what is a thesis reason

While Sandel argues that pursuing perfection through genetic engineering would decrease our sense of humility, he claims that the sense of solidarity we would lose is also important.

This thesis summarizes several points in Sandel’s argument, but it does not make a claim about how we should understand his argument. A reader who read Sandel’s argument would not also need to read an essay based on this descriptive thesis.  

Broad thesis (arguable, but difficult to support with evidence) 

Michael Sandel’s arguments about genetic engineering do not take into consideration all the relevant issues.

This is an arguable claim because it would be possible to argue against it by saying that Michael Sandel’s arguments do take all of the relevant issues into consideration. But the claim is too broad. Because the thesis does not specify which “issues” it is focused on—or why it matters if they are considered—readers won’t know what the rest of the essay will argue, and the writer won’t know what to focus on. If there is a particular issue that Sandel does not address, then a more specific version of the thesis would include that issue—hand an explanation of why it is important.  

Arguable thesis with analytical claim 

While Sandel argues persuasively that our instinct to “remake” (54) ourselves into something ever more perfect is a problem, his belief that we can always draw a line between what is medically necessary and what makes us simply “better than well” (51) is less convincing.

This is an arguable analytical claim. To argue for this claim, the essay writer will need to show how evidence from the article itself points to this interpretation. It’s also a reasonable scope for a thesis because it can be supported with evidence available in the text and is neither too broad nor too narrow.  

Arguable thesis with normative claim 

Given Sandel’s argument against genetic enhancement, we should not allow parents to decide on using Human Growth Hormone for their children.

This thesis tells us what we should do about a particular issue discussed in Sandel’s article, but it does not tell us how we should understand Sandel’s argument.  

Questions to ask about your thesis 

• Is the thesis truly arguable? Does it speak to a genuine dilemma in the source, or would most readers automatically agree with it?  
• Is the thesis too obvious? Again, would most or all readers agree with it without needing to see your argument?  
• Is the thesis complex enough to require a whole essay's worth of argument?  
• Is the thesis supportable with evidence from the text rather than with generalizations or outside research?  
• Would anyone want to read a paper in which this thesis was developed? That is, can you explain what this paper is adding to our understanding of a problem, question, or topic?
• picture_as_pdf Thesis

Purdue Online Writing Lab College of Liberal Arts

Developing Strong Thesis Statements

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The thesis statement or main claim must be debatable

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

Example of a non-debatable thesis statement:

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

Example of a debatable thesis statement:

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

Another example of a debatable thesis statement:

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

The thesis needs to be narrow

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

Example of a thesis that is too broad:

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

Example of a narrow or focused thesis:

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

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

Narrowed debatable thesis 1:

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

Narrowed debatable thesis 2:

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

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

Types of claims

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thesis Statements

What this handout is about.

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

Introduction

Writing in college often takes the form of persuasion—convincing others that you have an interesting, logical point of view on the subject you are studying. Persuasion is a skill you practice regularly in your daily life. You persuade your roommate to clean up, your parents to let you borrow the car, your friend to vote for your favorite candidate or policy. In college, course assignments often ask you to make a persuasive case in writing. You are asked to convince your reader of your point of view. This form of persuasion, often called academic argument, follows a predictable pattern in writing. After a brief introduction of your topic, you state your point of view on the topic directly and often in one sentence. This sentence is the thesis statement, and it serves as a summary of the argument you’ll make in the rest of your paper.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement:

• tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion.
• is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper.
• directly answers the question asked of you. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. The subject, or topic, of an essay might be World War II or Moby Dick; a thesis must then offer a way to understand the war or the novel.
• makes a claim that others might dispute.
• is usually a single sentence near the beginning of your paper (most often, at the end of the first paragraph) that presents your argument to the reader. The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation.

If your assignment asks you to take a position or develop a claim about a subject, you may need to convey that position or claim in a thesis statement near the beginning of your draft. The assignment may not explicitly state that you need a thesis statement because your instructor may assume you will include one. When in doubt, ask your instructor if the assignment requires a thesis statement. When an assignment asks you to analyze, to interpret, to compare and contrast, to demonstrate cause and effect, or to take a stand on an issue, it is likely that you are being asked to develop a thesis and to support it persuasively. (Check out our handout on understanding assignments for more information.)

