What the heck is a thesis, anyway?

Question

Here's the problem with the dictionary definition: it doesn't tell you how to write one. So, the real question isn't "What?" it's "How?"

A thesis is an opinion that is arguable. In this case, it's your opinion. (That's right: people want to know your opinion!) The rest of your essay will focus on convincing your reader that your opinion is the right one, or at least a relevant one with evidence to back it up.

Here's how to pick one: To make sure you have a thesis that will work, start by collecting evidence (examples or samples or quotes or actions) that back up your claim. Choose a couple of potential theses that interest you, and see if you can find three pieces of evidence to back each one up. If you can, you have a winner!

Here's the hard part: a fact is not a thesis. If your emotions tell you that something you read is right, wrong, crazy, or awesome ... well, that's not enough. It might be a great place to start, but you need evidence to use it as your thesis.

It has to be arguable: If almost everyone who reads the novel or article will agree with you that Joe is a good guy or that stealing is a bad idea then there's no one to argue with. Your thesis might work but it's not a very strong one.

Your thesis is the backbone of your essay; choosing a strong one will make your writing task much easier. Please do let me know if I can help you with this!

Answer 1

The best way I know to think of thesis statements is that they are always cause-and-effect sentences.

It can be something that the author does that has an effect on the reader:

"Sophocles uses tragic irony throughout Oedipus Rex to show his audience that free will is an illusion."

It can be something in one part of the work that affects its meaning:

"Hamlet's constant search for truth makes him unable to act until it is too late."

It can be a more detached observation about the text:

"The narrator of Frost's 'The Road Not Taken' is more cynical than he appears because his word choice shows his regret."

Or probably other possibilities. But what they have in common is your attempt to dig into why an aspect of the book / play / poem / etc. is the way it is.

Hope this helps!