thesis statement consists of what

The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is a sentence in a paper or essay (in the opening paragraph) that introduces the main topic to the reader. As one of the first things your reader sees, your thesis statement is one of the most important sentences in your entire paper—but also one of the hardest to write! 

In this article, we explain how to write a thesis statement in the best way possible. We look at what to include and the steps to take for writing your own, along with plenty of thesis statement examples to guide you. 

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Table of contents

What is a thesis statement, how to write a thesis statement: basics, what to include in a thesis statement (with examples), how to write a thesis statement in 3 steps.

The goal of a thesis statement is to let your reader know what your paper or essay is about. It helps your reader understand the greater context and scope of your topic, plus it lets your readers know what to expect from the rest of the work. 

A secondary benefit of a thesis statement is that it makes it easier to search for papers on a particular topic, especially in the realm of academic writing like research papers and thesis papers (which are sometimes known as dissertations when written for doctoral degrees). For example, if you’re writing a paper of your own, you’ll want to look up other papers to use as evidence and sources . You can simply scan the thesis statements of several papers to see which match your topic and could be worthwhile sources to cite. 

Before we get into details, here are the basic steps for how to write a thesis statement: 

• Develop the best topic to cover in your paper
• Phrase your topic as a question-and-answer
• Add some polish

We ’ ll describe each of those steps in more detail below, but we wanted to share a quick guide. Also, we ’ ll provide some thesis statement examples and talk about how to write a thesis statement for different kinds of essays: persuasive, compare-and-contrast, expository, and argumentative essays.

The thesis statement is located at the beginning of a paper, in the opening paragraph, making it an essential way to start an essay . A thesis statement isn’t necessarily the first sentence in an essay; typically you’ll want to hook the reader in an engaging way in the opening sentence before inserting your central idea or argument later in the first paragraph. A thesis statement is often confused with a topic sentence , the first sentence in a paragraph, because they both introduce the central idea of what follows. You can think of thesis statements as the topic sentence of your entire paper.  

Thesis statements are a necessary part of paper and essay writing , but different formats have different rules and best practices. Below, we break down how to write a thesis statement for the most common types of papers. 

How to write a thesis statement for expository and argumentative essays

Expository and argumentative essays are some of the most common types of academic papers. Because they don’t have a formal abstract like research papers, they rely on their thesis statements to provide an overview of what’s discussed. 

Thesis statements for argumentative and expository essays should use strong and decisive language; don’t be wishy-washy or uncertain. You want to take a stand right in the opening so that your readers understand what your paper is trying to show. 

Moreover, thesis statements for these essays should be specific, with some minor details to hint at the rest of the paper. It’s not enough to merely make your point; you also want to provide some basic evidence or background context to paint a full picture. 

If your paper dives into different subtopics or categories, try to fit them into the thesis statement if you can. You don’t have to get into details here, but it’s nice to mention the different sections at the top so that the reader knows what to expect. 

Thesis statement examples

Despite the taboo, insects make an excellent food source and could stem humanity’s looming food shortage, based on both their protein output and the sustainability of farming them. 

The backlash to rock ’n’ roll music in the ’50s by religious groups and traditionalists actually boosted the genre’s popularity instead of diminishing it as intended.

How to write a thesis statement for persuasive essays

Similar to argumentative essays, persuasive essays follow many of the same guidelines for their thesis statements: decisive language, specific details, and mentions of subtopics. 

However, the main difference is that, while the thesis statements for argumentative and expository essays state facts, the thesis statements for persuasive essays state clear opinions . Still, the format is the same, and the opinions are often treated like facts, including conclusive language and citing evidence to support your claims. 

Furthermore, unlike with other essays, it’s appropriate to make emotional connections in a thesis statement in persuasive essays. This can actually be a clever strategy to start your essay off on a more personal, impactful note. 

