Thesis Statement Writing

Question

How do you troubleshoot a thesis to make sure that it is well-written?

Answer 1

Thesis statements need to have the following qualities:

1. They need to be arguable.
2. They need to be specific, clear and concise.
3. They need to address the prompt, or the purpose of the writing.

This is a great place to start. Another element that you need to consider is what kind of essay you're writing and what you're trying to accomplish in your essay.

For example, if you're writing an essay for English that is a literary analysis (breaking down a text in some way), you need to also include the title, author, and an insight into the text.

EX: In Lorraine Hansberry's, "A Raisin in the Sun", Walter learns a tough, but necessary lesson on the true value of investing in family rather than chasing dreams of being rich.

If you're writing a research paper, your thesis might only need to state what you're researching and what you find out.

EX: Both Ford and Chevrolet trucks have their benefits, but Chevrolet overall has better safety, more staying power, and more durability compared to Ford.

If you're writing a persuasive essay, you need to make a point to argue.

EX: OVerturning Roe V. Wade set the country back decades in terms of medical care, gender equality, and social stigmas.

Some teachers push the three-pronged approach like in the examples for the research and persuasive essays. This means that you provide a position, then give three qualities, characteristics, reasons that will support the position. The reason is that this sets up the body structure of the essay. However, others dislike this approach because it is too formulaic and limiting. However, for beginning writer's it's a good strategy to ensure that you have enough evidence to support your thesis from the start.

Answer 2

To troubleshoot your thesis, first ask yourself 3 questions:

1) Do you have a clear and specific point you're trying to make?

2) Is this something that can be debated on? (Meaning a reader could oppose your position)

3) Do you have evidence to support your opinion?

A good example would be:

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are considered a staple in children's lunches. These type of sandwiches are the best because they are cheap, easy to make and taste good.

The reason this is a good thesis, is that I

1) Make a direct point: Peanut butter sandwiches are the best

2) Easy to debate: Someone may think grilled cheese are the best

3) Evidence: They are cheap, easy to make and taste good

Ideally, the rest of my essay would be used to talk about my evidence and further back-up my statement