How do I create a thesis?

A thesis is the result of a lengthy thinking process. Formulating a thesis is not the first thing you do after reading an essay assignment. Before you develop an argument on any topic, you have to collect and organize evidence, look for possible relationships between known facts (such as surprising contrasts or similarities), and think about the significance of these relationships. Once you do this thinking, you will probably have a “working thesis” that presents a basic or main idea and an argument that you think you can support with evidence. Both the argument and your thesis are likely to need adjustment along the way.

Writers use all kinds of techniques to stimulate their thinking and to help them clarify relationships or comprehend the broader significance of a topic and arrive at a thesis statement. For more ideas on how to get started, see our handout on brainstorming .

How do I know if my thesis is strong?

If there’s time, run it by your instructor or make an appointment at the Writing Center to get some feedback. Even if you do not have time to get advice elsewhere, you can do some thesis evaluation of your own. When reviewing your first draft and its working thesis, ask yourself the following :

• Do I answer the question? Re-reading the question prompt after constructing a working thesis can help you fix an argument that misses the focus of the question. If the prompt isn’t phrased as a question, try to rephrase it. For example, “Discuss the effect of X on Y” can be rephrased as “What is the effect of X on Y?”
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? If your thesis simply states facts that no one would, or even could, disagree with, it’s possible that you are simply providing a summary, rather than making an argument.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? Thesis statements that are too vague often do not have a strong argument. If your thesis contains words like “good” or “successful,” see if you could be more specific: why is something “good”; what specifically makes something “successful”?
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? If a reader’s first response is likely to  be “So what?” then you need to clarify, to forge a relationship, or to connect to a larger issue.
• Does my essay support my thesis specifically and without wandering? If your thesis and the body of your essay do not seem to go together, one of them has to change. It’s okay to change your working thesis to reflect things you have figured out in the course of writing your paper. Remember, always reassess and revise your writing as necessary.
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? If a reader’s first response is “how?” or “why?” your thesis may be too open-ended and lack guidance for the reader. See what you can add to give the reader a better take on your position right from the beginning.

Suppose you are taking a course on contemporary communication, and the instructor hands out the following essay assignment: “Discuss the impact of social media on public awareness.” Looking back at your notes, you might start with this working thesis:

Social media impacts public awareness in both positive and negative ways.

You can use the questions above to help you revise this general statement into a stronger thesis.

• Do I answer the question? You can analyze this if you rephrase “discuss the impact” as “what is the impact?” This way, you can see that you’ve answered the question only very generally with the vague “positive and negative ways.”
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not likely. Only people who maintain that social media has a solely positive or solely negative impact could disagree.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? No. What are the positive effects? What are the negative effects?
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? No. Why are they positive? How are they positive? What are their causes? Why are they negative? How are they negative? What are their causes?
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? No. Why should anyone care about the positive and/or negative impact of social media?

After thinking about your answers to these questions, you decide to focus on the one impact you feel strongly about and have strong evidence for:

Because not every voice on social media is reliable, people have become much more critical consumers of information, and thus, more informed voters.

This version is a much stronger thesis! It answers the question, takes a specific position that others can challenge, and it gives a sense of why it matters.

Let’s try another. Suppose your literature professor hands out the following assignment in a class on the American novel: Write an analysis of some aspect of Mark Twain’s novel Huckleberry Finn. “This will be easy,” you think. “I loved Huckleberry Finn!” You grab a pad of paper and write:

Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn is a great American novel.

You begin to analyze your thesis:

• Do I answer the question? No. The prompt asks you to analyze some aspect of the novel. Your working thesis is a statement of general appreciation for the entire novel.

Think about aspects of the novel that are important to its structure or meaning—for example, the role of storytelling, the contrasting scenes between the shore and the river, or the relationships between adults and children. Now you write:

In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore.

• Do I answer the question? Yes!
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not really. This contrast is well-known and accepted.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? It’s getting there–you have highlighted an important aspect of the novel for investigation. However, it’s still not clear what your analysis will reveal.
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? Not yet. Compare scenes from the book and see what you discover. Free write, make lists, jot down Huck’s actions and reactions and anything else that seems interesting.
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? What’s the point of this contrast? What does it signify?”