Advertising should not be allowed in public schools because it’s a distraction from studies and may lead to misguided priorities among the school board, to say nothing of the materialist culture it promotes. 

Exotic pets provide the same love and companionship as conventional pets, so the laws regulating which animals can and cannot be kept as pets should be more relaxed.

How to write a thesis statement for compare-and-contrast essays

Thesis statements for compare-and-contrast essays are tricky because you have at least two topics to touch on instead of just one. The same general guidelines apply (decisive language, details, etc.), but you need to give equal attention to both your topics—otherwise, your essay will seem biased from the start. 

As always, your thesis statement should reflect what’s written in the rest of your essay. If your essay spends more time comparing than contrasting, your thesis statement should focus more on similarities than differences. 

It sometimes helps to give specific examples as well, but keep them simple and brief. Save the finer details for the body of your essay. 

Sean Connery and Daniel Craig are the two most popular actors to portray James Bond, but both have their own distinct and at times contradictory interpretations of the character. 

Now that you know what you’re aiming for, it’s time to sit down and write your own thesis statement. To keep you on track, here are three easy steps to guide you. 

1 Brainstorm the best topic for your essay

You can’t write a thesis statement until you know what your paper is about, so your first step is choosing a topic. 

If the topic is already assigned, great ! That’s all for this step. If not, consider the tips below for choosing the topic that’s best for you:

• Pick a topic that you’re passionate about. Even if you don’t know much about it, it’ll be easier to learn about it while writing if you’re genuinely interested. 
• Narrow down your topic to something specific; otherwise, your paper will be too broad and perhaps too long. Just make sure it’s not too specific, or you won’t have enough to write about. Try to find a happy medium. 
• Check beforehand that there are enough strong, credible sources to use for research. You don’t want to run out of referential material halfway through. 

Once you’ve chosen a topic—and the angle or stance you want to take—then it’s time to put the idea for your thesis sentence into words. 

2 Phrase your topic as a question and then answer it

It’s not always easy to fit your entire thesis into just one sentence, let alone one that’s written clearly and eloquently. Here’s a quick technique to help you get started. 

First, phrase your topic as a question. For example, if you want to write about Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy, ask yourself, “What influences did Gandhi have on society after his death?” 

If you already know the answer, write it down—that’s a good start for your thesis statement. If you don’t know the answer, do some preliminary research to find out; you can certainly use what you discover as evidence and sources in your essay’s body paragraphs . 

3 Add some polish

Chances are, your first attempt at a thesis statement won’t be perfect. To get it to its best, try revising , editing , and adding what’s missing. 

Remember the core traits for thesis statements we mentioned above: decisive language, a happy medium of specific but not too specific details, and mention of subtopics. If you’re struggling to contain everything in a single sentence, feel free to move the secondary information to the following sentence. The thesis statement itself should only have what’s most necessary. 

If you’re in doubt, read your thesis statement to a friend and ask them what they think your paper is about. If they answer correctly, your thesis statement does its job. 

Next comes the hard part—writing the rest! While the bulk of the writing lies ahead, at least you’ve nailed down your central idea. To plot out your supporting argument, follow our advice on essay structure and let your ideas flow. 

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Thesis Statement

Definition:

The thesis is usually considered the most important sentence of your essay because it outlines the central purpose of your essay in one place. A good thesis will link the subject of an essay with a controlling idea. Consider, for example, the following thesis:

People in the past spent a great deal of effort protecting themselves from witches. Subject: people feared witches Controlling Idea: people spent a great deal of effort protecting themselves

In a short essay, a thesis statement appears at, or near, the end of the introductory paragraph of the paper so that readers know the topic of the essay before they see the writer's statement of the central purpose of the essay. This way the first paragraph helps the reader understand why the writer is writing.

A thesis should be narrow in focus in order to allow the fullest exploration of its issues as possible, and it should reflect the type of paper that follows, whether it be persuasive or informative. Narrowing the focus of the thesis may require posing questions about it to yourself before committing to a final version.

