How to Write a Solid Thesis Statement for Your Paper

Solid thesis statement

Aug 07, 2018

For those who want to know how to write a thesis statement, we have compiled this how-to with mainly one objective in view: to help you master your writing skills and find detailed answers regarding writing your thesis statement. First things first: what makes writing a thesis statement so challenging? Why is a thesis statement important? Being an integral part of the introductory section, a thesis statement is an effective tool for putting forth the main idea of your paper clearly. An academic essay is a well-structured piece of writing controlled by the main idea. It is written with the attempt either to affirm the concept as true or to verify it. The main idea is generally grasped from the thesis statement.

Let's say, the topic is "Diversity in a workplace." Now, in your thesis statement, you may bring out an opinion that diversity in a workplace is counterproductive for the company's performance. You may refine your concept with another sentence or two clarifying your opinion. It may explain what you mean by "counterproductive" or on which aspects of productivity it has a negative impact. Yet, avoid giving biased viewpoints. You should strictly sidestep subjective assertions of any kind in the academic circles altogether. Your thesis statement is the opinion you should enforce. Support your arguments by the evidence you have found as a part of the study.

The main body of the text is where you thematize that evidence. In the premises part, you should explain why the topic is important in the first place and why you as the author suggest this particular thesis statement. Use the answer to that question to identify the topic. Then you go on to write the main body of the text. The central part of the paper should also be built around your thesis statement. Or, to be more precise, it is where you support it. It is also essential that you refer to it in each of your body paragraphs. You should clearly emphasize and point your argument back to what you said you were going to prove with the thesis statement. Ultimately, you will likely want your thesis statement to tie together the arguments stated in the main part of your essay (these arguments prove your thesis statement to be correct).

There is another important tip for you to consider when working on your thesis statement. You should select the right place for your thesis statement to be at. Typically, it goes at the end of your introductory paragraph, which is usually the first one in your paper. If you are working on a complex assignment with several opening paragraphs, placing the thesis sentence near the beginning of your paper is what you should go for. Whereas the first paragraph may be entirely focused on general information related to the subject, you should place your thesis statement toward the beginning of the second introductory paragraph. It should by no means be introduced in any of your paper's body paragraphs.

Now, that we understand what a thesis statement is and where it should be located, let's delve into the subject and take a look at what an effective thesis statement is made of.

Tips for creating an effective thesis statement

In fact, writing an effective thesis statement is a challenge even for those students who have no problems doing academic assignments on their own. But what is the secret behind a solid thesis sentence? What is an effective thesis statement? Go on reading to learn simple yet practical tips for writing a good thesis statement.

In fact, a solid thesis statement should avoid any biased viewpoints. Misleading, subjective or deceptive statements like "I don't like Jazz" or, for instance, "Jazz is bad" are generally prohibited. Such statements cannot be proved with reason, that's why you should avoid them. Well, you don't like Jazz, so what? A credible thesis statement should be readily demonstrative, and provable by evidence.

For instance, in a thesis statement for a history essay, you could pass an opinion that Josef Stalin had orchestrated the beginning of the Second World War on the Soviet territory. Still, you are expected to back this statement up. If there's no factual evidence to a statement, you should not go for it at all because it hardly seems credible or provable.

Another example of a thesis sentence, which comprises the subjective components of the believability is "Stalin was wrong." Be it right or wrong, it is always in the eye of the beholder, whereas trustworthiness and expertise is quite a different beast. That is why you cannot say that someone is simply right or simply wrong as a matter of fact. To persuade your readers, you should draw upon verified facts. Yet, the vigor of your argument will also depend upon how plausible your interpretations of those facts are.

Another factor you should consider in this context is how tightly your thesis statement is focused on the topic. In the first place, make sure your subject is closely related to the topic. Pay extra attention to how and what you do around them and make sure that the thesis statement is precise and short. Digest, do not get into details. So, speaking of a completely adequate thesis sentence, consider this one: "Washing your hands is an effective method to prevent illnesses and reduce the spread of infections." However, you would negate the effectiveness of your thesis by going into more detail: "Washing your hands is an effective method to prevent illnesses and reduce the spread of infections because the majority of bacteria are washed away with water, and even more are removed with soap." You should back up this statement by supporting arguments and figures in the next paragraphs. Generally speaking, you should stick to the point and state a case. You don't mention how you are going to prove something or why it is one way or another.