After examining the evidence and considering your own insights, you write:

Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain’s Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American democratic ideals, one must leave “civilized” society and go back to nature.

This final thesis statement presents an interpretation of a literary work based on an analysis of its content. Of course, for the essay itself to be successful, you must now present evidence from the novel that will convince the reader of your interpretation.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Anson, Chris M., and Robert A. Schwegler. 2010. The Longman Handbook for Writers and Readers , 6th ed. New York: Longman.

Lunsford, Andrea A. 2015. The St. Martin’s Handbook , 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s.

Ramage, John D., John C. Bean, and June Johnson. 2018. The Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing , 8th ed. New York: Pearson.

Ruszkiewicz, John J., Christy Friend, Daniel Seward, and Maxine Hairston. 2010. The Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers , 9th ed. Boston: Pearson Education.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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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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Thesis Statements

This page discusses thesis statements: what they are, how they are used, and how to write/improve thesis statements. 

What is a Thesis Statement? 

A thesis statement is usually a sentence (or two) that neatly and concisely summarizes the main argument or point that you’re making in an essay. It is a statement of your position on a subject or topic . It should also serve as a sort of “roadmap” for your essay, telling the reader where they will go when they read your paper and how they will get there. 

A good Thesis Statement is:

• Argumentative 

Every good thesis statement has two parts: the WHAT and the WHY/HOW. 

The WHAT part of the thesis statement should state your argument or position and be debatable, e.g. “Olympic ice dancing is not really a sport.” This is certainly debatable; someone could argue that it is, in fact, a sport. This statement also serves as the main idea of the essay. Just from reading this, your reader knows that what is to come in the essay will present arguments showing that ice dancing isn’t really a sport. 

This part also gives the reader a reason to keep reading, to discover the reasons you say that ice dancing isn’t really a sport. The WHY/HOW part of the thesis statement gives your reasoning behind your argument. This is often the most difficult and important part of developing a thesis statement. Most of the time, this part of the thesis comes second (though there is no reason it can’t come first), usually after a word like “because.” 

EXAMPLE: Olympic ice dancing is not really a sport because judges score it, skaters do not compete directly against each other, and there is no ball or puck involved. 

After reading this, your reader has a very good idea of what to expect in your essay. They expect that you will argue against ice dancing being a sport for three very specific reasons. They can also anticipate how your essay will be structured. Chances are, you will begin by looking at the judging system, move to discussing the lack of direct competition, and close with the fact that ice dancing doesn’t involve a ball or puck. (This also will help you, as a writer, organize your thoughts within the essay.) 

Four Ways Thesis Statements Go Wrong 

• Your thesis is too general – Most of the time, you’ll have a limited number of pages to make your argument. Therefore, your argument must be specific and narrow enough to be made in the space that you have. A good thesis statement is specific because it is reflective of a well-development argument. BAD: Baseball is a great game. (Why? Is it the greatest? Compared to what?) BETTER: Baseball is superior to other professional sports because of its unique demands for strategy and execution . 
• Your thesis is too broad – Sometimes we try to do too much with an argument. For example, the thesis statement Abortion is wrong will probably need a book-length paper to convincingly argue this well. The narrower you can make your argument, the better. BAD: World War II changed the way America thought about war. (Woah. Good argument. But you’ll probably need a PhD and a 1,200-page book to make it.) BETTER: The preparations for D-Day changed the way America’s military leadership thought about its World War II strategy.  
• Your thesis is a fact – You can’t argue a fact, and a good thesis statement is both argumentative and debatable. You can argue about facts though. BAD: The University of North Carolina won the 2009 NCAA basketball championship. (Yup. No argument here. And no need to write a paper arguing it, either.) BETTER: The 2009 championship team of UNC was the best college basketball team of its decade.  
• Your thesis isn’t an argument – A good thesis is always debatable; that is, someone could honestly and in good faith disagree with you for good reasons. An opinion isn’t a fact. To paraphrase The Dude, it’s just, like, your opinion, man. BAD: I don’t really like Van Halen, or 80s rock in general.  BETTER: Van Halen represents everything that is wrong with rock and roll in the 80s.   EVEN BETTER: Van Halen’s baroque guitar solos, fluffy lyrics, and over-the-top hedonism represent the reasons 80s rock is vastly inferior to the Grunge movement that succeeded it in the early 90s.

