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How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

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

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

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

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

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

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Table of contents

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

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

The best thesis statements are:

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

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

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

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

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

For example, you might ask:

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

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

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

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

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

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

A strong thesis statement should tell the reader:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements

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Tips for Writing Your Thesis Statement

1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing:

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

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

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

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

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

Thesis Statement Examples

Example of an analytical thesis statement:

The paper that follows should:

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

Example of an expository (explanatory) thesis statement:

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

Example of an argumentative thesis statement:

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

Module 3: Writing Essentials

Thesis statements, learning objectives.

• Identify strong thesis statements

The thesis statement is the key to most academic writing. The purpose of academic writing is to offer your own insights, analyses, and ideas—to show not only that you understand the concepts you’re studying, but also that you have thought about those concepts in your own way and agreed or disagreed, or developed your own unique ideas as a result of your analysis. The thesis statement is the one sentence that encapsulates the result of your thinking, as it offers your main insight or argument in condensed form.

We often use the word “argument” in English courses, but we do not mean it in the traditional sense of a verbal fight with someone else. Instead, you “argue” by taking a position on an issue and supporting it with evidence. Because you’ve taken a position about your topic, someone else may be in a position to disagree (or argue) with the stance you have taken. Think about how a lawyer presents an argument or states their case in a courtroom—similarly, you want to build a case around the main idea of your essay. For example, in 1848, when Elizabeth Cady Stanton drafted “The Declaration of Sentiments,” she was thinking about how to convince New York State policymakers to change the laws to allow women to vote. Stanton was making an  argument .

Some consider all writing a form of argument—or at least of persuasion. After all, even if you’re writing a letter or an informative essay, you’re implicitly trying to persuade your audience to care about what you’re saying. Your thesis statement represents the main idea—or point—about a topic or issue that you make in an argument. For example, let’s say that your topic is social media. A thesis statement about social media could look like one of the following sentences:

• Social media harms the self-esteem of American pre-teen girls.
• Social media can help connect researchers when they use hashtags to curate their work.
• Social media tools are not tools for social movements, they are marketing tools.

A basic thesis sentence has two main parts:

• Topic:  What you’re writing about
• Angle:  What your main idea is about that topic, or your claim

Example Thesis Statements

Thesis:  A regular exercise regime leads to multiple benefits, both physical and emotional.

Topic:  Regular exercise regime

Angle:  Leads to multiple benefits

Thesis:  Adult college students have different experiences than typical, younger college students.

Topic:  Adult college students

Angle:  Have different experiences

Thesis:  The economics of television have made the viewing experience challenging for many viewers because shows are not offered regularly, similar programming occurs at the same time, and commercials are rampant.

Topic:  Television viewing

Angle:  Challenging because shows shifted, similar programming, and commercials

When you read all of the thesis statements above, can you see areas where the writer could be more specific with their angle? The more specific you are with your topic and your claims, the more focused your essay will be for your reader.

Identifying the Thesis Statement

You’ll remember that the first step of the reading process, previewing ,  allows you to get a big-picture view of the document you’re reading. This way, you can begin to understand the structure of the overall text. The most important step of understanding an essay or a book is to find the thesis statement.

A thesis consists of a specific topic and an angle on the topic. All of the other ideas in the text support and develop the thesis. The thesis statement is often found in the introduction, sometimes after an initial “hook” or interesting story; sometimes, however, the thesis is not explicitly stated until the end of an essay. Sometimes it is not stated at all. In those instances, there is an implied thesis statement. You can generally extract the thesis statement by looking for a few key sentences and ideas.

Most readers expect to see the point of your argument (the thesis statement) within the first few paragraphs. This does not mean that it has to be placed there every time. Some writers place it at the very end, slowly building up to it throughout their work, to explain a point after the fact. Others don’t bother with one at all but feel that their thesis is “implied” anyway. Beginning writers, however, should avoid the implied thesis unless certain of the audience. Almost every professor will expect to see a clearly discernible thesis sentence in the introduction.

Thesis statements vary based on the rhetorical strategy of the essay. Thesis statements typically share the following characteristics:

• presents the main idea
• is one sentence
• tells the reader what to expect
• summarizes the essay topic
• presents an argument
• is written in the third person (does not include the “I” pronoun)

The following “How to Identify a Thesis Statement” video offers advice for locating a text’s thesis statement. It asks you to write one or two sentences that summarize the text. When you write that summary, without looking at the text itself, you’ve most likely paraphrased the thesis statement.

You can view the  transcript for “How to Identify the Thesis Statement” here (download).

Writing a Thesis Statement

Remember your thesis should answer two simple questions: What topic are you writing about, and what is your position, or angle, on the topic?

A thesis statement is a single sentence (or sometimes two) that provides the answers to these questions clearly and concisely. Ask yourself, “What is my paper about, exactly?” Answering this question will help you develop a precise and directed thesis, not only for your reader, but for you as well.

A good thesis statement will:

• Consist of just one interesting idea
• Be specific and written clearly
• Have evidence to support it

A good basic structure for a thesis statement is “they say, I say.” What is the prevailing view, and how does your position differ from it? However, avoid limiting the scope of your writing with an either/or thesis under the assumption that your view must be strictly contrary to their view.

Following are some typical thesis statements:

• Although many readers believe Romeo and Juliet to be a tale about the ill fate of two star-crossed lovers, it can also be read as an allegory concerning a playwright and his audience.
• The “War on Drugs” has not only failed to reduce the frequency of drug-related crimes in America but actually enhanced the popular image of dope peddlers by romanticizing them as desperate rebels fighting for a cause.
• The bulk of modern copyright law was conceived in the age of commercial printing, long before the Internet made it so easy for the public to compose and distribute its own texts. Therefore, these laws should be reviewed and revised to better accommodate modern readers and writers.
• The usual moral justification for capital punishment is that it deters crime by frightening would-be criminals. However, the statistics tell a different story.
• If students really want to improve their writing, they must read often, practice writing, and receive quality feedback from their peers.
• Plato’s dialectical method has much to offer those engaged in online writing, which is far more conversational in nature than print.

Thesis Problems to Avoid

Although you have creative control over your thesis sentence, you still should try to avoid the following problems, not for stylistic reasons, but because they indicate a problem in the thinking that underlies the thesis sentence.

• For example, look at the thesis: Hospice workers need support. This is a thesis sentence; it has a topic (hospice workers) and an angle (need support). But the angle is very broad. When the angle in a thesis sentence is too broad, the writer may not have carefully thought through the specific support for the rest of the writing. A thesis angle that’s too broad makes it easy to fall into the trap of offering information that deviates from that angle.
• Consider this thesis: Hospice workers have a 55% turnover rate compared to the general health care population’s 25% turnover rate.  This sentence really isn’t a thesis sentence at all, because there’s no angle idea to support. A narrow statistic, or a narrow statement of fact, doesn’t offer the writer’s own ideas or analysis about a topic. A clearer example of a thesis statement with an angle of development would be the following:

Practice identifying strong thesis statements in the following interactive.

argument : in writing, the argument is the main stance, claim, or position that is supported with evidence

explicit thesis : a clear and direct statement of the writer’s claim

thesis statement : a statement of the topic of the piece of writing and the angle the writer has on that topic

• Modification, adaptation, and original content. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution
• Annotating an Essay or Book. Provided by : Excelsior OWL. Located at : https://owl.excelsior.edu/orc/what-to-do-while-reading/annotating/annotating-an-essay-or-book/ . License : CC BY: Attribution
• Checklist for a Thesis Statement. Provided by : Excelsior OWL. Located at : https://owl.excelsior.edu/esl-wow/getting-ready-to-write/developing-a-thesis/esl-checklist-for-a-thesis-statement/ . License : CC BY: Attribution
• Judging Thesis Statements. Provided by : Excelsior OWL. Located at : https://owl.excelsior.edu/esl-wow/getting-ready-to-write/developing-a-thesis/esl-judging-thesis-statements/ . License : CC BY: Attribution
• Research Writing and Argument. Authored by : Pavel Zemliansky. Located at : https://learn.saylor.org/mod/page/view.php?id=7163 . Project : Methods of Discovery: A Guide to Research Writing. License : CC BY: Attribution
• Parts of a Thesis Sentence and Common Problems. Provided by : Excelsior OWL. Located at : https://owl.excelsior.edu/writing-process/thesis-sentence/thesis-sentence-angles/ . License : CC BY: Attribution
• Argument in College Writing. Provided by : Excelsior OWL. Located at : https://owl.excelsior.edu/argument-and-critical-thinking/argument-in-college-writing/ . License : CC BY: Attribution
• How to Identify the Thesis Statement. Authored by : Martha Ann Kennedy. Located at : https://youtu.be/di1cQgc1akg . License : All Rights Reserved . License Terms : Standard YouTube License

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How to write a thesis statement + examples

What is a thesis statement?

