How do I write a strong, argumentative thesis statement?

Question

What makes a compelling thesis that poses a claim?

Answer 1

A thesis statement should be a claim that you make about your topic. It should be specific and arguable, and it should be something that you can support with evidence. A good thesis statement will usually include the following four attributes:

- Take a position on an issue about which reasonable people might disagree.

- Be clear and concise. An effective thesis statement should be able to be expressed in a single sentence.

- Be specific. Your thesis statement should be focused and not try to cover too much ground.

- Be arguable. A good thesis statement should be debatable; it should give rise to further discussion and debate.

A compelling thesis that poses a claim must take a position on an issue and be able to defend that position with evidence. The position must be clear and concise, and the thesis should be arguable.

Answer 2

Typically, the thesis statement appears as the last sentence of the introduction. In fact, it should serve as the main idea/summary for the whole paper and may include key words from the prompt. A thesis often expresses an opinion or a debatable claim. Another way to think of your thesis is like this; if someone reads only one sentence of the whole essay, she should understand the topic and point of view of the whole paper. Below is an example:

Prompt: Discuss whether the violence depicted in horror genre media affect young viewers. 

Weak thesis statement/statement of fact: Horror movies have been popular among teenagers for many years; they also feature monsters and other scary villains. 

Revised strong thesis: Horror movies often feature violent monsters and depict women through negative stereotypes, which leaves a corrupting influence on teenagers; therefore, theater chains and online streaming services must enforce stricter policies to ensure minors can’t access them.  

Do you see how the weak thesis only states a fact and only partially answers the prompt, but the revised version presents an opinion/debatable claim and a solution? The revised thesis is also much more focused and lists specific reasons and examples. It is possible for the reader to agree or disagree with the revised version. The weak thesis can’t be debated.