Thesis Statements Writing FAQ and More Tips!

Indeed, there are more tips and examples for writing thesis statements we would like to share with you. Check these frequently asked questions regarding thesis statements we are asked by our readers and the answers that we have prepared:

What should a thesis avoid?

A good thesis should give a wide berth to any biased viewpoints and unreasonable wordiness.

What should you write in a well-crafted thesis statement and what should you omit?

A good thesis statement should be restricted to a (generally) one-sentence summary of the main point of your paper.

Can a thesis statement be a fact?

By no means. A fact requires no proving whatsoever, and thus we cannot dedicate an entire paper to it. Yes, we could name or state it, but it requires no argumentation. On the contrary, a fact can be an argument in support of your thesis statement.

Can a thesis statement be longer than one sentence?

In some cases, it can be longer. But unless necessary, you should keep your thesis statement short - no longer than just one sentence.

Can a thesis statement be written as a question?

No, it can't be a question. The very word "statement" excludes such an option.

Is a thesis statement only one sentence?

In the majority of cases, it is. But there are particular situations when you have to extend it to two or even more sentences if your paper's main idea cannot be covered by only one.

Do thesis statements have to be argumentative?

It depends on your paper's type. If you need to argue a position or persuade somebody, you should make your thesis statement argumentative.

What should a thesis statement contain?

It should provide your viewpoint, and identify the purpose of your paper clearly. But, don't forget that it also depends on the type of writing.

How to start a good thesis statement?

In fact, there is no start to take. You just get right to the point and avoid vagueness. It has neither introductory part nor summary, so concise it is.

What are the types of thesis statements?

Structure-wise, there are direct and indirect thesis statements. An indirect thesis statement is a bare statement bereft of any argumentation, whereas a direct thesis statement should very briefly identify the proving system, through which you are going to make out your case.

An example of a direct thesis statement: "The four major qualities that a student has to possess to succeed in studying are advanced time management skills, an inquisitive mind, out-of-the-box thinking, and resilience."

An example of an indirect thesis statement: "Nowadays, to be a successful student, you have to possess specific qualities; otherwise, the chances to fail at studying increase manifold."

But, when it comes to different paper styles, three more thesis statement types can be defined: expository, argumentative and analytical.

When you analyze something, you usually try to get to the bottom line and answer such questions as "why" and "how." Hence, your thesis statement would also answer those questions. The most common mistake here is making your thesis statement too broad.

Bad analytical thesis statement: "Environmental situation is worsening each day."

Good analytical thesis statement: "The level of air pollution in Shanghai threatens to reach dangerous levels by 2020 because of the continuous increase of petrol-powered vehicles in the city."

The expository (also called explanatory) type's primary goal is to acquaint the reader with something. When working on your thesis statement, be sure to include every part of the topic you want to focus on.

Bad expository thesis statement: "Fixed-wing aircraft were invented because they wanted to travel to farther locations, change the methods of warfare and experience the flight."

Good expository thesis statement: "The invention of fixed-wing aircraft changed the world, allowing people to traverse long distances in a short period."

And lastly, we have the argumentative writing. Here, you usually want to convince the reader (by using evidence and facts) that the position you're taking or a claim is valid. The thesis statement tells what your opinion is and what proof you use.

Bad expository thesis statement: "Basic Income Guarantee is a good program."

Good expository thesis statement: "The government should consider implementing basic income because of its potential to reduce poverty, establish gender equality, increase employment rate, and ensure overall economic growth."

Recognizing a Poor Thesis Statement

Let us have a look at a weak thesis statement to understand what went wrong and why. Here are a few examples of bad thesis statements:

• John is wrong;
• Summer is a bad season;
• I won't go to Spain this month;
• I hate skiing.

"But why is this sentence not a thesis statement?" - Some of our readers would ask such a question regarding one of these statements. Well, all these statements are impossible to prove right or wrong because, in fact, it is a mere set of beliefs. They contain opinions, guesses, and emotions. You cannot nail down or knock the bottom out of these arguments by factual evidence or logic. Thus, they cannot serve as thesis statements. There is nothing left to say after you make such a statement. "John is wrong." Well, so what? What can we add? Swear and roar frightfully at most? To cut a long story short, nick down that a thesis statement is not a judgment or a personal opinion with no evidence to back it up.