Is a thesis statement a question, how do you write a good thesis statement, how do i know if my thesis statement is good, examples of thesis statements, helpful resources on how to write a thesis statement, frequently asked questions about writing a thesis statement, related articles.

A thesis statement is the main argument of your paper or thesis.

The thesis statement is one of the most important elements of any piece of academic writing . It is a brief statement of your paper’s main argument. Essentially, you are stating what you will be writing about.

You can see your thesis statement as an answer to a question. While it also contains the question, it should really give an answer to the question with new information and not just restate or reiterate it.

Your thesis statement is part of your introduction. Learn more about how to write a good thesis introduction in our introduction guide .

A thesis statement is not a question. A statement must be arguable and provable through evidence and analysis. While your thesis might stem from a research question, it should be in the form of a statement.

Tip: A thesis statement is typically 1-2 sentences. For a longer project like a thesis, the statement may be several sentences or a paragraph.

A good thesis statement needs to do the following:

• Condense the main idea of your thesis into one or two sentences.
• Answer your project’s main research question.
• Clearly state your position in relation to the topic .
• Make an argument that requires support or evidence.

Once you have written down a thesis statement, check if it fulfills the following criteria:

• Your statement needs to be provable by evidence. As an argument, a thesis statement needs to be debatable.
• Your statement needs to be precise. Do not give away too much information in the thesis statement and do not load it with unnecessary information.
• Your statement cannot say that one solution is simply right or simply wrong as a matter of fact. You should draw upon verified facts to persuade the reader of your solution, but you cannot just declare something as right or wrong.

As previously mentioned, your thesis statement should answer a question.

If the question is:

What do you think the City of New York should do to reduce traffic congestion?

A good thesis statement restates the question and answers it:

In this paper, I will argue that the City of New York should focus on providing exclusive lanes for public transport and adaptive traffic signals to reduce traffic congestion by the year 2035.

Here is another example. If the question is:

How can we end poverty?

A good thesis statement should give more than one solution to the problem in question:

In this paper, I will argue that introducing universal basic income can help reduce poverty and positively impact the way we work.

• The Writing Center of the University of North Carolina has a list of questions to ask to see if your thesis is strong .

A thesis statement is part of the introduction of your paper. It is usually found in the first or second paragraph to let the reader know your research purpose from the beginning.

In general, a thesis statement should have one or two sentences. But the length really depends on the overall length of your project. Take a look at our guide about the length of thesis statements for more insight on this topic.

Here is a list of Thesis Statement Examples that will help you understand better how to write them.

Every good essay should include a thesis statement as part of its introduction, no matter the academic level. Of course, if you are a high school student you are not expected to have the same type of thesis as a PhD student.

Here is a great YouTube tutorial showing How To Write An Essay: Thesis Statements .

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Writing a Paper: Thesis Statements

Basics of thesis statements.

The thesis statement is the brief articulation of your paper's central argument and purpose. You might hear it referred to as simply a "thesis." Every scholarly paper should have a thesis statement, and strong thesis statements are concise, specific, and arguable. Concise means the thesis is short: perhaps one or two sentences for a shorter paper. Specific means the thesis deals with a narrow and focused topic, appropriate to the paper's length. Arguable means that a scholar in your field could disagree (or perhaps already has!).

Strong thesis statements address specific intellectual questions, have clear positions, and use a structure that reflects the overall structure of the paper. Read on to learn more about constructing a strong thesis statement.

Being Specific

This thesis statement has no specific argument:

Needs Improvement: In this essay, I will examine two scholarly articles to find similarities and differences.

This statement is concise, but it is neither specific nor arguable—a reader might wonder, "Which scholarly articles? What is the topic of this paper? What field is the author writing in?" Additionally, the purpose of the paper—to "examine…to find similarities and differences" is not of a scholarly level. Identifying similarities and differences is a good first step, but strong academic argument goes further, analyzing what those similarities and differences might mean or imply.

Better: In this essay, I will argue that Bowler's (2003) autocratic management style, when coupled with Smith's (2007) theory of social cognition, can reduce the expenses associated with employee turnover.

The new revision here is still concise, as well as specific and arguable.  We can see that it is specific because the writer is mentioning (a) concrete ideas and (b) exact authors.  We can also gather the field (business) and the topic (management and employee turnover). The statement is arguable because the student goes beyond merely comparing; he or she draws conclusions from that comparison ("can reduce the expenses associated with employee turnover").

Making a Unique Argument

This thesis draft repeats the language of the writing prompt without making a unique argument:

Needs Improvement: The purpose of this essay is to monitor, assess, and evaluate an educational program for its strengths and weaknesses. Then, I will provide suggestions for improvement.

You can see here that the student has simply stated the paper's assignment, without articulating specifically how he or she will address it. The student can correct this error simply by phrasing the thesis statement as a specific answer to the assignment prompt.

Better: Through a series of student interviews, I found that Kennedy High School's antibullying program was ineffective. In order to address issues of conflict between students, I argue that Kennedy High School should embrace policies outlined by the California Department of Education (2010).

Words like "ineffective" and "argue" show here that the student has clearly thought through the assignment and analyzed the material; he or she is putting forth a specific and debatable position. The concrete information ("student interviews," "antibullying") further prepares the reader for the body of the paper and demonstrates how the student has addressed the assignment prompt without just restating that language.

Creating a Debate

This thesis statement includes only obvious fact or plot summary instead of argument:

Needs Improvement: Leadership is an important quality in nurse educators.

A good strategy to determine if your thesis statement is too broad (and therefore, not arguable) is to ask yourself, "Would a scholar in my field disagree with this point?" Here, we can see easily that no scholar is likely to argue that leadership is an unimportant quality in nurse educators.  The student needs to come up with a more arguable claim, and probably a narrower one; remember that a short paper needs a more focused topic than a dissertation.

Better: Roderick's (2009) theory of participatory leadership  is particularly appropriate to nurse educators working within the emergency medicine field, where students benefit most from collegial and kinesthetic learning.

Here, the student has identified a particular type of leadership ("participatory leadership"), narrowing the topic, and has made an arguable claim (this type of leadership is "appropriate" to a specific type of nurse educator). Conceivably, a scholar in the nursing field might disagree with this approach. The student's paper can now proceed, providing specific pieces of evidence to support the arguable central claim.

Choosing the Right Words

This thesis statement uses large or scholarly-sounding words that have no real substance:

Needs Improvement: Scholars should work to seize metacognitive outcomes by harnessing discipline-based networks to empower collaborative infrastructures.

There are many words in this sentence that may be buzzwords in the student's field or key terms taken from other texts, but together they do not communicate a clear, specific meaning. Sometimes students think scholarly writing means constructing complex sentences using special language, but actually it's usually a stronger choice to write clear, simple sentences. When in doubt, remember that your ideas should be complex, not your sentence structure.

Better: Ecologists should work to educate the U.S. public on conservation methods by making use of local and national green organizations to create a widespread communication plan.

Notice in the revision that the field is now clear (ecology), and the language has been made much more field-specific ("conservation methods," "green organizations"), so the reader is able to see concretely the ideas the student is communicating.

Leaving Room for Discussion

This thesis statement is not capable of development or advancement in the paper:

Needs Improvement: There are always alternatives to illegal drug use.

This sample thesis statement makes a claim, but it is not a claim that will sustain extended discussion. This claim is the type of claim that might be appropriate for the conclusion of a paper, but in the beginning of the paper, the student is left with nowhere to go. What further points can be made? If there are "always alternatives" to the problem the student is identifying, then why bother developing a paper around that claim? Ideally, a thesis statement should be complex enough to explore over the length of the entire paper.

Better: The most effective treatment plan for methamphetamine addiction may be a combination of pharmacological and cognitive therapy, as argued by Baker (2008), Smith (2009), and Xavier (2011).

In the revised thesis, you can see the student make a specific, debatable claim that has the potential to generate several pages' worth of discussion. When drafting a thesis statement, think about the questions your thesis statement will generate: What follow-up inquiries might a reader have? In the first example, there are almost no additional questions implied, but the revised example allows for a good deal more exploration.

Thesis Mad Libs

If you are having trouble getting started, try using the models below to generate a rough model of a thesis statement! These models are intended for drafting purposes only and should not appear in your final work.

• In this essay, I argue ____, using ______ to assert _____.
• While scholars have often argued ______, I argue______, because_______.
• Through an analysis of ______, I argue ______, which is important because_______.

