Writing a Thesis Statement

SF Compact 15--18

How to craft a thesis statement?

A thesis is a sentence (or sometimes 2—3 sentences) that states the point of your paper.

This is the most important part of your paper whether the paper is a paragraph or a dissertation.

Construct the thesis statement early and use it as the framework for your paper.

Idea

Once you have a working thesis statement, place it on an index card in front of you as you write to help you maintain your focus and purpose.

Make a strong point

A thesis statement is more than just an observation; it is a strong, focused statement that might be questioned or challenged. It should offer a clearly stated analysis, critique, or position on your topic that readers will find new and significant.

Examples

Insignificant: The doughnuts in the school vending machine are terrible. (Even if true, most readers won’t find this observation substantial enough to support a whole paper)

More Significant: School administrators should investigate the impact a Krispy Kreme franchise might have on revenues for the student council.

Examples

Not Debatable: Domestic violence harms families. (Who is going to argue with this claim?)

Debatable: The state legislature should pass the current bill mandating for harsher penalties for second-offense child abuse and spousal abuse convictions.

Examples

Too General: Environmental groups and landowners disagree over many issues including land use, species protection, and pollution regulations. (You won’t be able to research and thoroughly analyze more than 1—2 specific disagreements in a typical academic paper)

More Specific: The debate over whether wolves should still be protected as endangered species now that wild populations are thriving raises key questions about how to balance individuals’ property rights with the long-term viability of the species.

What makes a strong thesis?

Does it focus on a substantive issue, one that deserves the reader’s attention?

Is the thesis debatable—could reasonable people disagree with it?

What makes a strong thesis?

Does it address an issue that affects the public? Is the issue current? Will readers care about this thesis?

Is your thesis clearly stated? Can readers tell where you stand on the issue?

What makes a strong thesis?

Can you support your thesis adequately, using research or your own experiences? Do you need to narrow or qualify your claim?

Preview the direction your paper will take

Write a complete sentence or two that forecasts the ideas you expect to write about, in roughly the same order in which you plan to address them.

Be succint yet comprehensive—that is, be brief yet indicate the major points you want to make.

Your thesis tells the reader what to expect.

Place your thesis effectively

Don’t assume that your thesis must be the first sentence in your paper, although it can be.

Your decision about where you place the thesis depends on the writing situation: your audience, your purpose, and the position you want to take on the topic.

Place your thesis effectively

When presenting information or arguments in a straightforward fashion, you’ll state the thesis early—perhaps in the first sentence.

At other times, you may want to present key terms and background info first. That is why in academic papers, a thesis often appears at the end of an introductory paragraph.

Place your thesis effectively

In other situations, you may want to delay the thesis more. If your thesis is controversial, you may want to provide some evidence or background first. This may more easily convince your reader of your position once you are ready to reveal it.

Usually, it is helpful and desirable to clarify your position for your reader earlier rather than later.

Place your thesis effectively

In my opinion, it is best to have an opening sentence or two (minimum) and then provide the thesis. This allows the opening too feel fluid and not too abrupt.

If you are working on a timed writing, do not feel the need to develop a full introductory paragraph as this may cause you to be unable to finish the writing in the time provided.

Revise your thesis as your project evolves

If your thesis shifts as you continue to explore, research, and plan your project, then restate it to make it more precise and the reflect the changes in direction.

Learn from every part of the process. Your final thesis should reflect growth in thought as you have completed the research. In fact, your final thesis may be nothing like what you imagined at the outset—and that is okay (SF Compact 15—18).

Final Thoughts

Your thesis statement is a promise to your reader—”This is what I am going to tell you about.” Go back to the thesis throughout the writing to be certain that you have upheld your end of the bargain and addressed every facet of your thesis—otherwise, your reader will be confused and disappointed.

Let’s look at some student samples…