How to Write an Effective Thesis Statement

What is a thesis statement? Every argument you make should have a main point, a main idea, or central message. The points you make in your paper should reflect this main idea. The sentence that captures your position on this main idea is called a thesis statement. TOPIC >>> ISSUE >>> THESIS

How long does it need to be? A thesis statement focuses your ideas into sentence. It should present the main points of your paper and comment about your position in relation to the topic. Your thesis statement should tell your reader what the paper is about and help guide your writing and keep your argument focused.

Tip: In order to write a successful thesis statement: Be as clear and as specific as possible; avoid vague words. Indicate the point of your paper but avoid sentence structures like, “The point of my paper is...”

Is your thesis statement too general? Your thesis should be limited to what you can accomplish in the specified number of pages. Shape your position so that you can get straight to the core of it. Being specific in your paper will be much more successful than writing about general topics that do not say much. Do not settle for five pages of skimming the surface.

Is your thesis statement specific? Your thesis statement should be as clear and specific as possible. Normally, you will continue to refine your thesis as you revise your discussion, so your thesis will evolve and gain definition as you obtain a better sense of where your discussion is taking you.

Does your thesis include a comment about your position on the issue at hand? The thesis statement should do more than merely announce the topic; it must reveal the position you will take in relation to that topic, how you plan to analyze or evaluate the issue. In short, instead of merely stating a general fact or resorting to a simplistic for or against statement, you must decide what you have to say.

To arrive at a thesis statement, ask questions about the works read: 1. How do the characters in the various novels, dramas, or short stories differ? Do they differ in character traits, problems, conflicts, or ways of dealing with problems? How are the characters similar? 2. How are the themes similar? How do the themes differ? 3. How are the settings similar? How do the settings differ?

Next, narrow and focus the thesis so that it expresses an idea. Do not say: The North and South fought the Civil War for many reasons, some of which were the same and some different. Instead, say: 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.

Next, narrow and focus the thesis so that it expresses an idea. Do not say: In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore. Instead, say: Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn suggests that, to find the true expression of American democratic ideals, one must leave “civilized” society and go back to nature.

Avoid a thesis that is too general. The opposite of a focused, narrow, crisp thesis is a broad, sprawling, superficial thesis. Compare the original, overly general thesis with two possible revisions, each more focused. Original thesis: There are serious objections to today's horror movies. Revised theses: Because modern cinematic techniques have allowed filmmakers to get more graphic, horror flicks have desensitized young American viewers to violence. Today's slasher movies fail to deliver the emotional catharsis that 1930s horror films did.

Avoid making universal or for or against judgments that oversimplify complex issues. Original thesis: We must save the whales. Revised thesis: Because our planet's health may depend upon biological diversity, we should save the whales.

When you make a subjective judgment call, specify and justify your reasoning. “Just because” is not a good reason for an argument. Original thesis: Socialism is the best form of government for Kenya. Revised thesis: If the government takes over industry in Kenya, their industries will become more efficient.

Avoid generic words. Search for concrete subjects and active verbs, eliminating "to be" verbs. A few suggestions below show how specific word choice sharpens and clarifies your meaning. Original: “Society is...” [who is this "society" and what exactly are they doing?] Revised: “Writers can generate...," “Television addicts may chip away at...," "American educators must decide...," “Taxpayers and legislators alike can help fix..."

Avoid merely reporting a fact. Say more than what is already proven fact. Go further with your ideas. Otherwise, why would your point matter? Original thesis: Hoover's administration was rocked by scandal. Revised thesis: The many scandals of Hoover's administration revealed basic problems with the Republican Party's nominating process.

Sample thesis statement Through the use of metaphors, comparisons, and descriptions of his experiences, Thoreau uses Civil Disobedience and Walden to convey his belief in the individual as an effective instrument for positive changes in society.

Web Resources Developing a Thesis Statement http://www.gallaudet.edu/tip/english_center/writing/developing_a_thesis_statement.html Developing a Thesis http://writingcenter.tamu.edu/Students/Handouts-Guides/Handouts-(Get-It-Written)/Brainstorming-Planning/Finding-the-Thesis Thesis Statements http://www.crlsresearchguide.org/13_Thesis_Statement.asp LEO Thesis Statement http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/thesistatement.html How to Write a Good Thesis Statement If No Topic is Assigned http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/thesis_statement.shtml#unassigned Using Thesis Statements http://www.writing.utoronto.ca/advice/planning-and-organizing/thesis-statements