.   
  • engage in discussion to develop critical thinking and communication skills.  

Additional Resource: Brainstorming with (and without AI)  

Activity 2: Crafting Thesis Statements with AI  

A clear thesis statement is crucial in writing as it provides direction and focus, guiding the structure and content of the entire piece. While creating a thesis can be challenging, generative AI can assist by offering suggestions and alternatives to help refine and articulate a compelling argument.  

  • Students start by selecting a topic related to the course content that interests them.  
  • Students draft a thesis statement focusing on their main argument and its significance.  
  • Pair students to share their statements, providing feedback to each other on clarity, argument strength, and potential improvements, with constructive criticism and specific suggestions.  
  • Have students input their thesis statements into a generative AI tool using the prompt, "I wrote a thesis statement, and I want you to provide me with feedback on clarity, argument strength, and potential improvements to the statement. Here is my thesis statement: [THESIS STATEMENT]"   
  • Have students compare the AI's suggestions with their partner's feedback, noting any unique insights.  
  • Conclude with a class discussion on their experiences, exploring the value of human versus AI feedback in enhancing writing. (Source: Crystal Camargo)   

Students will:    

  • refine their thesis statements by integrating feedback from peers and generative AI .  
  • improve their ability to critically evaluate and enhance their arguments.   

Additional Resource: Creating a Thesis statement with (and without AI)  

Activity 3: Reverse Outlining with AI  

Outlining is a critical step in the writing process that helps students understand the structure and flow of their work. By using a reverse outline with traditional outlining methods and generative AI tools, students can ensure that each paragraph contributes effectively to the overall argument.  

  • Students select one of their own previously written papers or essays and review it to understand its main points and overall structure.  
  • Students create a reverse outline by condensing each paragraph into a brief statement capturing its main idea, considering how it contributes to the paper's overall argument or narrative.  
  • Next, students use a generative AI tool to produce a reverse outline of the same paper and compare it with their own to discover any differences or similarities. Use the prompt, “ Create a reverse outline of this document that includes a one- to two- sentence summary of each paragraph. Each summary should include the main idea of the paragraph and how it contributes to the paper's overall argument or narrative. Here is the document: [DOCUMENT TEXT]"   
  • Encourage reflection on whether the AI highlights points they missed or suggests a different structure, and how both outlines align, or not, with the original intentions for their paper.  
  • Facilitate a class discussion where students share insights gained. (Source: Ohio College Teaching Consortium )    
  • use AI tools to create reverse outlines of their work, comparing AI interpretations with their own .  
  • improve their understanding of structure and clarity in writing.   

Additional Resource : Outlining with (and without AI)  

Activity 4: Draft Feedback with AI Integration  

Students can utilize AI to "read" their draft and receive feedback on missing components, potential counterarguments, and structural improvements.   

  • Ask students to bring a draft of a paragraph or two to class for feedback.   
  • Students exchange drafts in small groups, providing and receiving peer feedback focused on structure, clarity, and argument strength.  
  • Students input their draft into Copilot to receive additional feedback.  
  • Students compare Copilot’s suggestions with the feedback they received from peers and the instructor.   
  • After reviewing insights from all sources, students can develop a revision plan.   
  • Conclude with a class discussion on how AI can complement traditional feedback methods, enhancing students' understanding of their strengths and areas for improvements.   

(Source: Ethan Mollick and Lilach Mollick)    

  • integrate feedback from peers, instructors, and generative AI to improve their writing.  
  • enhance clarity, coherence, and argument strength in their drafts.   
  • understand the complementary role of AI in the feedback process.  

Final Thoughts  

When exploring generative AI in your courses, keep the generative AI portion opt-in and share with students how they complete the activity without using generative AI. No matter if or how you utilize generative AI in your course, be explicit with your students about your policies and expectations.     

The Cook Family Writing Center has resources to craft a syllabus statement that will guide your students in the ethical and effective integration of AI into their writing practices, ensuring clarity, consistency, and ongoing dialogue about the responsible use of these technologies. Be sure to include specific guidelines regarding embedded AI tools (like Grammarly) and website-based tools like Copilot.    

Connect with your community, through colleagues, Northwestern writing experts , or request a consultation to talk through any questions you have about using generative AI in the writing process.     

Videos to Share with Students     This video describes how LLMs use predictions to create output and how hallucinations can occur.         This video outlines what’s happening when it looks like LLMs are “thinking.”  From Northwestern Center for Advancing Safety of Machine Intelligence .

Continue Exploring this Topic

  • Generative AI and Teaching for Fall 2024
  • Generative AI on Your Terms: Data and Privacy 101
  • AI Study Buddy
/   % width Posts:

Good thesis statment about the cause/effect on technology

technology thesis sentence

nymesis7210 - / 1   Apr 1, 2014   #3 'Technology affect our attention' - Would this be a good thesis statement? While today's technology and social media networks can help alleviate our boredom, it is this same technology that is affecting our attention spans because it causes too much distraction

Thesis for how technology affects us

/ /

technology thesis sentence

IMAGES

  1. 100+ Technology Thesis Statement Examples, How to Write, Tips

    technology thesis sentence

  2. Technology Thesis Statement

    technology thesis sentence

  3. Sentences with Technology, Technology in a Sentence in English

    technology thesis sentence

  4. Computer technology thesis statement

    technology thesis sentence

  5. 🌱 Introduction modern technology essay. Catchy introduction on modern

    technology thesis sentence

  6. Computer technology thesis statement

    technology thesis sentence

VIDEO

  1. Information Technology Essay writing in English..Short Essay on Technology Information in 150 words

  2. Research Work & Colloquium

  3. How to write thesis or research papers in few minutes without plagiarism?

  4. Thesis Statement || Creative Nonfiction

  5. LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE DISSERTATIONS & THESIS

  6. Thesis Sentence formula

COMMENTS

  1. Technology Thesis Statement

    Technology Thesis Statement The dynamic world of technology continually shapes our daily lives and future. Writing a compelling thesis statement about technology means delving deep into the nuances of innovation, foreseeing its implications, and presenting a clear, concise perspective. Crafting the perfect statement requires a keen understanding of your topic, its relevance, and the message ...

