See if you can see the difference.

A good thesis has 2 elements.

The thesis must be debatable – create a thesis that is based on your educated opinion about a topic.

The thesis must be narrow – choose a topic that can be covered adequately in the length required.

Examples to follow… Which will you choose?

An argument thesis can fall into one of four categories:1. Claims of fact or

definition2. Claims of cause and

effect3. Claims about value4. Claims about solutions or

policies

It should be contestable, proposing an arguable point with which people could reasonably disagree.

It tackles a subject that could be adequately covered in the format of the project assigned.

It is specific and focused. A strong thesis proves a point without discussing “everything about …”

It clearly asserts your own conclusion based on evidence. Note: Be flexible. The evidence may lead you to a conclusion you didn't think you'd reach.

It provides the reader with a map to guide him/her through your work.

It anticipates and refutes the counter-arguments

It avoids vague language (like "it seems").

It avoids the first person. ("I believe," "In my opinion")

It should pass the “So what?” of the “Who cares?” test. For instance, "people should avoid driving under the influence of alcohol," would be unlikely to evoke any opposition.

Taken from School District of Springfield Township

1. Does the thesis inspire a reasonable reader to ask, "How?" or Why?"

2. Would a reasonable reader NOT respond with "Duh!" or "So what?" or "Gee, no kidding!" or "Who cares?"

3. Does the thesis  avoid general phrasing and/or sweeping words such as "all" or "none" or "every"?

4. Does the thesis lead the reader toward the topic sentences (the subtopics needed to prove the thesis)?

5. Can the thesis be adequately developed in the required length of the paper or project?

Taken from School District of Springfield Township

The number of cases of skin cancer per thousand U.S. citizens has increased steadily since the 1920s.

That rates of skin cancer have increased steadily since the 1920s reveals the danger of the American obsession with getting a ‘healthy’ tan.

There exists a widespread controversy over human embryonic stem cell research that emanates from the techniques used in the creation and usage of stem cells.

Because of the potential significant medical benefits, the federal government should support embryonic stem cell research using embryos left over from in-vitro fertilization.

The dramatic increase in the number of children using prescription medication for ADHD confirms the suspicions in some people’s minds that children are prescribed medication in order to subdue certain behaviors in the classroom.

Since the 1990s, Ritalin and Adderall have been commonly prescribed for ADHD in children in the United States, and the number of prescriptions keeps rising.

Although many scientists and psychologists agree that castration can dramatically lower sexual drive, there is sharp disagreement about whether it is a cure-all.

Based studies done on castration on offenders in Denmark, US lawmakers should consider surgical castration as an option for repeat sexual offenders.

Women should be cautious about using steroids as performance enhancers because they are more susceptible to permanent damage than men.

Although there has been an alleged small decline in the ranks of Division I male college athletes who use steroids, the number of women athletes who use steroids has grown, a worrisome fact because they are highly vulnerable to permanent damage.

While both Northerners and Southerners believed they fought against tyranny and oppression, Northerners focused on the oppression of slaves while Southerners defended their own right to self-government.

Both North and South fought the Civil War for many reasons, some of which were the same and some different.

Taken from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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