Words to Avoid and to Embrace

When drafting your thesis statement, avoid words like explore, investigate, learn, compile, summarize , and explain to describe the main purpose of your paper. These words imply a paper that summarizes or "reports," rather than synthesizing and analyzing.

Instead of the terms above, try words like argue, critique, question , and interrogate . These more analytical words may help you begin strongly, by articulating a specific, critical, scholarly position.

Read Kayla's blog post for tips on taking a stand in a well-crafted thesis statement.

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How to write a thesis statement, what is a thesis statement.

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

Why Should Your Essay Contain a Thesis Statement?

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

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

How Can You Write a Good Thesis Statement?

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

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

How to Generate a Thesis Statement if the Topic is Assigned

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You start out with a thesis statement like this:

Sugar consumption.

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

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

You change your thesis to look like this:

Reducing sugar consumption by elementary school children.

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

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

You revise your thesis statement to look like this:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Tell a Strong Thesis Statement from a Weak One

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. A strong thesis statement justifies discussion.

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

My family is an extended family.

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

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

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

3. A strong thesis statement expresses one main idea.

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

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

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

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

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

4. A strong thesis statement is specific.

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

World hunger has many causes and effects.

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

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

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

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Identifying Thesis Statements, Claims, and Evidence

Thesis statements, claims, and evidence, introduction.

The three important parts of an argumentative essay are:

• A thesis statement is a sentence, usually in the first paragraph of an article, that expresses the article’s main point. It is not a fact; it’s a statement that you could disagree with.  Therefore, the author has to convince you that the statement is correct.
• Claims are statements that support the thesis statement, but like the thesis statement,  are not facts.  Because a claim is not a fact, it requires supporting evidence.
• Evidence is factual information that shows a claim is true.  Usually, writers have to conduct their own research to find evidence that supports their ideas.  The evidence may include statistical (numerical) information, the opinions of experts, studies, personal experience, scholarly articles, or reports.

Each paragraph in the article is numbered at the beginning of the first sentence.

Paragraphs 1-7

Identifying the Thesis Statement. Paragraph 2 ends with this thesis statement:  “People’s prior convictions should not be held against them in their pursuit of higher learning.”  It is a thesis statement for three reasons:

• It is the article’s main argument.
• It is not a fact. Someone could think that peoples’ prior convictions should affect their access to higher education.
• It requires evidence to show that it is true.

Finding Claims.  A claim is statement that supports a thesis statement.  Like a thesis, it is not a fact so it needs to be supported by evidence.

You have already identified the article’s thesis statement: “People’s prior convictions should not be held against them in their pursuit of higher learning.”

Like the thesis, a claim be an idea that the author believes to be true, but others may not agree.  For this reason, a claim needs support.

• Question 1.  Can you find a claim in paragraph 3? Look for a statement that might be true, but needs to be supported by evidence.

Finding Evidence. 

Paragraphs 5-7 offer one type of evidence to support the claim you identified in the last question.  Reread paragraphs 5-7.

• Question 2.  Which word best describes the kind of evidence included in those paragraphs:  A report, a study, personal experience of the author, statistics, or the opinion of an expert?

Paragraphs 8-10

Finding Claims

Paragraph 8 makes two claims:

• “The United States needs to have more of this transformative power of education.”
• “The country [the United States] incarcerates more people and at a higher rate than any other nation in the world.”

Finding Evidence

Paragraphs 8 and 9 include these statistics as evidence:

• “The U.S. accounts for less than 5 percent of the world population but nearly 25 percent of the incarcerated population around the globe.”
• “Roughly 2.2 million people in the United States are essentially locked away in cages. About 1 in 5 of those people are locked up for drug offenses.”

Question 3. Does this evidence support claim 1 from paragraph 8 (about the transformative power of education) or claim 2 (about the U.S.’s high incarceration rate)?

Question 4. Which word best describes this kind of evidence:  A report, a study, personal experience of the author, statistics, or the opinion of an expert?

Paragraphs 11-13

Remember that in paragraph 2, Andrisse writes that:

• “People’s prior convictions should not be held against them in their pursuit of higher learning.” (Thesis statement)
• “More must be done to remove the various barriers that exist between formerly incarcerated individuals such as myself and higher education.” (Claim)

Now, review paragraphs 11-13 (Early life of crime). In these paragraphs, Andrisse shares more of his personal story.

Question 5. Do you think his personal story is evidence for statement 1 above, statement 2, both, or neither one?

Question 6. Is yes, which one(s)?

Question 7. Do you think his personal story is good evidence?  Does it persuade you to agree with him?

Paragraphs 14-16

Listed below are some claims that Andrisse makes in paragraph 14.  Below each claim, please write the supporting evidence from paragraphs 15 and 16.  If you can’t find any evidence,  write “none.”

Claim:  The more education a person has, the higher their income.

Claim: Similarly, the more education a person has, the less likely they are to return to prison.

Paragraphs 17-19

Evaluating Evidence

In these paragraphs, Andrisse returns to his personal story. He explains how his father’s illness inspired him to become a doctor and shares that he was accepted to only one of six biomedical graduate programs.

Do you think that this part of Andrisse’s story serves as evidence (support) for any claims that you’ve identified so far?   Or does it support his general thesis that “people’s prior convictions should not be held against them in pursuit of higher learning?” Please explain your answer.

Paragraphs 20-23

Andrisse uses his personal experience to repeat a claim he makes in paragraph 3, that “more must be done to remove the various barriers that exist between formerly incarcerated individuals such as myself and higher education.”

To support this statement, he has to show that barriers exist.  One barrier he identifies is the cost of college. He then explains the advantages of offering Pell grants to incarcerated people.

What evidence in paragraphs 21-23 support his claim about the success of Pell grants?

Paragraphs  24-28 (Remove questions about drug crimes from federal aid forms)

In this section, Andrisse argues that federal aid forms should not ask students about prior drug convictions.  To support that claim, he includes a statistic about students who had to answer a similar question on their college application.

What statistic does he include?

In paragraph 25, he assumes that if a question about drug convictions discourages students from applying to college, it will probably also discourage them from applying for federal aid.

What do you think about this assumption?   Do you think it’s reasonable or do you think Andrisse needs stronger evidence to show that federal aid forms should not ask students about prior drug convictions?

Supporting English Language Learners in First-Year College Composition Copyright © by Breana Bayraktar is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Thesis and Purpose Statements

Use the guidelines below to learn the differences between thesis and purpose statements.

In the first stages of writing, thesis or purpose statements are usually rough or ill-formed and are useful primarily as planning tools.

A thesis statement or purpose statement will emerge as you think and write about a topic. The statement can be restricted or clarified and eventually worked into an introduction.

As you revise your paper, try to phrase your thesis or purpose statement in a precise way so that it matches the content and organization of your paper.

Thesis statements

A thesis statement is a sentence that makes an assertion about a topic and predicts how the topic will be developed. It does not simply announce a topic: it says something about the topic.

Good: X has made a significant impact on the teenage population due to its . . . Bad: In this paper, I will discuss X.

A thesis statement makes a promise to the reader about the scope, purpose, and direction of the paper. It summarizes the conclusions that the writer has reached about the topic.

A thesis statement is generally located near the end of the introduction. Sometimes in a long paper, the thesis will be expressed in several sentences or an entire paragraph.

A thesis statement is focused and specific enough to be proven within the boundaries of the paper. Key words (nouns and verbs) should be specific, accurate, and indicative of the range of research, thrust of the argument or analysis, and the organization of supporting information.

Purpose statements

A purpose statement announces the purpose, scope, and direction of the paper. It tells the reader what to expect in a paper and what the specific focus will be.

Common beginnings include:

“This paper examines . . .,” “The aim of this paper is to . . .,” and “The purpose of this essay is to . . .”

A purpose statement makes a promise to the reader about the development of the argument but does not preview the particular conclusions that the writer has drawn.

A purpose statement usually appears toward the end of the introduction. The purpose statement may be expressed in several sentences or even an entire paragraph.

A purpose statement is specific enough to satisfy the requirements of the assignment. Purpose statements are common in research papers in some academic disciplines, while in other disciplines they are considered too blunt or direct. If you are unsure about using a purpose statement, ask your instructor.

This paper will examine the ecological destruction of the Sahel preceding the drought and the causes of this disintegration of the land. The focus will be on the economic, political, and social relationships which brought about the environmental problems in the Sahel.

Sample purpose and thesis statements

The following example combines a purpose statement and a thesis statement (bold).

The goal of this paper is to examine the effects of Chile’s agrarian reform on the lives of rural peasants. The nature of the topic dictates the use of both a chronological and a comparative analysis of peasant lives at various points during the reform period. . . The Chilean reform example provides evidence that land distribution is an essential component of both the improvement of peasant conditions and the development of a democratic society. More extensive and enduring reforms would likely have allowed Chile the opportunity to further expand these horizons.