  2. How to Write a Thesis Statement

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

  3. 25 Thesis Statement Examples (2024)

    A thesis statement is needed in an essay or dissertation. There are multiple types of thesis statements - but generally we can divide them into expository and argumentative. An expository statement is a statement of fact (common in expository essays and process essays) while an argumentative statement is a statement of opinion (common in argumentative essays and dissertations). Below are ...

  4. Thesis Statements

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

  5. What is a Thesis Statement: Writing Guide with Examples

    Writing a strong thesis statement is the foundation for your entire paper. Here's the ultimate guide to writing a thesis statement that shines.

  6. How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement: 4 Steps

    The thesis statement should not be confused for a topic sentence, which is the first sentence of every paragraph in your essay. If you need help writing topic sentences, numerous resources are available. Topic sentences should go along with your thesis statement, though.

  7. PDF 26_EP_ThesisTopicSentences

    WHAT IS A THESIS STATEMENT? The main point or controlling idea of any essay is its thesis. It is an arguable assertion—your opinion or position—on your topic and is, without question, the most important sentence in an academic essay. Having a thesis is useful to both the writer and the reader since its primary function is to organize, predict, control, and define the entire paper.

  8. Creating a Thesis Statement, Thesis Statement Tips

    Learn how to craft a clear and effective thesis statement for your academic writing with tips and examples from the Purdue OWL.

  9. What Is a Thesis?

    A thesis statement is a very common component of an essay, particularly in the humanities. It usually comprises 1 or 2 sentences in the introduction of your essay, and should clearly and concisely summarize the central points of your academic essay.

  10. Thesis Statements

    Thesis (last sentence of intro): Regularly visiting the Writing Center at UNT Dallas will help you become the best writer on the planet because it offers superhero tutors, current technology, and fantastic handouts.

  11. 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.

  12. 25 Thesis Statement Examples That Will Make Writing a Breeze

    Understanding what makes a good thesis statement is one of the major keys to writing a great research paper or argumentative essay. The thesis statement is where you make a claim that will guide you through your entire paper. If you find yourself struggling to make sense of your paper or your topic, then it's likely due to a weak thesis statement.

  13. Thesis Statement

    Unlock the secrets to crafting a compelling thesis statement with our comprehensive guide. Learn its definition, explore real-world examples, and get expert tips on how to write a strong thesis for your academic papers. Ideal for students and educators.

  14. Strong Thesis Statements

    The thesis statement or main claim must be debatable An argumentative or persuasive piece of writing must begin with a debatable thesis or claim. In other words, the thesis must be something that people could reasonably have differing opinions on.

  15. PDF Thesis Statements and Topic Sentences

    Thesis Statements and Topic Sentences A thesis driven essay is comprised of an initial thesis statement that establishes a claim or argument, and ensuing topic sentences that support and develop that claim. Ideally, a reader would be able to read only the thesis statement and topic sentences of your text, and still be able to understand the main ideas and logical progression of your argument.

  16. PDF Guide to Writing a Thesis in Technical Fields

    Preparing a thesis requires that students have acquired thorough knowledge of the subject and possess the ability to find relevant information effectively and to work independently. This guide contains general instructions for writing a Master of Science (technology) thesis at Tampere Uni-versity. It introduces students to the basic elements of clear and unambiguous technical writing. These ...

  17. 15 Thesis Statement Examples to Inspire Your Next Argumentative ...

    This post dissects the components of a good thesis statement and gives 15 thesis statement examples to inspire your next argumentative essay.

  18. AI Thesis Statement Generator

    AI Thesis Statement Generator Lay the foundation for a compelling research paper, persuasive essay, and more with Grammarly's thesis statement generator, which helps spark original ideas for your paper's thesis statement in two quick steps.

  19. Thesis Generator

    Thesis Generator For Writing an Argumentative Thesis Follow the steps below to formulate an argumentative thesis statement. All boxes must contain text. To learn how to write other kinds of thesis statements, please see our Writing a Thesis page.

  20. Thesis Sentence

    Thesis Sentence Embarking on academic writing or preparing a pivotal argument for your essay? The heart of your piece lies in its thesis sentence. A succinct, powerful statement, the thesis guides readers, setting the tone for what's to come. Discover prime examples, expert writing strategies, and invaluable tips to make your thesis stand out in a sea of academic prose.

  21. Academic Guides: Writing a Paper: Thesis Statements

    Discover how to craft a strong thesis statement for your academic paper with the help of Walden University's writing center guides and resources.

  22. Breaking Down the Writing Process with AI: Information Technology

    For Students Access technology assistance for incoming, current, ... Activity 2: Crafting Thesis Statements with AI ... differences or similarities. Use the prompt, " Create a reverse outline of this document that includes a one- to two- sentence summary of each paragraph. Each summary should include the main idea of the paragraph and how it ...

  23. Good thesis statment about the cause/effect on technology

    This essay will be about the cause and effect that technology has on today's society when it comes to cell phones, iPods, video games, computers, internet, cable and sateillite television. I like this sentence you wrote. I think it makes an acceptable thesis statement. However, some teachers think you should not refer to the essay in the essay.