30 Composing Strong Thesis Statements
What is a thesis statement and why is it important?
A strong thesis provides a clear representation of the writer’s stance to readers, and it also provides an anchor for the writer while crafting the essay. All reasons and evidence should support that thesis. A solid thesis statement notifies readers of the writer’s topic and prepares readers for the argument to come. Likewise, a solid thesis statement helps focus the writer since writers can easily stray from their topics during the creation process, especially while researching for their essay; thus, a solid thesis statement also helps a writer maintain focus on the argument at hand.
What does a thesis statement look like?
Thesis statements come with two parts, a concrete and an abstract, and are usually one sentence. More simply, a thesis statement has a subject and opinion about that subject. For academic writing, the subject needs to be one of concern to a larger audience and one on which that audience has many opinions, not just two. Writers most often place thesis statements in the introductory paragraph; however, thesis statements can be placed anywhere in the essay and can even be implied.
Writing a Thesis Statement (from English Composition 1 by Lumen)
Remember your thesis should answer two simple questions: What issue are you writing about, and what is your position, or angle, on it?
A thesis statement is a single sentence (or sometimes two for long, complex essays) that provides the answers to these questions clearly and concisely. Ask yourself, “What is my paper about, exactly?” to help you develop a precise and directed thesis, not only for your reader, but for you as well.
A good thesis statement will:
- Consist of just one idea
- Make your position clear
- Be specific
- Have evidence to support it
- Be interesting
- Be written clearly
A good basic structure for a thesis statement is “they say, I say.” What is the prevailing view, and how does your position differ from it? However, avoid limiting the scope of your writing with an either/or thesis under the assumption that your view must be strictly contrary to their view.
Following are some typical thesis statements: (notice the concrete and the abstract elements in each example)
- Although many readers believe Romeo and Juliet to be a tale about the ill fate of two star-crossed lovers, it can also be read as an allegory concerning a playwright and his audience.
- The “War on Drugs” has not only failed to reduce the frequency of drug-related crimes in America but actually enhanced the popular image of dope peddlers by romanticizing them as desperate rebels fighting for a cause.
- The bulk of modern copyright law was conceived in the age of commercial printing, long before the Internet made it so easy for the public to compose and distribute its own texts. Therefore, these laws should be reviewed and revised to better accommodate modern readers and writers.
(Click here on Lumen to access more on thesis statements. )
Attribution:
“Thesis Statements.” English Composition I. Provided by: Lumen Learning. Located at: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/englishcomp1/chapter/thesis-statements License: CC BY-4.0
Most Common Errors with Thesis Statements:
Too factual – Dogs have scent glands in the bottom of their paws.
Making announcements – This essay will explain why . . . ; I am going to tell you about why dogs are great pets.
Questions – Why should anyone own a dog?
Too broad – All dogs have particular personalities.
Too narrow – Barking dogs are great security.
Vague – Dogs are unique.
Examples
For other examples and more explanation, please see: TWU’s WriteSite handout
Ariel Bissett has posted a helpful YouTube video explaining the necessity of thesis statements:
YouTube Video: How To Write An Essay: Thesis Statements
In this YouTube Video from 60secondRecap, Jenny Sawyer details what makes for a mediocre thesis and what makes for a great thesis:
YourTube Video: Thesis Statements: Four Steps to a Great Essay
Attributions
“Thesis Statements,” English Composition I, Lumen Learning, CC BY-4.0, https://courses.lumenlearning.com/englishcomp1/chapter/thesis-statements
“Chip in the Comfy Blankets” image by Kathy Nevins
“Jack in the Meadow” image by Kat Hamilton