1. How to write a strong thesis
I Search
The thesis statement is what gives an essay direction. Knowing how to write a thesis statement — the topic, a claim about that topic, and three points to support it — can help a writer start an essay in the most clear and concise way. Not only does it help the writer organize subsequent information in the essay, but a strong thesis statement helps the reader understand the information that leads to the conclusion.

2. Steps to Establish a Thesis Statement
You must begin with a topic question.
You must form an opinion and state it clearly. Do not be wishy-washy.
Be sure you have approached your evidence fairly, without bias.
Consider both sides of a controversial issue.
Once you've established the topic question, a clear position, and objectivity, you're ready to write a thesis statement.

3. Research Question
Ask the journalistic questions (who, what, when, where, why) about your topic until you get down to a single question that is both specific and substantive. Your argument is grounded in solid evidence and analysis.

4. When writing a thesis think “in this paper, I will argue that …”
What is a thesis?
Research Paper Statement of main claim about the topic, issue, or problem
When writing a thesis think “in this paper, I will argue that …”
Complex, one sentence. (Usually)

5. Create a tentative Thesis
Remember that a tentative thesis statement is not something set in stone; rather, it is something meant to help you focus your analysis and research so that the writing task becomes manageable. You should not attempt to start collecting and analyzing evidence until you have an idea of the main argument you would like make in your paper.

6. Examples
A good thesis statement is short and simple: it should be no longer than one sentence, regardless of essay length. • Good Example: Success is a result of doing the right things consistently. Needs Work: In a world full of success gurus and books about success, it becomes ever so more important to delineate the one trait that ultimately determines success: doing the right things consistently.

7. Examples
Good example: The key to successful dieting is focusing on a specific goal. Needs Work: The key to successful dieting is focusing on a specific goal, which is also the key to successfully running a business and coaching a football team.

8. Examples
A good thesis statement is a declarative sentence with no qualifiers (might, maybe, perhaps, etc.): Good example: Lebron James' ability to score, pass, and rebound make him the league's most valuable player. Needs Work: Does Lebron James' ability to score, pass, and rebound make him the league's most valuable player? Needs Work: Lebron James' ability to score, pass, and rebound just might make him the league's most valuable player.

9. Practice Write several trial statements. READ and REVISE
If you're having trouble deciding which side to take on a controversial issue, write your thesis statement from two different points of view. Then decide which one better represents your opinion. If you still can't decide, list facts on both sides of the issue and decide which facts make a more persuasive argument.
Write your thesis statement on a piece of small paper. Pass it to the front of the room. We will read each one and make suggestions.