What follows is a method for writing thesis statements that many writers have found useful (we found it in Chapter 3 of The Allyn & Bacon Handbook ).

1. Decide what you are writing about:

A clear, concise thesis statement does more than outline the subject in question; it makes the reader aware of the writer's stand on the subject in question, connecting a subject with a controlling idea.

2. Think about all the elements your paper will deal with:

A thesis generally consists of a subject that contains within itself a number of smaller facts; the topic sentence of each paragraph that makes up the body of the paper should refer (in some clear way) back to the ideas contained within the thesis statement in order to keep the paper from digressing.

3. Think about the purpose and tone of your paper:

A thesis statement should contain the main point of the paper and suggest to the reader a direction that the paper will take in exploring, proving, or disproving that main point.

4. State your main point in a sentence or two:

A good writer can assert the main idea of a short, coherent essay briefly. Instead of rambling, be as straightforward as possible.

5. Revise your thesis as you develop your paper:

A final version of a thesis statement will only be available after a draft of the paper it is a part of has been completed. The focus of the paper may change and evolve over the period it is written in; necessarily, the thesis statement should be revised to reflect the alterations in the paper.

Few writers finish a paper writing about the exact topic they begin with. While you write a paper, your main point may change. As you're finishing, make sure your thesis statement has changed along with the subject and controlling ideas of your paper.

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Writing Center

Thesis statements, formulating a working thesis.

• Define: Explain a complex term’s meaning. Select words with disputed definitions or words that lend themselves to extended, thoughtful definition, such as “life” or “intelligence.”
• Classify: Explain a topic by categorizing it with like items. Athletes can be placed in the same category as dancers because of their training; plagiarism can be categorized as fraud.
• Compare/Contrast: Illustrate the similarities or differences between set topics, or introduce an outside idea to illuminate a difficult concept. Metaphors can be a powerful method for exploring or explaining. The circulatory system can be compared to geographical structure: it is like rivers but unlike lakes.
• Cause: Consider the cause or root of something. Was a car accident simply driver error? Or was it caused by fatigue? What about our society causes so many people to fall asleep behind the wheel? Do we live in a culture where exhaustion is promoted? Why?
• Effect: Discuss the effects of something. If obesity leads to disease, what does this suggest about policy, laws, or education? How can we avoid bad effects and replicate good ones?
• Evaluate: Determine whether something is good or bad, desirable or undesirable, ethical or unethical, effective or ineffective, etc. Or is it is somewhere in-between?
• Propose: Suggest a necessary action to take, or a solution for a problem.

Types of Thesis Statements

Thesis placement, thesis checklist.

• Specific and precise. “Vouchers are important to schools” is too vague to be useful.
• Arguable. “The Civil War was a crucial event in U.S. history” is too obvious to make a solid thesis.
• The right “size” for the assignment. “The American civil war is the defining event in our country’s history” is arguable, but probably too big to cover in a two-page paper.
• Suited to the assignment. Read back over the assignment prompt to make sure your thesis (and paper as a whole) address the right issue.
• Supported by the content of your paper. Read back over your supporting paragraphs and make sure they demonstrate what your thesis is arguing. If the paper has veered in an unexpected direction during the course of your writing process, revise your thesis to fit your evidence. It may help to write a summary sentence for each key piece of support and then compare those to your thesis statement.

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What is a Thesis Statement? A Comprehensive Guide for Students

A comprehensive guide for students on what a thesis statement is and why it's crucial to their academic writing.