For more tips about writing thesis statements, take a look at our new handout on Developing a Thesis Statement.

Writing Process and Structure

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Getting Started with Your Paper

Interpreting Writing Assignments from Your Courses

Generating Ideas for Your Paper

Creating an Argument

Thesis vs. Purpose Statements

Developing a Thesis Statement

Architecture of Arguments

Working with Sources

Quoting and Paraphrasing Sources

Using Literary Quotations

Citing Sources in Your Paper

Drafting Your Paper

Introductions

Paragraphing

Developing Strategic Transitions

Conclusions

Revising Your Paper

Peer Reviews

Reverse Outlines

Revising an Argumentative Paper

Revision Strategies for Longer Projects

Finishing Your Paper

Twelve Common Errors: An Editing Checklist

How to Proofread your Paper

Writing Collaboratively

Collaborative and Group Writing

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

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.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement to Make Your English Essay Stand Out

Trying to write a killer English essay but can’t seem to get your thesis statement right?

You’re not alone! A common problem students run into is writing thesis statements that are too weak, vague, or just don’t stand out from the crowd.

As a HSC all rounder, I’ve written this definitive guide to outline the sacred thesis statement formula that helped me achieve a Band 6 in English.

Read on and learn exactly how to nail those thesis statements. Every. Single. Time.

Art thou ready?

What is a Thesis Statement? How to Write a Thesis Statement in English (Step-by-step) Step 1: Breakdown Question Keywords Step 2: Brainstorm Specific Ideas on Question Step 3: Identify Most Sophisticated Stance Step 4: Link Key Context & Module Links Step 5: Craft Your Argument & Effect Examples of Thesis Statements The Ultimate Exercise to Improve Your Thesis Statements

What is a Thesis Statement?

A thesis statement is a 1-2 sentence overarching argument in response to a specific essay question that you will prove throughout your essay.

Being the first sentence of an introductory paragraph on an essay, a thesis statement’s principal aim is to directly and concisely answer the question with the argument, stance, or position you are taking.

What Makes a Thesis Statement Strong?

Strong thesis statements typically have the following the components:

• Composer’s Name
• Text Form / Genre
• Keywords from the question
• Keywords from the module
• Specific Idea
• Effect of  Specific Idea

These components can be arranged in various one and two sentence “structures” that depend upon:

• The type of essay question you are responding to (i.e. Technique, Genre, Form, Thematic, or Critical Perspective Questions)
• The module and text you are being assessed on.

General Thesis Statement Structure

With that said, let’s take a look at our general one-sentence thesis statement structure:

It’s important to note that there are several variations of this differentiated by the ordering of each component.

Now, let’s take a look at an example where this structure is in effect.

Question  To what extent is Shakespeare concerned with the nature of jealousy and its interaction with power in “Othello”?

General Structure Thesis Statement Example

In our HSC English tutoring program we teach students how to effectively use these Band 6 thesis statement structures so they can level up their essays quickly for their specific texts.

How to Write a Thesis Statement in English (Step-by-step)

In this section, we’ll go through step-by-step on how to write a thesis statement with clear examples for each step.

Follow along to ensure you’re on the way to writing strong and impactful thesis statements.

Step 1: Breakdown Question Keywords

Have you ever gotten your essay back with feedback stating that you completely missed or didn’t really answer the question?

This usually happens when students don’t understand all the components of a question.

Continuing this practice could have detrimental effects to your thesis statements which risks the integrity of entire essays, both of which prevent you from achieving your goals.

Thus, the initial step to writing your thesis statement is making sure you completely understand the question.

So, grab a pencil, pen, or highlighter and identify those keywords.

To do this, ask yourself:

• What is the question focusing on?
• Is it on a specific character? or theme?
• Am I being asked to analyse a novel’s form or structure?
• Am I being asked to compare two texts side by side?

Example of Breaking Down a Question

Question Through the telling and receiving of stories, we become more aware of ourselves and our shared human experiences Explore this statement with close reference to your prescribed text.

Keywords Telling and receiving of stories Aware of ourselves Shared human experiences.

Step 2: Brainstorm Specific Ideas on Question

Brainstorming can be actioned in a various way.

However, a fool-proof exercise we recommend practicing is that for each key term, ask each of the following mini-questions about the text:

• What / What Type?

The goal of this step is to get those ideas jotted down on to paper.

Example of Brainstorming Specific Ideas on Question

Question “ Henry IV Part 1 shows the disorder and conflict that result when society’s rulers are driven by greed and ambition.” Discuss this statement in relation to your prescribed text.

Keywords Conflict Society’s rulers Greed and ambition as motivations

Mini-Questions for Keyword: Conflict Mini-Questions Answers What / What Type? Political conflict How? Civil rebellions; infighting; power struggles Why? To demonstrate the difficulties associated with leadership and maintaining honour when one has seized the throne illegitimately So What? So that Shakespeare can uphold the Tudor Myth and glorify the divine right of kings. Who? Fictionalised representations of historical royal figures

Once you’ve answered each question, the next step would be to summarise it. The above can be summarised as follows:

Summary from Mini-Questions In order to demonstrate the difficulties associated with leadership and maintaining honour when one has seized the throne illegitimately, Shakespeare uses fictionalised representations of historical royal figures to depict internal political conflict after Henry IV usurped the English throne. This upholds the Tudor myth, glorifying the Divine Right of Kings under the reign of Elizabeth I. 

You will then use these summaries of your key terms to write the specific idea component of your thesis statement.

Step 3: Identify Most Sophisticated Stance

Not answering in a generic way means that you’re not answering in the same way as everyone else, which automatically gives your essay that little edge .

A good thesis statement must have a stance or take a position in response the essay question.

There are typically three stances that a thesis statement can take:

• Positive Stance — Agrees completely with the premise of the question
• Negative Stance — Disagrees completely with the premise of the question 
• Moderate Stance — Agrees/Disagrees partially with the premise of the question.

Therefore, take into account which idea stands out and what stance it is taking. A sophisticated statement is one that shows critical thinking and adds something new to the conversation.

This does not mean that your thesis needs to be overly long and complicated in grammar and syntax (in fact you want to avoid that).

Just make sure it states exactly what points you’re planning to make.

Example of Identifying Most Sophisticated Stance

Question — Module B Example To what extent does an understanding of your prescribed text’s context significant to an appreciation of its key concerns?

Keywords Context Key concerns

Now, comes the time to identify which the stance you’re going to take.

In 90% of cases it’s best to agree with the statement/question but still leave room for the slightest impartiality which makes for a “nuanced” response  — this is taking a “ mostly positive” stance.

“Mostly” Positive Stance Thesis Statement Example

Taking a “moderate” stance with the aim of being completely in 50/50 is quite difficult to produce — this is because students think they are making a judgement when in fact they have just avoided making one.

Although, that does not mean that it’s impossible to create an effective “moderate” response.

Moderate Stance Thesis Statement Example

When you choose to argue against the question, or take a “negative” stance, in English, it is less about causing trouble and more about creating discussion — you want to surprise your markers, not confuse them.

There are a whole bunch of reasons why you should argue against the question when it comes to responding to an essay, most of which boil down to just not doing what’s expected!

“Mostly” Negative Stance Thesis Statement Example

As you can see, all three thesis statements focus on the same key words and concepts from the question, the only difference is that they are all looking into it in different ways.

With that being said, if executed well, any stance can work well.

And, while it’s important to present a unique argument, more importantly, it needs to be one that you can actually substantiate — making sure the evidence you provide supports your thesis statement is what will help you achieve higher marks in English!

To help you identify and analyse evidence in texts, consider brushing up on those English Literary Techniques .

Step 4: Determine Key Context & Module Links 

To show that you have greater understanding of your studied text, you must be able to understand and place it within its key context, and identify links to the relevant course module.

Thus, to further elevate your thesis statements — ask yourself:

• What key concepts from the Module Rubric are relevant to this essay question?
• Does the essay question have a key term relating to context?

Example of Determining Context and Module Links

Question — Module A Example You have studied two texts composed at different times. When you consider these texts and their contexts, how has your understanding of the concepts and values of each text been developed and reshaped?

Keywords Texts and their contexts Understanding of concepts and values of each text Developed and reshaped

Arguably the largest context study out of all the HSC English Modules, it is important to at least implicitly incorporate elements of context especially in Module A responses.

However, this does not mean that context-related questions only appear in Module A.

Let’s analyse a thesis statement responding to the question above so you can get a taste of what makes for effective context and module linking in HSC English.

