How do I write a thesis statement?

Question

I need to have a thesis statement in my essay. What is that exactly? How do I write one? How long should it be? Where does it go?

Answer 1

I have a free fill-in-the-blank template for writing a thesis statement. Contact me for the file.

Answer 2

Write a one sentence statement or pose a one sentence question that makes readers carefully if any other positions they have taken can stand up.

Answer 3

A thesis statement is a concise, clear, and specific sentence that presents the main argument or point of your essay. It serves as a roadmap for your readers, informing them about the purpose and direction of your paper. A well-crafted thesis statement helps you maintain focus and provides a foundation for your arguments throughout the essay.

To write a thesis statement, follow these guidelines:

1.      Be specific: Your thesis statement should clearly state your main argument or point of view. Avoid vague or general statements that lack clarity.

2.      Be concise: Keep your thesis statement to one or two sentences. It should be brief and focused to provide a clear and direct message.

3.      Be arguable: Your thesis statement should present an argument or position that can be debated or supported with evidence. It should not be a statement of fact.

4.      Be relevant: Ensure that your thesis statement directly addresses the topic or question your essay is exploring. It should capture the essence of your essay's main idea.

5.      Be flexible: Your thesis statement may evolve and change as you research and develop your essay. It's not uncommon for it to be refined as you gain a deeper understanding of your topic.

As for its placement within your essay, the thesis statement is typically located in the introduction, usually towards the end of the first paragraph. However, the exact placement can vary depending on the essay's structure and requirements.

Here's an example to illustrate these points:

Topic: The impact of social media on society

Weak thesis statement: "Social media is popular and has both positive and negative effects."

This statement is vague, lacks focus, and doesn't take a clear stance.

Strong thesis statement: "The pervasive influence of social media on society is evidenced by its role in shaping public opinion, transforming communication patterns, and impacting mental health."

This statement is specific, arguable, and sets a clear direction for the essay.

Remember, your thesis statement should provide a preview of the main arguments you will present in your essay while capturing the essence of your overall message.

Answer 4

A thesis statement is arguably the most important part of an academic essay. It makes it clear from the start what you are arguing and why. Is is usually only one or two sentences and should go at the very end of your introduction (which is typically a paragraph or two depending on the length of your essay). The introduction should give the background of a topic your imagined reader, assuming that reader does not know anything about your topic. So, by the time the reader gets to the end of the intro and to your thesis, they know the background that made you feel your argument is important enough to write about.

There are a lot of thesis statement prompts online that are helpful. I typically use my own version of something called The Amazing Thesis Worksheet. This is one I use for my English 2010: Intermediate Academic Writing, Writing About Video Games class. The essay prompt is for their final essay for the class and is to make an argument about something to do with video games. (I know, I'm mean for leaving it this wide open, but I like students to be able to write about something they are actually interested in). Feel free to copy and use this if it helps you.

Video Games Position Paper Thesis Statement

The purpose of this assignment is to make sure you have a proper argument for the Video Games Position Paper.

 

Assignment

A thesis statement is a sentence in a paper or essay that introduces your argument to the reader. It typically comes at the very end of your introduction, which will give the background of your topic so that by the time the reader gets to the thesis statement, they understand the main points of the issue and why you are arguing what you are about it. Your thesis statement is arguably the most important sentence in your entire paper—but also one of the hardest to write! To make it easier, I have set up the following step-by-step guide to writing a thesis.

*Note*: Your approved thesis has to be used in your Video Games Position Essay.

The following must be addressed in order to be considered complete:

1. You have copied and pasted these steps into a document
2. You have filled in every step
3. It is an argument, meaning someone could possibly disagree. It can't just be known information.
4. It is in MLA formatting.

Please copy and paste the following into a document and fill in the answers:

Step One: The Topic

Write your topic down (ex. video games in higher education):

Step Two: The Position

What is one thing about your topic that you believe to be true and that you wish to argue? 

Write down your position (ex. video games should be used more in higher education):

Step Three: The Counter-Argument

Is there some opposing aspect that has a legitimate point and shouldn't be ignored? If so, you need to include a counter-argument. If not, don't add one for the sake of it.

Write down your counter-argument if applicable (ex. traditionally, video games are only used in younger children's education because they are seen as childish):

Step Four: The Reason

In general, why do you believe your position to be correct in spite of your counterargument? Or what is the overall gain by agreeing with your position?

In other words, so what? Why is your argument needed or important? 

Write down your reason (ex. games are one of the most motivating ways to learn):

Step Five: Put them all together.

This should be one or two sentences only.

Write this down here (ex. Although traditionally video games are only used in younger children's education, studies show it is one of the most motivating ways to learn for all ages; therefore, they should be implemented in higher education more often.):