If you've ever been tasked with writing an essay or a research paper, you’ve likely encountered the term “thesis statement.” But what exactly is a thesis statement, and why is it so crucial to your academic writing? In this guide, we'll dive into the essentials of thesis statements: what they are, why they matter, and how you can craft a compelling one for your papers. Understanding how to create a strong thesis statement is a fundamental part of academic success, as it not only gives your essay structure but also focuses your research and analysis in a meaningful direction. A well-formulated thesis statement is the foundation of any successful essay, serving not only to guide your writing but also to engage your reader from start to finish. It makes your argument clear, provides coherence, and allows readers to understand what to expect as they read your paper. By defining the core purpose of your essay, a thesis statement helps you avoid tangents and ensures that every part of your writing contributes to the main argument. Crafting a thesis may seem challenging, but with practice, it becomes an invaluable tool that empowers you to present your ideas in a more organized and effective manner.

What is a Thesis Statement?

A thesis statement is a concise summary of the central claim or argument of an essay or research paper. It provides a roadmap for your readers, informing them about what the paper will discuss and the stance you are taking on the topic. Typically, the thesis statement is positioned at the end of the introduction, setting the tone and direction for the entire essay.

Think of the thesis statement as the backbone of your essay. It provides essential structure and purpose, acting as an anchor for both the writer and the reader. Without a clear and precise thesis, your writing can become disjointed and difficult to follow, leaving your reader confused about your main point. An effective thesis statement not only informs your reader of what to expect but also helps you, as the writer, stay on track throughout the writing process. It acts as a reference that ensures every section of your paper contributes meaningfully to the overall argument.

Moreover, a strong thesis statement defines the scope of your essay, allowing readers to understand the boundaries of your discussion. It conveys what your essay will explore, as well as why it matters, giving your writing direction and helping your reader grasp the key points of your argument. This clarity is crucial for creating a compelling and cohesive paper.

Characteristics of a Strong Thesis Statement

Clear and Specific : A strong thesis statement clearly articulates the main idea of your essay. It avoids vague or ambiguous language and is as specific as possible. For instance, instead of saying “Pollution is bad for the environment,” you could write, “Industrial pollution significantly contributes to climate change, negatively affecting both public health and biodiversity.” Specificity helps avoid misunderstandings and provides your reader with a clear sense of your essay’s purpose.

Debatable : A strong thesis statement should present an argument that others can reasonably disagree with. It should invite discussion rather than state an obvious fact. For example, “Exercise is good for health” is not debatable—it’s a generally accepted fact. However, “Regular exercise is the most effective method for preventing chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension” is a debatable claim that could be supported or challenged. By taking a clear stance, you encourage readers to engage with your argument.

Focused : Your thesis should zero in on one main idea or argument. Trying to cover too many points makes your thesis confusing and difficult to defend effectively. Keeping your thesis concise and targeted ensures that every part of your paper relates back to this central point. For example, instead of saying, “Technology has changed education, communication, and healthcare,” focus on one aspect, such as “Technology has fundamentally transformed education by providing greater access to resources and personalized learning opportunities.” This level of focus helps maintain clarity throughout your writing.

Supported by Evidence : A thesis must be more than just an opinion; it needs to be backed by credible evidence. You need to be able to support your claim with research, examples, or arguments throughout the paper. A well-supported thesis builds credibility and strengthens your essay’s persuasiveness. Instead of saying, “Social media impacts mental health,” a stronger statement would be, “Excessive use of social media negatively impacts teenagers’ mental health by increasing anxiety levels and fostering unrealistic body expectations.” This specificity sets up the arguments and evidence that will follow.

Concise : A strong thesis statement should be succinct, capturing the essence of your argument in one or two sentences. Avoid overly complex wording or convoluted phrasing. The goal is to communicate your main idea effectively without unnecessary elaboration. A concise thesis ensures clarity, making it easier for both the reader and writer to follow the direction of the essay. For example, instead of writing, “The lack of adequate funding for education has numerous negative effects on both teachers and students, including reduced resources, diminished educational opportunities, and increased stress,” you could simplify it to, “Lack of adequate funding for education negatively impacts both teachers and students by limiting resources and increasing stress.”