Thesis Statement The intertextual dialogue between Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’ and Atwood’s ‘Hag-Seed’ illuminates the adaptive text’s capacity to reframe and question traditional power dynamics and colonial narratives. This relationship highlights a transformation in understanding societal structures and gender roles, calling into question established norms and offering a critique that resonates with contemporary views on equality and justice.

Linking Key Context From Thesis Statement Why It's Effective "Reframe and question traditional power dynamics and colonial narratives." - An implicit commentary on Shakespeare's "Age of Discovery" colonial context. - Outlines Atwood's reimagining through a postcolonial context that centres minority voices in contemporary Canada. "Transformation in understanding societal structures and gender roles, calling into question established norms and offering a critique that resonates with contemporary views on equality and justice." - Merges thematic concerns of each text and their respective contexts. - Establishes points of discussion in the changes of "societal structures and gender roles" from Shakespeare's to Atwood's time. Linking Module Rubric From Thesis Statement Why It's Effective "Reframe" - Relates to how the latter text responds to or does something new with the former text's concerns. "Adaptive text" & "Intertextual dialogue" - Both directly address how the latter text is an adaptation of the former. "This relationship [between the two texts] highlight a transformation ..." - Addresses how contexts have changed since the performance of the first text and the publication of the latter, therefore addresses how texts have changed. "Resonates" - "Resonances and dissonances" are keywords from the rubric which address the extent to which the latter text has adopted or discarded elements of the former.

Step 5: Craft Your Argument & Effect

Now’s the time to start formulating your thesis statement. So grab and cling to your paper and pens, and let’s get writing!

This step is where we need to craft the specific idea, and effect of your specific idea component of your thesis statement from our General Thesis Statement Structure:

Example of Crafting Argument & Effect

Question “The representation of human experiences makes us more aware of the intricate nature of humanity.” To what extent does this statement align with your understanding of your prescribed text? In your response, discuss this statement with detailed reference to George Orwell’s ‘Nineteen Eighty-Four’.

Keywords Representations of human experiences Intricate nature of humanity

Stance To a great extent (agrees with the question)

Specific Idea Exploration of paradoxical and inconsistent human experiences of emotional and social repression within a totalitarian system.

Once you have this, you’ll then need to identify the effect of the specific idea.

To do this effectively, consider the following questions:

• “What is the author’s purpose in exploring this idea? What are they trying to achieve?”
• “What is the impact of this specific idea on individuals or society?”
• “What is the impact of the idea on you as the responder? Does it make you reflect about anything?”

Continuing the example above, the effect of the specific idea using the above prompt questions would be:

Effect of Specific Idea In order to warn contemporary audiences about the dangers of totalitarianism and government overreach.

Remember, it’s not about crafting the most flawless thesis statement on the get go. Just keep in mind that practice makes close to perfect!

Revising and refining your thesis statements is what will make you a better writer, it’ll set you up for each and every essay question that may come your way.

If you’re a NSW student studying for the HSC, try put everything you have learnt so far into practice and check out some English past papers ! You can also exercise those writing muscles with our ‘Thesis + 3′ Technique’ .

Examples of Thesis Statements

Now, let’s examine some more questions and example thesis statements produced by some of our students.

In this section, we’ll also look at how our AI English Tutor, Artie , elevated each response from “good” to great.

Thesis Statement Example #1

Question “It is difficult to maintain individual identity in the face of homogenous collectives.” How does Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice align with this statement, and how does this representation help support his authorial purpose?

Original Student Response All representations are constructs , with composers incorporating or omitting certain concepts in line with authorial purpose and position. William Shakespeare’s play, The Merchant of Venice (1605) represents identity as a composite of intersecting factors shaping our understanding of the human experience, wherein those with greater privilege can invert the Christian patriarchal power relations to gain agency.

Artie Assisted Response   Studying or revising for HSC English? Check out our guide on the Common Module: Texts and Human Experiences !

Thesis Statement Example #2

Question No texts are original, but some texts move beyond their origins. To what extent does this statement inform your appreciation of the textual conversations between the composers you have studied?

Original Student Response Each composition has its individual authenticity and originality however, more advanced texts such Al Pacino’s 1996 docu-drama “Looking For Richard” moves beyond the origins of it’s hypo text, William Shakespeare’s 1592 tragedy “King Richard III”, to engage in a textual conversation that highlights the inconsistencies in morals and values across their incongruous zeitgeists.

Artie Assisted Response

If you’re studying any of the two aforementioned texts (or any other of the prescribed texts!), rest assured that Artie can help level up your thesis statements and other aspects of your essay writing .

Need more thesis statement examples? We’ve got you covered!

Access more of Artie’s improved Thesis Statements!

Access our comprehensive Thesis Statement Step-by-step Template!

If you’re looking for some more help as to how to write a HSC Band 6 essay, make sure you check out this step by step guide here!

The Ultimate Exercise to Improve Your Thesis Statements

This section will cover a three step exercise to help you improve faster, making sure your thesis are as strong as can before exam time!

Step #1: Rapid Thesis Development

Writing improves with lots and lots of practice — so if you admire someone’s writing, know that it is ever rarely an inherent feat and they most likely have taken the time to improve!

One way to develop your own writing muscles, and so improve your thesis statements, is by trying this exercise:

• Find a practice question.
• Set a timer for 5 minutes and generate a thesis statement
• Then repeat this two more times

Doing these writing bursts will ensure you’re able to adapt and answer any question NESA throws at you in reading time, while also building a library of thesis statements you can remix and use in the HSC Exams.

Here are 20 practice questions for each module: Common Module Module A Module B Module C

Step #2: Is My Thesis Statement… SUP?

When writing and developing your thesis statements, ask yourself  — “is my thesis statement… SUP? ”

Sharp — each word in your thesis statement matters, don’t ramble and unnecessarily aggrandise your sentences. Use your words wisely, and cut any that don’t effectively get your argument across.

Unique — will your thesis statement get lost among the sea of repeated and unoriginal statements? Avoid this by making sure to stands out by considering a fresh take or new perspective, thus subverting reader expectations.

Purposeful — what you state now will need to be supported by the rest of your essay. Does your evidence actually align with the key arguments you have laid out? Or will the train of your essay derail from its tracks?

Struggling with writing compelling linking sentences for your essay paragraphs? Learn how to write better linking sentences with our guide !

Step #3: Seek Feedback. Again… And Again (Then One More Time After That)

The law of the lid outlines that the highest mark you get in practice will be reflected in your performance when it comes to the real exam.

If you’re goal is to achieve a Band 6, you want to lift your lid, to make sure you’re hitting Band 6 level responses even in practice.

To do this, you must accelerate your feedback loop.

Here are five ways to establish a feedback loop so you can improve faster:

• Get help from your teacher — submit your work to your teacher even if it’s thesis statement alone. They’re more likely to return it to you quickly if it’s a small piece of marking!
• Mark your own work — whether you’re practising thesis statements or full responses, make sure to actually read over and mark them using the marking criteria provided from prior HSC exam papers. 
• Peer mark – swap your essays with your friends, and get them to give you feedback on your thesis statements, while you provide feedback for theirs.
• Find a tutor or mentor — getting extra support from a mentor or tutor is a great way to receive direct one-on-one feedback.
• Get feedback from Artie — get instantly marked practice essays, giving you feedback with crystal-clear recommendations to improve.

Here’s a guide to essay drafting, editing, and refining your English essays .

Looking for some extra help with writing a Strong HSC English Thesis Statement?

We have an incredible team of hsc english tutors and mentors.

We can help you master your HSC English essay and ace your upcoming HSC English assessments with personalised lessons conducted one-on-one in your home or at one of our state of the art campuses in Hornsby or the Hills!

Closer to Western Sydney? We provide support for K-12 English in Parramatta ! Or looking for Southern Sydney support? We have expert HSC tutors ready to help in Campbelltown and Wollongong !

We’ve supported over 8,000 students over the last 11 years , and on average our students score mark improvements of over 20%!

To find out more and get started with an inspirational HSC English tutor and mentor, get in touch today or give us a ring on 1300 267 888!

Maddison Leach  completed her HSC in 2014, achieving an ATAR of 98.00 and Band 6 in all her subjects. Having tutored privately for two years before joining Art of Smart, she enjoys helping students through the academic and other aspects of school life, even though it sometimes makes her feel old. Maddison has had a passion for writing since her early teens, having had several short stories published before joining the world of blogging. She’s currently deferring her studies until she starts her Bachelor of Communication at UTS in the spring.

• Topics: 📚 Study , ✏️ English

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Crafting a Compelling Thesis Statement: Tips and Techniques

In the vast world of academic writing, your thesis statement is more than just a sentence—it’s the beacon that guides your reader through the intricate maze of your arguments and ideas. Think of it as the North Star of your paper; a clear, compelling thesis not only provides direction but also sparks interest in what you have to say.