Developing a Thesis Statement

Many papers you write require developing a thesis statement. In this section you’ll learn what a thesis statement is and how to write one.

Keep in mind that not all papers require thesis statements . If in doubt, please consult your instructor for assistance.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement . . .

• Makes an argumentative assertion about a topic; it states the conclusions that you have reached about your topic.
• Makes a promise to the reader about the scope, purpose, and direction of your paper.
• Is focused and specific enough to be “proven” within the boundaries of your paper.
• Is generally located near the end of the introduction ; sometimes, in a long paper, the thesis will be expressed in several sentences or in an entire paragraph.
• Identifies the relationships between the pieces of evidence that you are using to support your argument.

Not all papers require thesis statements! Ask your instructor if you’re in doubt whether you need one.

Identify a topic

Your topic is the subject about which you will write. Your assignment may suggest several ways of looking at a topic; or it may name a fairly general concept that you will explore or analyze in your paper.

Consider what your assignment asks you to do

Inform yourself about your topic, focus on one aspect of your topic, ask yourself whether your topic is worthy of your efforts, generate a topic from an assignment.

Below are some possible topics based on sample assignments.

Sample assignment 1

Analyze Spain’s neutrality in World War II.

Identified topic

Franco’s role in the diplomatic relationships between the Allies and the Axis

This topic avoids generalities such as “Spain” and “World War II,” addressing instead on Franco’s role (a specific aspect of “Spain”) and the diplomatic relations between the Allies and Axis (a specific aspect of World War II).

Sample assignment 2

Analyze one of Homer’s epic similes in the Iliad.

The relationship between the portrayal of warfare and the epic simile about Simoisius at 4.547-64.

This topic focuses on a single simile and relates it to a single aspect of the Iliad ( warfare being a major theme in that work).

Developing a Thesis Statement–Additional information

Your assignment may suggest several ways of looking at a topic, or it may name a fairly general concept that you will explore or analyze in your paper. You’ll want to read your assignment carefully, looking for key terms that you can use to focus your topic.

Sample assignment: Analyze Spain’s neutrality in World War II Key terms: analyze, Spain’s neutrality, World War II

After you’ve identified the key words in your topic, the next step is to read about them in several sources, or generate as much information as possible through an analysis of your topic. Obviously, the more material or knowledge you have, the more possibilities will be available for a strong argument. For the sample assignment above, you’ll want to look at books and articles on World War II in general, and Spain’s neutrality in particular.

As you consider your options, you must decide to focus on one aspect of your topic. This means that you cannot include everything you’ve learned about your topic, nor should you go off in several directions. If you end up covering too many different aspects of a topic, your paper will sprawl and be unconvincing in its argument, and it most likely will not fulfull the assignment requirements.

For the sample assignment above, both Spain’s neutrality and World War II are topics far too broad to explore in a paper. You may instead decide to focus on Franco’s role in the diplomatic relationships between the Allies and the Axis , which narrows down what aspects of Spain’s neutrality and World War II you want to discuss, as well as establishes a specific link between those two aspects.

Before you go too far, however, ask yourself whether your topic is worthy of your efforts. Try to avoid topics that already have too much written about them (i.e., “eating disorders and body image among adolescent women”) or that simply are not important (i.e. “why I like ice cream”). These topics may lead to a thesis that is either dry fact or a weird claim that cannot be supported. A good thesis falls somewhere between the two extremes. To arrive at this point, ask yourself what is new, interesting, contestable, or controversial about your topic.

As you work on your thesis, remember to keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times . Sometimes your thesis needs to evolve as you develop new insights, find new evidence, or take a different approach to your topic.

Derive a main point from topic

Once you have a topic, you will have to decide what the main point of your paper will be. This point, the “controlling idea,” becomes the core of your argument (thesis statement) and it is the unifying idea to which you will relate all your sub-theses. You can then turn this “controlling idea” into a purpose statement about what you intend to do in your paper.