Original : A strong thesis should present an original thought or perspective. Avoid clichés or overused arguments, and strive to offer a fresh take on the topic. This originality makes your essay more engaging and sets your writing apart from others. For instance, instead of reiterating a common perspective like, “Technology is advancing rapidly,” you could offer a unique angle: “While technology is advancing rapidly, its benefits are undermined by the widening digital divide, leaving marginalized communities behind.” An original thesis adds intellectual depth and demonstrates critical thinking.

Aligned with Essay Scope : A well-crafted thesis is aligned with the scope and length of your essay. Ensure that your thesis statement is neither too broad nor too narrow for the given assignment. A thesis that is too ambitious may be impossible to fully address in a shorter essay, while an overly narrow thesis may limit your discussion unnecessarily. Tailoring your thesis to fit the scope of your paper ensures you can adequately explore the topic. For example, instead of a broad thesis like, “Climate change affects all aspects of life,” a more scoped version would be, “Climate change disproportionately affects low-income communities by increasing vulnerability to extreme weather events and limiting access to resources.”

Reflective of Your Stance : Your thesis should clearly reflect your stance on the topic. Readers should be able to identify your position immediately upon reading the thesis. This assertiveness is key to constructing a persuasive argument. If your stance is ambiguous, the reader might not understand your perspective or the point you are trying to convey. For example, instead of saying, “There are many solutions to reduce plastic waste,” be more assertive: “Banning single-use plastics is the most effective solution for reducing plastic waste and mitigating environmental damage.”

Engaging : A strong thesis grabs the reader’s attention and encourages them to continue reading. It should pique curiosity and make the reader interested in how you will support your argument. An engaging thesis often addresses a significant issue or a surprising aspect of a topic. For example, instead of writing, “Mental health is important,” a more engaging version might be, “The current education system fails to prioritize student mental health, leading to increased stress and decreased academic performance.” This statement presents a specific problem and invites the reader to learn more about the issue.

Adaptable During Writing : A good thesis statement is adaptable as you progress with your writing. Research and ideas can evolve during the writing process, and it’s important that your thesis remains flexible enough to accommodate new insights or changes in direction. Revisiting your thesis throughout your writing helps you refine and adjust it to ensure it accurately represents the arguments presented. For instance, your initial thesis might be, “Urbanization negatively impacts biodiversity,” but as your research expands, you may refine it to, “Rapid urbanization reduces biodiversity by destroying natural habitats and fragmenting ecosystems, posing a threat to global ecological balance.” Flexibility allows you to develop a more nuanced and well-supported thesis.

Examples of Thesis Statements

Weak Thesis : “Social media has an impact on teenagers.”

• This statement is too broad and lacks focus.

Strong Thesis : “Social media negatively affects teenagers by promoting unrealistic body images and encouraging unhealthy sleep habits.”

• This statement is specific, debatable, and outlines the direction of the paper.

Another Weak Thesis : “The education system needs improvement.”

• This is too general and doesn’t provide a clear argument.

Another Strong Thesis : “The education system needs reform to address the growing disparity in resources between urban and rural schools, which directly affects student outcomes.”

• This statement is specific, gives direction, and presents a debatable claim that can be substantiated with evidence.

Weak Thesis : “Climate change is a serious issue.”

• This statement is obvious and lacks a clear, focused argument.

Strong Thesis : “Climate change poses a significant threat to coastal communities due to rising sea levels, increased frequency of hurricanes, and erosion of protective ecosystems.”

• This thesis clearly outlines the specific aspects of climate change being addressed and sets a direction for the paper.

Weak Thesis : “Technology has changed communication.”

• This statement is too broad and does not present a clear stance.

Strong Thesis : “The rise of social media platforms has revolutionized communication by creating new opportunities for instant global interactions while also leading to concerns about privacy and misinformation.”

• This statement is specific, debatable, and provides a clear path for the essay.

Weak Thesis : “Healthy eating is good for you.”