Whether you’re tackling an argumentative essay, a research paper, or even a creative piece, mastering the art of crafting an engaging thesis statement can set you apart from the crowd. So grab your pen and notebook because we’re about to dive into essential tips and techniques that will empower you to write statements so captivating they’ll leave readers eager for more! Let’s get started on transforming those vague ideas into powerful declarations that resonate!

Table of Contents

Introduction to the importance of a strong thesis statement

A strong thesis statement is the backbone of any compelling essay. It’s your paper’s guiding light, illuminating the path for both you and your readers. Yet, many struggle to craft one that truly resonates. A clear and powerful thesis not only captures attention but also sets a firm foundation for your arguments. Whether you’re writing a research paper, an analytical essay, or even a persuasive piece, mastering this key element can elevate your work from mediocre to exceptional.

But what exactly makes a thesis statement effective? How do you avoid common pitfalls that could undermine your message? In this post, we’ll explore essential tips and techniques to help you create a standout thesis statement that grabs attention and communicates your ideas clearly. Let’s dive into the art of crafting a winning thesis!

Definition and purpose of a thesis statement

A thesis statement is a clear, concise declaration of your paper’s main idea. It serves as the foundation for your argument and guides readers through your work.

Its primary purpose is to articulate the central point you want to convey. This helps focus your writing and ensures that every paragraph aligns with this core message.

A strong thesis statement also engages readers, prompting them to think critically about the topic. By presenting an arguable claim, it invites discussion and encourages exploration of different viewpoints.

Moreover, a well-crafted thesis provides direction not only for you but also for your audience. It sets expectations regarding what they can anticipate in terms of content and analysis throughout your piece.

Common mistakes in writing a thesis statement and how to avoid them

Many students stumble when crafting a thesis statement. One common mistake is being too vague. A broad thesis leaves readers unclear about the paper’s direction. Instead, focus on precision.

Another pitfall is crafting a statement that lacks an argument. A strong thesis should present a viewpoint worth discussing, not just stating facts. Make sure your statement provokes thought and invites debate.

Avoiding passive voice can also enhance clarity. Active voice makes your position stronger and more direct.

Lastly, don’t overwhelm with complexity. Keep it simple yet impactful to ensure that your main idea shines through without confusion or ambiguity.

By recognizing these mistakes early in the writing process, you can create a more effective and engaging thesis statement that truly reflects your work’s essence.

Tips for crafting a clear and concise thesis statement:

Identifying the main idea or argument of your paper is crucial. Start with a specific question that your work addresses. Narrow it down to what you truly want to prove.

Think about who will read your thesis statement. Tailor your language and tone to resonate with them. This connection makes your argument more persuasive.

Specificity matters in writing a strong thesis statement. Avoid vague terms; they can dilute the impact of your message. Clear, direct language enhances understanding.

Ensure that your thesis invites debate and is backed by evidence. A strong claim encourages discussion while presenting room for counter-arguments adds depth to your analysis.

By following these tips, you’ll lay a solid foundation for an effective thesis statement that captures attention and guides readers through your work.

– Identify the main idea or argument of your paper

Identifying the main idea or argument of your paper is crucial. This core concept serves as the foundation for your thesis statement, guiding both your writing and research.

Take a moment to reflect on what you truly want to convey. Is there a specific problem you’re addressing? Are you analyzing an event or phenomenon?

Narrowing this down helps clarify your focus. Once you’ve pinpointed that central argument, articulate it in one clear sentence. Avoid ambiguity; be direct about what you intend to discuss.

This clarity not only strengthens your thesis statement but also enhances the overall coherence of your paper. With a strong main idea in hand, you’ll find that crafting supporting arguments becomes much easier.

Remember, this process may take time. Don’t rush through it—investing effort here pays off throughout your writing journey.

– Consider your audience and purpose

Understanding your audience is crucial when crafting a thesis statement. Ask yourself: Who will read this? What do they already know about the topic?

Tailoring your language and tone to fit their expectations can make all the difference. A thesis aimed at academics might lean toward formal, technical jargon. In contrast, if you’re writing for a general audience, clarity and simplicity should guide your word choices.

Also consider the purpose of your paper. Are you trying to persuade, inform, or analyze? Your thesis needs to reflect that goal clearly. If you’re making an argument, ensure it provokes thought and invites discussion.

Think about what resonates with readers emotionally or intellectually. Engaging them from the start sets up a strong foundation for your entire piece. The right approach can capture attention and spark interest in what follows.

– Use specific language and avoid vague statements

A strong thesis statement thrives on specific language. Precision makes your argument clear and powerful. Instead of saying, “Many people enjoy sports,” try, “High school students who participate in team sports demonstrate improved social skills.”

Vague statements leave readers guessing. They can weaken your position and dilute the impact of your paper. Specificity invites engagement and encourages deeper understanding.

Consider this: “Climate change is bad” versus “Rising sea levels threaten coastal cities worldwide.” The latter paints a vivid picture that demands attention.

Use concrete details to enhance clarity. This approach not only solidifies your argument but also showcases your knowledge on the topic.

Remember, specificity creates connection with your audience. It establishes authority while inviting them into a focused discussion rather than a muddled debate filled with ambiguity.

– Make sure it is debatable and supported by evidence

A compelling thesis statement should invite discussion, not shut it down. It needs to present a clear argument that others can challenge or support. This quality makes your paper engaging and encourages critical thinking.

Support is equally crucial. Every claim made in your thesis must be backed by credible evidence. Whether you’re citing statistics, expert opinions, or specific examples, solid proof lends authority to your assertion.

When readers see a debatable stance reinforced with facts, they are more likely to take interest. They’ll want to follow the thread of your argument throughout the paper.

Crafting such a thesis requires careful thought about what’s at stake in your topic. Ask yourself: Why does this matter? What implications arise from my position? By addressing these questions early on, you set the stage for a rich discussion filled with insight and exploration.

Techniques for writing an effective thesis statement:

Crafting an effective thesis statement can be transformative for your writing. One powerful technique is the “although” method. This approach helps you present a counterargument while reinforcing your main point, adding depth to your argument.

Another useful strategy is the “so what?” method. By answering this question, you clarify why your thesis matters and its significance to readers.

The “list” method involves outlining key ideas that support your thesis. This not only structures your thoughts but also creates clarity in presenting complex arguments.

Lastly, consider the “roadmap” method. Here, you provide a brief overview of how you’ll develop your argument throughout the paper. It guides readers and sets expectations for what’s ahead, enhancing their understanding from the start.

Experiment with these techniques to discover which resonates best with your writing style and audience engagement!

– The Although Method

This is a powerful tool for crafting thesis statements. It allows you to acknowledge contrasting viewpoints while asserting your position. This technique adds depth and complexity to your argument.

Start with “Although” followed by the opposing perspective. Then, transition into your main argument. For example, “Although many believe that technology isolates individuals, it actually fosters deeper connections through online communities.”

This structure highlights critical thinking. It shows readers you’re aware of different perspectives yet confident in your stance.

Using this method can make your thesis more persuasive. Emphasizing contrast engages readers and encourages them to consider multiple angles on an issue.

Remember, clarity is key. Ensure that both parts of the statement are clear and concise for maximum impact.

– The So What Method

This method is a powerful tool for developing a thesis statement that resonates. It pushes you to dig deeper into the significance of your argument.

Start by writing down your main idea. Then, ask yourself, “So what?” This question challenges you to articulate why your point matters in the larger context.

For instance, if you’re discussing climate change’s effects on polar bears, don’t just state facts. Instead, consider how this issue impacts biodiversity or human survival.

By continuously asking “so what?”, you’ll refine your focus and highlight the relevance of your discussion. This technique encourages clarity and depth in thought.

Ultimately, it directs readers toward understanding not just what you are arguing but why it should matter to them. Engaging with this method can elevate both your thesis and overall paper quality dramatically.

– The List Method

The “list” method is a straightforward approach to crafting an effective thesis statement. It involves outlining the main points you want to cover in your paper.

Start by jotting down key arguments or ideas related to your topic. This helps clarify your thoughts and allows you to see connections between different concepts.

Once you’ve created your list, choose the most compelling points. These should reflect the essence of your argument while being specific enough to guide readers through your work.

By integrating these elements into one cohesive sentence, you’ll form a clear thesis that outlines what readers can expect from your paper.

This technique not only organizes your thoughts but also makes it easier for others to grasp the direction of your writing right from the start.

– The Roadmap Method

The “roadmap” method is a powerful way to shape your thesis statement. This approach helps you outline the main points of your argument right from the start.