Look for patterns in your evidence

Compose a purpose statement.

Consult the examples below for suggestions on how to look for patterns in your evidence and construct a purpose statement.

• Franco first tried to negotiate with the Axis
• Franco turned to the Allies when he couldn’t get some concessions that he wanted from the Axis

Possible conclusion:

Spain’s neutrality in WWII occurred for an entirely personal reason: Franco’s desire to preserve his own (and Spain’s) power.

Purpose statement

This paper will analyze Franco’s diplomacy during World War II to see how it contributed to Spain’s neutrality.

• The simile compares Simoisius to a tree, which is a peaceful, natural image.
• The tree in the simile is chopped down to make wheels for a chariot, which is an object used in warfare.

At first, the simile seems to take the reader away from the world of warfare, but we end up back in that world by the end.

This paper will analyze the way the simile about Simoisius at 4.547-64 moves in and out of the world of warfare.

Derive purpose statement from topic

To find out what your “controlling idea” is, you have to examine and evaluate your evidence . As you consider your evidence, you may notice patterns emerging, data repeated in more than one source, or facts that favor one view more than another. These patterns or data may then lead you to some conclusions about your topic and suggest that you can successfully argue for one idea better than another.

For instance, you might find out that Franco first tried to negotiate with the Axis, but when he couldn’t get some concessions that he wanted from them, he turned to the Allies. As you read more about Franco’s decisions, you may conclude that Spain’s neutrality in WWII occurred for an entirely personal reason: his desire to preserve his own (and Spain’s) power. Based on this conclusion, you can then write a trial thesis statement to help you decide what material belongs in your paper.

Sometimes you won’t be able to find a focus or identify your “spin” or specific argument immediately. Like some writers, you might begin with a purpose statement just to get yourself going. A purpose statement is one or more sentences that announce your topic and indicate the structure of the paper but do not state the conclusions you have drawn . Thus, you might begin with something like this:

• This paper will look at modern language to see if it reflects male dominance or female oppression.
• I plan to analyze anger and derision in offensive language to see if they represent a challenge of society’s authority.

At some point, you can turn a purpose statement into a thesis statement. As you think and write about your topic, you can restrict, clarify, and refine your argument, crafting your thesis statement to reflect your thinking.

As you work on your thesis, remember to keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times. Sometimes your thesis needs to evolve as you develop new insights, find new evidence, or take a different approach to your topic.

Compose a draft thesis statement

If you are writing a paper that will have an argumentative thesis and are having trouble getting started, the techniques in the table below may help you develop a temporary or “working” thesis statement.

Begin with a purpose statement that you will later turn into a thesis statement.

Assignment: Discuss the history of the Reform Party and explain its influence on the 1990 presidential and Congressional election.

Purpose Statement: This paper briefly sketches the history of the grassroots, conservative, Perot-led Reform Party and analyzes how it influenced the economic and social ideologies of the two mainstream parties.

Question-to-Assertion

If your assignment asks a specific question(s), turn the question(s) into an assertion and give reasons why it is true or reasons for your opinion.

Assignment : What do Aylmer and Rappaccini have to be proud of? Why aren’t they satisfied with these things? How does pride, as demonstrated in “The Birthmark” and “Rappaccini’s Daughter,” lead to unexpected problems?

Beginning thesis statement: Alymer and Rappaccinni are proud of their great knowledge; however, they are also very greedy and are driven to use their knowledge to alter some aspect of nature as a test of their ability. Evil results when they try to “play God.”

Write a sentence that summarizes the main idea of the essay you plan to write.

Main idea: The reason some toys succeed in the market is that they appeal to the consumers’ sense of the ridiculous and their basic desire to laugh at themselves.

Make a list of the ideas that you want to include; consider the ideas and try to group them.

• nature = peaceful
• war matériel = violent (competes with 1?)
• need for time and space to mourn the dead
• war is inescapable (competes with 3?)

Use a formula to arrive at a working thesis statement (you will revise this later).

• although most readers of _______ have argued that _______, closer examination shows that _______.
• _______ uses _______ and _____ to prove that ________.
• phenomenon x is a result of the combination of __________, __________, and _________.