• This is too simplistic and doesn’t offer anything new or interesting.

Strong Thesis : “A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can significantly lower the risk of chronic diseases, improve mental health, and enhance overall quality of life.”

• This statement is specific, provides clear benefits, and can be backed with evidence throughout the essay.

Weak Thesis : “Reading is beneficial.”

• This statement is vague and doesn’t explain why or how reading is beneficial.

Strong Thesis : “Regular reading improves cognitive function, reduces stress, and increases empathy, making it an essential habit for personal growth and mental well-being.”

• This thesis is specific, presents clear arguments, and outlines the benefits that will be expanded upon in the paper.

Weak Thesis : “Animal testing is wrong.”

• This statement is opinionated but lacks specificity and direction.

Strong Thesis : “Animal testing should be banned because it is inhumane, often ineffective, and alternative testing methods are available that do not involve suffering.”

• This thesis presents a clear argument, specifies reasons, and indicates how the essay will be structured.

Weak Thesis : “College tuition is too high.”

• This is a broad statement and lacks a specific argument.

Strong Thesis : “The rising cost of college tuition disproportionately affects low-income students, leading to increased student debt and limiting opportunities for upward social mobility.”

• This statement is specific, focused, and presents a clear stance that can be supported with evidence.

Weak Thesis : “Exercise is important.”

• This is too general and doesn’t provide a clear angle.

Strong Thesis : “Regular exercise not only improves physical health by reducing the risk of chronic conditions but also enhances mental health by decreasing symptoms of anxiety and depression.”

• This statement is detailed, presents multiple benefits, and offers a clear path for further discussion in the essay.

How to Craft an Effective Thesis Statement

Crafting a compelling thesis statement takes practice, but the following steps can help you establish a strong foundation for your paper:

Start with a Question : Begin by turning your topic into a question. If your topic is climate change, you might ask, “How does industrial activity contribute to climate change?” Framing your topic as a question helps you focus on a specific aspect of a broader issue, making it easier to craft a targeted thesis statement.

Answer the Question : Your thesis statement should provide a clear answer to your research question. For example, “Industrial activity contributes to climate change by releasing greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere.” This direct response helps ensure that your thesis is clear and provides a solid foundation for your essay.

Refine and Specify : Once you have a basic thesis, refine it to be more precise. Ensure it is concise, focused, and unambiguous. Adding specific details—such as groups affected or particular consequences—can sharpen your thesis. For example, “Industrial activity significantly contributes to climate change by releasing greenhouse gases, leading to rising global temperatures and increased frequency of extreme weather events.” These specifics make your argument more compelling and clearly define the direction of your paper.

Ensure Alignment with Your Arguments : As you write, make sure each body paragraph relates back to your thesis. This consistency helps maintain a coherent structure throughout your paper and keeps your writing focused. Revisiting and tweaking your thesis as you go can help ensure it accurately reflects the arguments you’re presenting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Too Broad or Vague : Avoid broad statements that don’t clearly convey your position. Instead of saying, “Technology is changing the world,” opt for something more specific, like, “Advancements in renewable technology are reshaping the global energy market and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.”
• Stating Facts Instead of Arguments : A thesis should present an argument, not a mere fact. For instance, “The Earth orbits the sun” is a fact, not a thesis.
• Lack of Specificity : Be clear and specific about your argument. Instead of saying, “Pollution affects health,” say, “Air pollution from factories increases the risk of respiratory diseases among urban populations.” This clarity makes your argument more engaging and easier to support.

Why is a Thesis Statement Important?

A well-crafted thesis statement provides direction and purpose for your essay. It tells your reader what to expect, helps establish the scope of your paper, and ensures that your argument is clear from the outset. A clear thesis statement acts as a blueprint for both the writer and the reader, keeping the content focused and organized. Without a strong thesis, your ideas can become disorganized, resulting in a paper that lacks coherence and a clear purpose. This often leads to confusion, as the reader may struggle to determine the main point of your essay.

