How to Write a Thesis Statement
How Do I Write a Thesis Statement?
What is a thesis statement? A thesis statement is a very specific argument that guides your paper. Generally, a thesis statement consists of two parts: 1. a clearly identifiable topic or subject matter, and 2. a succinct summary of what you have to say about that topic A thesis functions like the case a lawyer has to make to the judge and jury in a courtroom. An effective thesis statement explains to your reader the case you are going to make and how you are going to make it. Your thesis also helps to keep you focused as writer and determine what information you do (or don’t) need to include in your analysis. Traditionally, the thesis statement is found near the end of your introduction, though this may change depending on the assignment. Don’t be afraid to draft a thesis statement that is more than one sentence. Note also: You do not need a perfect thesis statement before you draft the rest of the paper. In fact, you will likely need to modify your thesis once you have a complete draft to make sure that your paper does what your thesis says it will. Honing and tweaking a thesis statement during the revision process is ultimately more important than having it exact and precise during the drafting process Characteristics of a WEAK thesis statement: Vague: Raises an interesting topic or question but doesn’t specify an argument Offers plot summary, statement of fact, or obvious truths instead of an argument Offers opinion or conjecture rather than an argument (cannot be proven with textual evidence) Is too broad or too complex for the length of the paper Uses meaningful‐sounding words but doesn’t say anything Disclaimer: This is not a complete list! You can probably think of many more characteristics of a weak thesis statement. Characteristics of a STRONG thesis statement: Answers a specific question Takes a distinct position on the topic Is debatable (a reasonable person could argue an
What is a thesis statement? A thesis statement is a very specific argument that guides your paper. Generally, a thesis statement consists of two parts: 1. a clearly identifiable topic or subject matter, and 2. a succinct summary of what you have to say about that topic A thesis functions like the case a lawyer has to make to the judge and jury in a courtroom. An effective thesis statement explains to your reader the case you are going to make and how you are going to make it. Your thesis also helps to keep you focused as writer and determine what information you do (or don’t) need to include in your analysis. Traditionally, the thesis statement is found near the end of your introduction, though this may change depending on the assignment. Don’t be afraid to draft a thesis statement that is more than one sentence. Note also: You do not need a perfect thesis statement before you draft the rest of the paper. In fact, you will likely need to modify your thesis once you have a complete draft to make sure that your paper does what your thesis says it will. Honing and tweaking a thesis statement during the revision process is ultimately more important than having it exact and precise during the drafting process Characteristics of a WEAK thesis statement: Vague: Raises an interesting topic or question but doesn’t specify an argument Offers plot summary, statement of fact, or obvious truths instead of an argument Offers opinion or conjecture rather than an argument (cannot be proven with textual evidence) Is too broad or too complex for the length of the paper Uses meaningful‐sounding words but doesn’t say anything Disclaimer: This is not a complete list! You can probably think of many more characteristics of a weak thesis statement. Characteristics of a STRONG thesis statement: Answers a specific question Takes a distinct position on the topic Is debatable (a reasonable person could argue an