Begin by stating your primary claim clearly. Then, incorporate key arguments that will support this claim. Each point acts like a landmark on a journey, guiding readers through your essay’s structure.

For instance, if you’re writing about climate change solutions, you might say: “While renewable energy sources can mitigate climate change effects, policy reform and public awareness are equally crucial.”

This not only clarifies what readers can expect but also establishes a logical flow for your paper. By providing this roadmap upfront, you set the stage for an engaging and coherent discussion throughout your work.

Examples of well-written thesis statements from various disciplines

In literature , a strong thesis might read: “The use of unreliable narrators in modern novels challenges readers to question the nature of truth and perception.” This statement invites exploration into narrative technique and reader engagement.

In history , consider: “The economic policies of the New Deal fundamentally transformed American society by expanding government intervention in markets.” It sets up an analysis of policy impact on social structures.

A scientific example could be: “Climate change poses significant threats to biodiversity, necessitating urgent global action to preserve ecosystems.” This opens a discussion about environmental consequences and potential solutions.

For psychology , one effective thesis is: “Cognitive behavioral therapy can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety disorders through structured interventions.” Here, the focus lies on therapeutic methods and their effectiveness.

Each example illustrates how clarity and specificity lead to compelling arguments across different fields.

Practice exercises to help you create

Writing a strong thesis statement is essential for crafting effective papers across all disciplines. To put theory into practice, here are some exercises that can help you refine your skills.

First, start by brainstorming. Write down the main topic of your paper and list out potential arguments or points you want to make. Then, choose one idea that stands out as the most compelling.

Next, try using the different methods discussed earlier to formulate various thesis statements from your selected argument. For example:

– Using the “although” method: “Although social media has many benefits, it ultimately harms interpersonal communication.”

– The “so what?” method: “The rise of renewable energy sources is crucial not just for environmental sustainability but also for economic growth.”

After generating these different versions, evaluate them based on clarity and specificity. Ask yourself if they effectively communicate your stance and whether they invite discussion.

Another exercise involves peer feedback. Share your thesis with a classmate or friend and ask them questions about clarity and strength. This outside perspective can provide valuable insights into how others interpret your argument.

Lastly, don’t hesitate to revise multiple times until you feel confident in your statement’s effectiveness. A well-crafted thesis may evolve as you develop ideas throughout writing; adaptability is key.

These exercises will sharpen your ability to create a solid thesis statement that serves as an anchor for any academic paper!

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• Thesis Statement

Thesis Statements: How to Identify and Write Them

Students read about and watch videos about how to identify and write thesis statements. 

Then, students complete two exercises where they identify and write thesis statements. 

*Conditions of Use: While the content on each page is licensed under an  Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike  license, some pages contain content and/or references with other types of licenses or copyrights. Please look at the bottom of each page to view this information. 

Learning Objectives

By the end of these readings and exercises, students will be able to: 

• define the term thesis statement
• read about two recommended thesis statement models 
• practice identifying thesis statements in other texts
• write your own effective thesis statements

Attributions:

• The banner image is licensed under  Adobe Stock .
• The untitled image of a detective by Peggy_Marco is licensed under Pixabay . 

What is a thesis statement?

The thesis statement is the key to most academic writing. The purpose of academic writing is to offer your own insights, analyses, and ideas—to show not only that you understand the concepts you’re studying, but also that you have thought about those concepts in your own way and agreed or disagreed, or developed your own unique ideas as a result of your analysis. The  thesis statement  is the one sentence that encapsulates the result of your thinking, as it offers your main insight or argument in condensed form.

We often use the word “argument” in English courses, but we do not mean it in the traditional sense of a verbal fight with someone else. Instead, you “argue” by taking a position on an issue and supporting it with evidence. Because you’ve taken a position about your topic, someone else may be in a position to disagree (or argue) with the stance you have taken. Think about how a lawyer presents an argument or states their case in a courtroom—similarly, you want to build a case around the main idea of your essay. For example, in 1848, when Elizabeth Cady Stanton drafted “The Declaration of Sentiments,” she was thinking about how to convince New York State policymakers to change the laws to allow women to vote. Stanton was making an argument.

Some consider all writing a form of argument—or at least of persuasion. After all, even if you’re writing a letter or an informative essay, you’re implicitly trying to persuade your audience to care about what you’re saying. Your thesis statement represents the main idea—or point—about a topic or issue that you make in an argument. For example, let’s say that your topic is social media. A thesis statement about social media could look like one of the following sentences:

• Social media harms the self-esteem of American pre-teen girls.
• Social media can help connect researchers when they use hashtags to curate their work.
• Social media tools are not tools for social movements, they are marketing tools.

Please take a look at this video which explains the basic definition of a thesis statement further (we will be building upon these ideas through the rest of the readings and exercises): 

Attributions: 

• The content about thesis statements has been modified from English Composition 1 by Lumen Learning and Audrey Fisch et al. and appears under an  Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license. 
• The video "Purdue OWL: Thesis Statements" by the Purdue University Online Writing Lab appears under a YouTube license . 

The Two-Story Model (basic)

First, we will cover the two-story thesis statement model. This is the most basic model, but that doesn't mean it's bad or that you shouldn't use it. If you have a hard time with thesis statements or if you just want to keep things simple, this model is perfect for you. Think of it like a two-story building with two layers. 

A basic thesis sentence has two main parts:

• Topic:  What you’re writing about
• Angle:  What your main idea is about that topic, or your claim

Examples: 

When you read all of the thesis statement examples, can you see areas where the writer could be more specific with their angle? The more specific you are with your topic and your claims, the more focused your essay will be for your reader.

Thesis:  A regular exercise regime leads to multiple benefits, both physical and emotional.

• Topic:  Regular exercise regime
• Angle:  Leads to multiple benefits

Thesis:  Adult college students have different experiences than typical, younger college students.

• Topic:  Adult college students
• Angle:  Have different experiences

Thesis:  The economics of television have made the viewing experience challenging for many viewers because shows are not offered regularly, similar programming occurs at the same time, and commercials are rampant.

• Topic:  Television viewing
• Angle:  Challenging because shows shifted, similar programming, and commercials

Please watch how Dr. Cielle Amundson demonstrates the two-story thesis statement model in this video:

• The video "Thesis Statement Definition" by  Dr. Cielle Amundson  appears under a YouTube license . 

The Three-Story Model (advanced)

Now, it's time to challenge yourself. The three-story model is like a building with three stories. Adding multiple levels to your thesis statement makes it more specific and sophisticated. Though you'll be trying your hand with this model in the activity later on, throughout our course, you are free to choose either the two-story or three-story thesis statement model. Still, it's good to know what the three-story model entails. 

A thesis statement can have three parts: 

• Relevance : Why your argument is meaningful

Conceptualizing the Three-Story Model: 

A helpful metaphor based on this passage by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.:

There are one-story intellects, two-story intellects, and three-story intellects with skylights. All fact collectors who have no aim beyond their facts are one-story men. Two-story men compare, reason, generalize using the labor of fact collectors as their own. Three-story men idealize, imagine, predict—their best illumination comes from above the skylight.

One-story theses state inarguable facts. Two-story theses bring in an arguable (interpretive or analytical) point. Three-story theses nest that point within its larger, compelling implications. 

The biggest benefit of the three-story metaphor is that it describes a process for building a thesis. To build the first story, you first have to get familiar with the complex, relevant facts surrounding the problem or question. You have to be able to describe the situation thoroughly and accurately. Then, with that first story built, you can layer on the second story by formulating the insightful, arguable point that animates the analysis. That’s often the most effortful part: brainstorming, elaborating and comparing alternative ideas, finalizing your point. With that specified, you can frame up the third story by articulating why the point you make matters beyond its particular topic or case.

Though the three-story thesis statement model appears a little bit differently in this video, you can still see how it follows the patterns mentioned within this section: 

• The content about thesis statements has been modified from Writing in College by Amy Guptill from Milne Publishing and appears under an  Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) license. 
• The video "How to Write a STRONG Thesis Statement" by Scribbr  appears under a YouTube license . 

Identifying Thesis Statements

You’ll remember that the first step of the reading process, previewing ,  allows you to get a big-picture view of the document you’re reading. This way, you can begin to understand the structure of the overall text. The most important step of understanding an essay or a book is to find the thesis statement.

Pinpointing a Thesis Statement

A thesis consists of a specific topic and an angle on the topic. All of the other ideas in the text support and develop the thesis. The thesis statement is often found in the introduction, sometimes after an initial “hook” or interesting story; sometimes, however, the thesis is not explicitly stated until the end of an essay. Sometimes it is not stated at all. In those instances, there is an  implied thesis statement.  You can generally extract the thesis statement by looking for a few key sentences and ideas.

