Thesis Statements

What is a Thesis Statement? A thesis statement concisely informs readers what your intention is in writing the paper.

Working Thesis You may write and rewrite a thesis several times while developing an essay.

Characteristics of an Effective Thesis Statement A thesis is only one sentence. A thesis statement must be only one sentence consisting of 25 words or fewer. A thesis claims something specific (your opinion) related to the topic of the essay. It is what you want to prove in your essay.

Characteristics of an Effective Thesis Statement The thesis must always be located near the end of your introduction. Everything in your paper must support, be related to, or point back to your thesis statement. Although a thesis is an opinion, that opinion must be one a reasonable person might agree with or argue against.

Characteristics of an Effective Thesis Statement A thesis answers the questions “How?” or “Why?” A thesis passes the “So what?” test— what does this topic have to do with anything? Why should I care? Why should others care?

Thesis Statement Fallacies A thesis statement is not : a fact or observation.  Incorrect: The United States has many homeless people.  Correct: Because the homeless population is still widespread in the United States, Congress, organizations, and individuals must do more to improve the problem.

Thesis Statement Fallacies a generalization.  Incorrect: Men take all the good jobs and get paid more.  Correct: Recent research shows men are still earning a significant amount more than women in the same positions; therefore, employers and the government must do more to narrow this gap.

Thesis Statement Fallacies an exaggeration  Incorrect: Fad diets are extremely unhealthy.  Correct: Many fad diets are dangerous because they may harm the human body, they often lack proper nutrients, and they may easily cause a person to regain original weight.

Thesis Statement Fallacies a question.  Incorrect: Is it right for the media to portray women the way they do?  Correct: The media and Hollywood portray women as very beautiful and thin; doing so has a negative effect on young girls’ self-esteem.

Thesis Statement Fallacies too broad.  Incorrect: All animals are unique.  Correct: The hippopotamus is one of the most unusual and interesting animals within the animal kingdom.

Thesis Statement Fallacies too narrow.  Incorrect: The song “Cop Killa” is offensive.  Correct: Music with vulgar language or inappropriate messages may negatively influence young children and teenagers.

Thesis Statement Fallacies an announcement.  Incorrect: This essay talks about how legalizing marijuana is incorrect.  Correct: Marijuana must not be legalized because it will lead to greater social ills.

Thesis Statement Fallacies vague or general.  Incorrect: Jane Austen was a good author.  Correct: Jane Austen was one of the greatest authors of all time because of her unique use of characterization and plots detailing significant social issues.

Thesis Statement Fallacies written in first person.  Incorrect: I believe second-hand smoke is bad for people.  Correct: People of all ages should avoid second-hand smoke because it poses one of the deadliest health risks today.

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