Content keyword: How to Write a Thesis Statement
Table of contents
- Definition of a thesis statement
- Placement in an essay
- How to Write a Thesis Statement?
- Part 1: Set your question
- Part 2: Answer your question
- Part 3: Develop your answer in simple terms
- Part 4: Refine your statement
- What to include in a thesis statement
- Thesis statement examples
- Frequently asked questions about the thesis statement
Definition of a thesis statement
A thesis statement is “A short statement, usually one or two sentences, that summarizes the main point of view or claim of an essay, research paper, and is developed, supported, and explained in the text using examples.”
Just like having a strong essay outline is essential, it is equally important to have a solid statement. A firm overview makes a strong essay.
The following are the characteristics of a good thesis statement:
- Concise
The first and foremost feature of a good thesis statement is its conciseness. A good thesis will always be short, to the point, and straightforward. It should communicate the stance of the writer. Moreover, this statement should not be more than two to three sentences.
- Contentious
A good thesis statement is not expected to be a simple statement with apparent facts. A good thesis statement can be defined as a claim requiring further analysis and substantial evidence.
Specifically, a thesis statement for an argumentative topic should be a debatable statement.
- Coherent
Coherency is one of the critical characteristics of a good thesis statement. Your thesis statement may reflect aspects of your topic, but these ideas should add up to express one central opinion. Every concept presented in your thesis statement should be explained in your paper.
How to Write a Thesis Statement?
Follow the steps below to understand how to write a good and convincing thesis statement for your essay.
- Come up with a research question and read it carefully.
- Choose the topic according to the type of essay.
- Find the answer and take a stance.
- Research the data and statements related to your topic.
- Collect and organize relevant evidence.
- Consider the significance of your topic and research data to develop the statement.
- Create a relationship between the existing facts and formulate a statement of points based on them.
- If you change the topic sentence, change your statement in the essay accordingly.
Placement of the thesis statement
- The thesis statement generally appears at the end of your essay or research paper introduction.
- The thesis statement is usually regarded as a part of your introduction.
- This is because it is a general overview of whatever will be discussed in your work. In an argumentative essay, the thesis statement states the point that you’ll be arguing for or against. However, where is the thesis located in an article, and where should a thesis statement appear in an essay? An analytical essay breaks down the topic into smaller components for more accessible analysis. In an explanatory essay, the thesis statement unveils the information you want to cover. Further, it helps your reader grasp the content of your work.
Step 1: Start with a question.
- Formulate a question. Here you will need to come up with a question that you will answer. For example, What are the main factors that lead people to depression, and how can they be avoided?
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?
Step 2: Write your initial answer
After you have asked the question, you need to answer it and show your opinion. For example, the main factors that lead to depression are emotional and physical distress and depression. At this stage, it can be simple and should guide the writing process.
Step 3: Develop your answer
If your assignment asks a specific question(s), turn the question(s) into an assertion and give reasons why it is accurate or reasons for your opinion.
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 response should get more detailed.
Step 4: Refine your thesis statement
To get to your final thesis, you’ll need to refine your draft thesis so that it’s specific and arguable.
- Ask if your draft thesis addresses the given assignment
- Question each part of your draft thesis
- Clarify vague phrases and assertions
- Investigate alternatives to your draft thesis
- A strong thesis statement should tell the reader:
- Why do you hold this position
- What they’ll learn from your essay
- The critical points of your argument or narrative
.
What to Include in a Thesis Statement
- A strong thesis statement should be specific and provide your conclusion per the chosen topic. Vague sentences make weak thesis statements.
- Make sure that after reading it, the audience gets to know what the paper is about. Moreover, a good statement should present a single idea. In the case of multiple points, you may confuse your readers.
- Remember, it is written according to the type of paper. For example, an argumentative essay will have an argumentative thesis statement that is debatable.
Thesis Statement Examples
- Decreasing office work hours will improve employees’ work efficiency by stabilizing their sleep patterns and moods.
- Fast foods should be banned in schools because regular consumption of fast food among children has caused an increase in heart disease and obesity.
- Access to public restrooms should be given to homeless people to improve their living standards.
- Smoking should be banned in public places as the number of heart diseases, and cancer is increasing among passive smokers.
- Vaccinations for diseases like measles, mumps, polio, etc., should be compulsory for all children in the United States to prevent and eradicate these deadly diseases.
- A wide range of experts has proved through empirical evidence that staying awake till late at night causes severe mental and health conditions such as anxiety, cognitive issues, and insomnia.
- Due to crippling student debt, students cannot live their lives peacefully even after being done with their studies.
- Teen celebrities cannot be considered role models because they engage in illegal activities, especially for children.
Frequently asked questions
What is a thesis statement?
Why do I need a thesis statement?
How can I come up with a thesis statement?
Where does the thesis statement go in an essay?