Thesis Statements in Academic Essays By Susanne Bentley

The Role of the Essay The ultimate goal of any writing is to communicate an idea. The role of an essay is to make a point about a problem. An essay reflects the writer’s insight on a topic.

The Structure of the Essay The formal essay consists of three parts: –Introduction –Body –Conclusion

Introduction The introduction establishes the nature of your study. It identifies the topic and narrows it to one issue. It provides relevant background. It contains the thesis statement (the central idea that will be developed in the rest of the paper).

The thesis statement is a one-sentence telegram that conveys the central message of your essay gives the reader an indication of how you will develop your topic keeps you as a writer focused on one main idea

The thesis statement gives your opinion or attitude about your topic is limited and can be developed in the space called for

The thesis statement Establishes the direction of a research study and points readers to the eventual conclusion. Is centered on an arguable point. Controls the entire argument

The thesis statement... Determines what you are required to say in a paper. It also determines what you cannot say. Every paragraph in your paper exists in order to support your thesis. The research you conduct will support your thesis and show different perspectives.

Accordingly, if one of your paragraphs seems irrelevant to your thesis you have two choices: get rid of the paragraph, or rewrite your thesis. Do not simply start discussing a new idea without preparing the reader for it in the thesis.

The thesis takes a side on the topic rather than simply announcing that the paper is about a topic (the title should have already told your reader your topic). Don't tell readers about something; tell them what about something. Answer the questions "how?" or "why?”

The thesis passes the “So What?” test. After a reader reads your research, ideas, and evaluations of your topic in support of your thesis, what will they come away with? A good thesis statement should justify discussion - don't leave your readers saying to themselves "So what" or "duh?" or "like, what's your point?"

THESIS = TOPIC + YOUR SPECIFIC ASSERTION An enthymeme uses a “because” clause to make a claim It is a good way to write a thesis for an argument paper.

A thesis statement is precise It lets your reader know exactly what your paper will be about.

Avoid words such as: nice, good, interesting very, really, many, and some These kinds of words are vague and do not give readers a clear sense of your views. Also, what is “good” or “interesting” to you may not be so for your reader.

Not precise: “Cathedral,” by Raymond Carver, is an interesting story.

More precise: Through the first person point of view in “Cathedral,” Raymond Carver makes a powerful statement about how we view the disabled in a negative way.

A thesis statement is not: a question (although asking questions is a great way to brainstorm for ideas)

A thesis statement is not: a statement of fact:

example: Education is very important. Instead try: Because we need to attract the top candidates to educate our children, teachers’ salaries must be increased.

A thesis statement is not: a statement of purpose:

example: In this essay, I will discuss why Arnold Friend is a person who can’t be trusted. Instead try: Arnold Friend’s behavior, speech and appearance provide clues that he is a person who cannot be trusted.

A thesis statement is written in the first or third-person point of view For academic writing, do not use “you.” Also, do not use contractions.

For example Instead of saying, “You should never cheat on tests or essays in college because it will have negative consequences. Try: Students who cheat on tests and essays in college actually cheat themselves out of learning, and their actions often lead to expulsion from college.

A thesis statement takes the topic from a general idea to the specific approach of the researcher provides the points about the topic that the researcher will develop in the paper

Topic: The problems of living in a city General statement: –There are many problems associated with living in today’s modern city. Thesis statement: –Rising crime rates, increasingly overcrowded conditions, and high expenses make living in today’s modern city difficult.

Topic: Depression General statement: –Depression is caused by a several factors. Thesis statement: Recent studies of depression suggest that it is much more closely related to physiology than scientists had previously thought.

Using what you have learned so far, determine whether the following is a strong or weak thesis statement: What can be done to end violence in schools? Weak A thesis statement is not a question.

Determine whether the following is a strong or weak thesis statement: In this paper I will discuss why we need to eliminate violence in schools. Weak A thesis statement is not a statement of purpose.

Determine whether the following is a strong or weak thesis If you look carefully enough, you can find signs of poverty in Elko. Weak A thesis statement is written in the first or third-person point of view.

Determine whether the following is a strong or weak thesis statement: Violence has become a problem in many schools. Weak A thesis statement is precise and does not use vague language.

Determine whether the following is a strong or weak thesis statement: Getting parents more involved with their children’s lives is the best way to end school violence. Strong A thesis statement reflects your stand on the topic and tells your readers what you will be discussing.

Remember, a thesis statement: Will take your paper from the general to the specific Provides your reader with a roadmap of where you will take him or her Makes an assertion about your topic Can be developed in the required number of pages Limits the topic to make it manageable