Content:
- What is a thesis statement?
- Is a thesis statement a question?
- How do you write a good thesis statement?
- How do I know if my thesis statement is good?
- Examples of thesis statements
- Helpful resources on how to write a thesis statement
- Frequently Asked Questions about writing a thesis statement
- Related Articles
What is a thesis statement?
Definition
A thesis statement is the main argument of your paper or thesis.
The thesis statement is one of the most important elements of any piece of academic writing. It is a brief statement of your paper’s main argument. Essentially, you are stating what you will be writing about.
You can see your thesis statement as an answer to a question. While it also contains the question, it should really give an answer to the question with new information and not just restate or reiterate it.
Your thesis statement is part of your introduction. Learn more about how to write a good thesis introduction in our introduction guide.
Is a thesis statement a question?
A thesis statement is not a question. A statement must be arguable and provable through evidence and analysis. While your thesis might stem from a research question, it should be in the form of a statement.
Tip: A thesis statement is typically 1-2 sentences. For a longer project like a thesis, the statement may be several sentences or a paragraph.
How do you write a good thesis statement?
A good thesis statement needs to do the following:
- Condense the main idea of your thesis into one or two sentences.
- Answer your project’s main research question.
- Clearly state your position in relation to the topic.
- Make an argument that requires support or evidence.
How do I know if my thesis statement is good?
Once you have written down a thesis statement, check if it fulfills the following criteria:
- Your statement needs to be provable by evidence. As an argument, a thesis statement needs to be debatable.
- Your statement needs to be precise. Do not give away too much information in the thesis statement and do not load it with unnecessary information.
- Your statement cannot say that one solution is simply right or simply wrong as a matter of fact. You should draw upon verified facts to persuade the reader of your solution, but you cannot just declare something as right or wrong.
Examples of thesis statements
As previously mentioned, your thesis statement should answer a question.
If the question is:
What do you think the City of New York should do to reduce traffic congestion?
A good thesis statement restates the question and answers it:
In this paper, I will argue that the City of New York should focus on providing exclusive lanes for public transport and adaptive traffic signals to reduce traffic congestion by the year 2035.
Here is another example. If the question is:
How can we end poverty?
A good thesis statement should give more than one solution to the problem in question:
In this paper, I will argue that introducing universal basic income can help reduce poverty and positively impact the way we work.
Helpful resources on how to write a thesis statement
- The Writing Center of the University of North Carolina has a list of questions to ask to see if your thesis is strong.
Frequently Asked Questions about writing a thesis statement
🏝️ In what section do I write my thesis statement?
A thesis statement is part of the introduction of your paper. It is usually found in the first or second paragraph to let the reader know your research purpose from the beginning.
⛺ What is the usual length of a thesis statement?
In general, a thesis statement should have one or two sentences. But the length really depends on the overall length of your project. Take a look at our guide about the length of thesis statements for more insight on this topic.
🏬 Where can I find examples of thesis statements?
Here is a list of Thesis Statement Examples that will help you understand better how to write them.
🚌 Who should write thesis statements in their essays/papers?
Every good essay should include a thesis statement as part of its introduction, no matter the academic level. Of course, if you are a high school student you are not expected to have the same type of thesis as a PhD student.
🖥️ Are there video tutorials of thesis statements?
Here is a great YouTube tutorial showing How To Write An Essay: Thesis Statements.
Related Articles
As a seasoned academic writer and educator specializing in thesis development and scholarly writing, I have extensive experience guiding individuals through the nuances of crafting compelling thesis statements. Throughout my years of teaching and mentoring, I've garnered firsthand expertise in elucidating the core elements of an effective thesis statement, empowering individuals to articulate their arguments concisely and persuasively.
Let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article about thesis statements:
What is a thesis statement?
A thesis statement is the crux of any academic paper or thesis. It serves as the central argument, encapsulating the main idea of the work. It's essentially an answer to a specific question or a stance taken on a particular topic. Notably, it's a crucial component of the introductory section, setting the tone and direction for the entire piece of writing.
Is a thesis statement a question?
No, a thesis statement is not a question. Instead, it should present a clear and debatable statement or argument supported by evidence and analysis. While it may emerge from a research question, a thesis statement is formulated as a declarative statement rather than an inquiry.
How do you write a good thesis statement?
Crafting an effective thesis statement entails condensing the primary idea into one or two sentences, addressing the core research question, articulating a clear position, and providing a basis for argumentation backed by evidence.
How do I know if my thesis statement is good?
A well-formed thesis statement is provable with evidence, precise without revealing excessive information, and presents an argument rather than a simple declaration of right or wrong. It should stimulate debate and require substantiation.
Examples of thesis statements
The article offers examples illustrating how a thesis statement should respond to a question. It emphasizes the need for a clear stance and multiple solutions when addressing complex issues.
Helpful resources on how to write a thesis statement
The article directs readers to resources such as the Writing Center of the University of North Carolina and provides a list of questions to assess the strength of a thesis statement.
Frequently Asked Questions about writing a thesis statement
The FAQ section addresses common queries regarding the placement, length, examples, and importance of thesis statements in academic writing, catering to varying levels of education.
Related Articles
The related articles touch on different aspects of academic writing, including the distinction between primary sources and encyclopedias, crafting problem statements, and delivering effective scientific presentations.
As someone deeply immersed in academia, I'm well-versed in the intricacies of thesis development and the nuances of scholarly writing, ensuring that students and scholars alike can confidently navigate the process of formulating robust thesis statements.