Most readers expect to see the point of your argument (the thesis statement) within the first few paragraphs. This does not mean that it has to be placed there every time. Some writers place it at the very end, slowly building up to it throughout their work, to explain a point after the fact. Others don’t bother with one at all but feel that their thesis is “implied” anyway. Beginning writers, however, should avoid the implied thesis unless certain of the audience. Almost every professor will expect to see a clearly discernible thesis sentence in the introduction.

Shared Characteristics of Thesis Statements:

• present the main idea
• are one sentence
• tell the reader what to expect
• summarize the essay topic
• present an argument
• are written in the third person (does not include the “I” pronoun)

The following “How to Identify a Thesis Statement” video offers advice for locating a text’s thesis statement. It asks you to write one or two sentences that summarize the text. When you write that summary, without looking at the text itself, you’ve most likely paraphrased the thesis statement.

You can view the  transcript for “How to Identify the Thesis Statement” here (download).

Try it! 

Try to check your thesis statement identification skills with this interactive exercise from the Excelsior University Online Writing Lab. 

• The video "How to Identidy the Thesis Statement" by  Martha Ann Kennedy  appears under a YouTube license . 
• The "Judging Thesis Statements" exercise from the Purdue University Online Writing Lab appears under an Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license. 

Writing Your Own Thesis Statements

A thesis statement is a single sentence (or sometimes two) that provides the answers to these questions clearly and concisely. Ask yourself, “What is my paper about, exactly?” Answering this question will help you develop a precise and directed thesis, not only for your reader, but for you as well.

Key Elements of an Effective Thesis Statement: 

• A good thesis is non-obvious. High school teachers needed to make sure that you and all your classmates mastered the basic form of the academic essay. Thus, they were mostly concerned that you had a clear and consistent thesis, even if it was something obvious like “sustainability is important.” A thesis statement like that has a wide-enough scope to incorporate several supporting points and concurring evidence, enabling the writer to demonstrate his or her mastery of the five-paragraph form. Good enough! When they can, high school teachers nudge students to develop arguments that are less obvious and more engaging. College instructors, though, fully expect you to produce something more developed.
• A good thesis is arguable . In everyday life, “arguable” is often used as a synonym for “doubtful.” For a thesis, though, “arguable” means that it’s worth arguing: it’s something with which a reasonable person might disagree. This arguability criterion dovetails with the non-obvious one: it shows that the author has deeply explored a problem and arrived at an argument that legitimately needs 3, 5, 10, or 20 pages to explain and justify. In that way, a good thesis sets an ambitious agenda for a paper. A thesis like “sustainability is important” isn’t at all difficult to argue for, and the reader would have little intrinsic motivation to read the rest of the paper. However, an arguable thesis like “sustainability policies will inevitably fail if they do not incorporate social justice,” brings up some healthy skepticism. Thus, the arguable thesis makes the reader want to keep reading.
• A good thesis is well specified. Some student writers fear that they’re giving away the game if they specify their thesis up front; they think that a purposefully vague thesis might be more intriguing to the reader. However, consider movie trailers: they always include the most exciting and poignant moments from the film to attract an audience. In academic papers, too, a well specified thesis indicates that the author has thought rigorously about an issue and done thorough research, which makes the reader want to keep reading. Don’t just say that a particular policy is effective or fair; say what makes it is so. If you want to argue that a particular claim is dubious or incomplete, say why in your thesis.
• A good thesis includes implications. Suppose your assignment is to write a paper about some aspect of the history of linen production and trade, a topic that may seem exceedingly arcane. And suppose you have constructed a well supported and creative argument that linen was so widely traded in the ancient Mediterranean that it actually served as a kind of currency. 2  That’s a strong, insightful, arguable, well specified thesis. But which of these thesis statements do you find more engaging?

How Can You Write Your Thesis Statements?

A good basic structure for a thesis statement is “they say, I say.” What is the prevailing view, and how does your position differ from it? However, avoid limiting the scope of your writing with an either/or thesis under the assumption that your view must be strictly contrary to their view.

• focus on one, interesting idea
• choose the two-story or three-story model
• be as specific as possible
• write clearly
• have evidence to support it (for later on)

Thesis Statement Examples: 

• Although many readers believe Romeo and Juliet to be a tale about the ill fate of two star-crossed lovers, it can also be read as an allegory concerning a playwright and his audience.
• The “War on Drugs” has not only failed to reduce the frequency of drug-related crimes in America but actually enhanced the popular image of dope peddlers by romanticizing them as desperate rebels fighting for a cause.
• The bulk of modern copyright law was conceived in the age of commercial printing, long before the Internet made it so easy for the public to compose and distribute its own texts. Therefore, these laws should be reviewed and revised to better accommodate modern readers and writers.
• The usual moral justification for capital punishment is that it deters crime by frightening would-be criminals. However, the statistics tell a different story.
• If students really want to improve their writing, they must read often, practice writing, and receive quality feedback from their peers.
• Plato’s dialectical method has much to offer those engaged in online writing, which is far more conversational in nature than print.

You can gather more thesis statement tips and tricks from this video titled "How to Create a Thesis Statement" from the Florida SouthWestern State College Academic Support Centers: 

• The video "How to Create a Thesis Statement" by the Florida SouthWestern State College Academic Support Centers appears under a YouTube license . 

Additional, Optional Resources

If you feel like you might need more support with thesis statements, please check out these helpful resources for some extra, optional instruction: 

• "Checklist for a Thesis Statement"  from the  Excelsior University Online Writing Lab  which appears under an Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license. 
• "Developing Your Thesis" from Hamiliton College which appears under a copyright. 
• "Parts of a Thesis Sentence and Common Problems"  from the  Excelsior University Online Writing Lab  which appears under an Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license.
• "Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements" from the Purdue University Writing Lab which appears under a copyright. 
• "Writing Thesis Statements & Hypotheses" by Hope Matis from Clarkson University which appears under a copyright. 
• The content about these resources has been modified from English Composition 1 by Lumen Learning and Audrey Fisch et al. and appears under an  Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license. 
• The content about these resources has been modified from Writing in College by Amy Guptill from Milne Publishing and appears under an  Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) license. 
• The untitled image of the books by OpenClipart-Vectors is licensed under Pixabay . 

Exercise #1: Identify Thesis Statements

Throughout the readings, we have been learning what an effective thesis statement is and what it is not. Before we even get to writing our own thesis statements, let's look for real-world examples. It's your turn to locate and identify thesis statements!

Objectives/Goals

By completeting this exercise students will be able to: 

• identify the main ideas within a text 
• summarize the main ideas within a text
• choose one sentence from the text which you believe is the thesis statement
• argue why you believe that's the true thesis statement of the text

Instructions

• Any print or online text (probably something around a page in length) will be fine for this exercise. 
• If you have trouble finding a text, I recommend looking at this collection from  88 Open Essays – A Reader for Students of Composition & Rhetoric  by Sarah Wangler and Tina Ulrich. 
• Write the title of the text that you selected and the full name(s) of the author (this is called the full citation). 
• Provide a hyperlink for that text. 
• Write one paragraph (5+ sentences) summarizing the main points of the text. 
• Write one more argumentative paragraph (5+ sentences) where you discuss which sentence (make sure it appears within quotation marks, but don't worry about in-text citations for now) you think is the author's thesis statement and why. 

Submitting the Assignment

You will be submitting Exercise #1: Identify Thesis Statements within Canvas in our weekly module. 

Please check the assignment page for deadlines and Canvas Guides to help you in case you have trouble submitting your document. 

• "88 Open Essays - A Reader for Students of Composition & Rhetoric" by Sarah Wangler and Tina Ulrich from LibreTexts appears under an  Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) license. 

Exercise #2: Write Your Own Thesis Statements

Now that you've had some practice with locating and identifying thesis statements, you are ready to write some practice thesis statements yourself. 

• write a two-story thesis statement 
• write a three-story thesis statement
• reflect on your thesis statement skills
• Using the same text from Exercise #1, write a two-story thesis statement in response to that text. 
• Using the same text from Exercise #1, write a three-story thesis statement in response to that text. 
• Is it easy for you to identify thesis statements in other texts? Why or why not?
• What methods do you use to identify/locate thesis statements?
• In the past, how have you felt when you needed to write a thesis statement?
• How did you feel about writing your own thesis statements in Exercise #2?
• Which thesis statement writing strategies were the most beneficial to you? Why?
• What challenges did you face when you were writing you thesis statement for Exercise #2?

You will be submitting Exercise #2: Write Your Own Thesis Statements within Canvas in our weekly module. 

• The untitled image of the writing supplies by ptra  is licensed under Pixabay . 

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