What to keep in mind as you draft an initial thesis statement

Beginning statements obtained through the methods illustrated above can serve as a framework for planning or drafting your paper, but remember they’re not yet the specific, argumentative thesis you want for the final version of your paper. In fact, in its first stages, a thesis statement usually is ill-formed or rough and serves only as a planning tool.

As you write, you may discover evidence that does not fit your temporary or “working” thesis. Or you may reach deeper insights about your topic as you do more research, and you will find that your thesis statement has to be more complicated to match the evidence that you want to use.

You must be willing to reject or omit some evidence in order to keep your paper cohesive and your reader focused. Or you may have to revise your thesis to match the evidence and insights that you want to discuss. Read your draft carefully, noting the conclusions you have drawn and the major ideas which support or prove those conclusions. These will be the elements of your final thesis statement.

Sometimes you will not be able to identify these elements in your early drafts, but as you consider how your argument is developing and how your evidence supports your main idea, ask yourself, “ What is the main point that I want to prove/discuss? ” and “ How will I convince the reader that this is true? ” When you can answer these questions, then you can begin to refine the thesis statement.

Refine and polish the 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 assignment
• Question each part of your draft thesis
• Clarify vague phrases and assertions
• Investigate alternatives to your draft thesis

Consult the example below for suggestions on how to refine your draft thesis statement.

Sample Assignment

Choose an activity and define it as a symbol of American culture. Your essay should cause the reader to think critically about the society which produces and enjoys that activity.

• Ask The phenomenon of drive-in facilities is an interesting symbol of american culture, and these facilities demonstrate significant characteristics of our society.This statement does not fulfill the assignment because it does not require the reader to think critically about society.

Drive-ins are an interesting symbol of American culture because they represent Americans’ significant creativity and business ingenuity.

Among the types of drive-in facilities familiar during the twentieth century, drive-in movie theaters best represent American creativity, not merely because they were the forerunner of later drive-ins and drive-throughs, but because of their impact on our culture: they changed our relationship to the automobile, changed the way people experienced movies, and changed movie-going into a family activity.

While drive-in facilities such as those at fast-food establishments, banks, pharmacies, and dry cleaners symbolize America’s economic ingenuity, they also have affected our personal standards.

While drive-in facilities such as those at fast- food restaurants, banks, pharmacies, and dry cleaners symbolize (1) Americans’ business ingenuity, they also have contributed (2) to an increasing homogenization of our culture, (3) a willingness to depersonalize relationships with others, and (4) a tendency to sacrifice quality for convenience.

This statement is now specific and fulfills all parts of the assignment. This version, like any good thesis, is not self-evident; its points, 1-4, will have to be proven with evidence in the body of the paper. The numbers in this statement indicate the order in which the points will be presented. Depending on the length of the paper, there could be one paragraph for each numbered item or there could be blocks of paragraph for even pages for each one.

Complete the final thesis statement

The bottom line.

As you move through the process of crafting a thesis, you’ll need to remember four things:

• Context matters! Think about your course materials and lectures. Try to relate your thesis to the ideas your instructor is discussing.
• As you go through the process described in this section, always keep your assignment in mind . You will be more successful when your thesis (and paper) responds to the assignment than if it argues a semi-related idea.
• Your thesis statement should be precise, focused, and contestable ; it should predict the sub-theses or blocks of information that you will use to prove your argument.
• Make sure that you keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times. Change your thesis as your paper evolves, because you do not want your thesis to promise more than your paper actually delivers.

In the beginning, the thesis statement was a tool to help you sharpen your focus, limit material and establish the paper’s purpose. When your paper is finished, however, the thesis statement becomes a tool for your reader. It tells the reader what you have learned about your topic and what evidence led you to your conclusion. It keeps the reader on track–well able to understand and appreciate your argument.

Writing Process and Structure

This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.

Getting Started with Your Paper

Interpreting Writing Assignments from Your Courses

Generating Ideas for

Creating an Argument

Thesis vs. Purpose Statements

Architecture of Arguments

Working with Sources

Quoting and Paraphrasing Sources

Using Literary Quotations

Citing Sources in Your Paper

Drafting Your Paper

Generating Ideas for 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

Seeking Feedback from Others

Writing Collaboratively

Collaborative and Group Writing