A strong thesis also makes it easier for readers to understand your perspective and follow your reasoning. It acts as a guide for the entire paper, showing readers how each point contributes to your overall argument. By establishing a clear focus, a strong thesis helps ensure that all the content you include is relevant and necessary. As you develop each paragraph, you can refer back to your thesis statement to make sure every piece of information you provide supports the core argument. This consistency and unity are what make a thesis statement such an essential element of effective writing.

Furthermore, a well-defined thesis statement is instrumental in enhancing the persuasiveness of your writing. It allows you to take a definitive stance on an issue, providing a solid foundation for building your arguments. When your thesis is robust, crafting body paragraphs that clearly support your position becomes much easier, leading to a well-supported and logical conclusion. This solid foundation helps in creating a paper that is not only informative but also compelling, guiding the reader through your argument in a cohesive manner.

A well-crafted thesis also helps in refining your writing process. It encourages you to conduct thorough research to back up your claims and to structure your paper logically. As you progress in your writing, the thesis acts as a checkpoint—allowing you to evaluate whether each section contributes effectively to your overall argument. This makes the writing process more efficient, as you avoid unnecessary digressions and focus only on what strengthens your main claim.

Additionally, a good thesis statement sets the tone for your paper. It helps the reader understand the importance of the topic and why they should care about your argument. By providing a clear and engaging thesis, you draw your reader in and create interest in what you have to say. An effective thesis statement is like a promise to the reader—it promises that the content that follows will be insightful, well-researched, and worth their time.

In academic settings, a strong thesis is particularly important because it demonstrates your ability to engage with complex ideas critically. It shows that you can formulate an argument, support it with evidence, and present it in a coherent manner. This is a vital skill not only for academic writing but also for professional and real-world communication. A well-defined thesis serves as a marker of your analytical abilities, illustrating your capability to distill complex subjects into a precise, persuasive argument.

Moreover, a strong thesis statement plays a crucial role in helping you achieve depth in your analysis. It challenges you to think critically about your subject, encouraging you to consider different viewpoints, potential counterarguments, and the broader implications of your topic. By refining your thesis, you clarify your own understanding of the subject and strengthen the arguments that you present. This ultimately results in a more nuanced and sophisticated essay, which is essential for academic success.

When your thesis is well thought out, the rest of the essay becomes more structured and impactful. Each body paragraph serves as a piece of the puzzle that fits neatly into the overall picture set forth by your thesis. This organized approach not only makes it easier for your reader to understand your points but also helps build the persuasiveness of your argument step by step, ultimately leading to a strong and effective conclusion.

Final Thoughts

Writing a strong thesis statement is an essential skill for academic success. While it may take time and practice, understanding the characteristics of an effective thesis can set you on the right path to creating well-focused and persuasive essays. Remember, a good thesis is specific, debatable, focused, and supported by evidence. Use this guide to help craft thesis statements that elevate your writing and effectively communicate your ideas.

Ready to start crafting your thesis? Begin by considering your topic, framing a question, and developing a clear answer. Take the time to refine your thesis until it accurately conveys your position and encourages meaningful discussion. With dedication and practice, you can develop thesis statements that make your essays stand out—clearly communicating your argument and creating a persuasive, well-organized, and insightful paper. A well-constructed thesis sets the stage for impactful academic writing that effectively conveys your thoughts to the reader.

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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.

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Parts of 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, 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.

A basic thesis statement has two main parts:

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

Topic: Regular exercise regime

Angle: Leads to multiple benefits Sample Thesis #2 Thesis: Adult college students have different experiences than typical, younger college students.

Topic: Adult college students

Angle: Have different experiences Sample Thesis #3 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

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Check out other great resources:

• Click on the picture above to check out a blog post on generating a thesis statement and working thesis.
• The Writing Process »
• Parts of a Thesis Statement »