how to create the perfect thesis statement

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Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements

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Tips for Writing Your Thesis Statement

1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing:

• An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.
• An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.
• An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.

If you are writing a text that does not fall under these three categories (e.g., a narrative), a thesis statement somewhere in the first paragraph could still be helpful to your reader.

2. Your thesis statement should be specific—it should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and should be supported with specific evidence.

3. The thesis statement usually appears at the end of the first paragraph of a paper.

4. Your topic may change as you write, so you may need to revise your thesis statement to reflect exactly what you have discussed in the paper.

Thesis Statement Examples

Example of an analytical thesis statement:

The paper that follows should:

• Explain the analysis of the college admission process
• Explain the challenge facing admissions counselors

Example of an expository (explanatory) thesis statement:

• Explain how students spend their time studying, attending class, and socializing with peers

Example of an argumentative thesis statement:

• Present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community projects before entering college

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How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement: 4 Steps + Examples

What’s Covered:

What is the purpose of a thesis statement, writing a good thesis statement: 4 steps, common pitfalls to avoid, where to get your essay edited for free.

When you set out to write an essay, there has to be some kind of point to it, right? Otherwise, your essay would just be a big jumble of word salad that makes absolutely no sense. An essay needs a central point that ties into everything else. That main point is called a thesis statement, and it’s the core of any essay or research paper.

You may hear about Master degree candidates writing a thesis, and that is an entire paper–not to be confused with the thesis statement, which is typically one sentence that contains your paper’s focus. 

Read on to learn more about thesis statements and how to write them. We’ve also included some solid examples for you to reference.

Typically the last sentence of your introductory paragraph, the thesis statement serves as the roadmap for your essay. When your reader gets to the thesis statement, they should have a clear outline of your main point, as well as the information you’ll be presenting in order to either prove or support your point. 

The thesis statement should not be confused for a topic sentence , which is the first sentence of every paragraph in your essay. If you need help writing topic sentences, numerous resources are available. Topic sentences should go along with your thesis statement, though.

Since the thesis statement is the most important sentence of your entire essay or paper, it’s imperative that you get this part right. Otherwise, your paper will not have a good flow and will seem disjointed. That’s why it’s vital not to rush through developing one. It’s a methodical process with steps that you need to follow in order to create the best thesis statement possible.

Step 1: Decide what kind of paper you’re writing

When you’re assigned an essay, there are several different types you may get. Argumentative essays are designed to get the reader to agree with you on a topic. Informative or expository essays present information to the reader. Analytical essays offer up a point and then expand on it by analyzing relevant information. Thesis statements can look and sound different based on the type of paper you’re writing. For example:

• Argumentative: The United States needs a viable third political party to decrease bipartisanship, increase options, and help reduce corruption in government.
• Informative: The Libertarian party has thrown off elections before by gaining enough support in states to get on the ballot and by taking away crucial votes from candidates.
• Analytical: An analysis of past presidential elections shows that while third party votes may have been the minority, they did affect the outcome of the elections in 2020, 2016, and beyond.

Step 2: Figure out what point you want to make

Once you know what type of paper you’re writing, you then need to figure out the point you want to make with your thesis statement, and subsequently, your paper. In other words, you need to decide to answer a question about something, such as:

• What impact did reality TV have on American society?
• How has the musical Hamilton affected perception of American history?
• Why do I want to major in [chosen major here]?

If you have an argumentative essay, then you will be writing about an opinion. To make it easier, you may want to choose an opinion that you feel passionate about so that you’re writing about something that interests you. For example, if you have an interest in preserving the environment, you may want to choose a topic that relates to that. 

If you’re writing your college essay and they ask why you want to attend that school, you may want to have a main point and back it up with information, something along the lines of:

“Attending Harvard University would benefit me both academically and professionally, as it would give me a strong knowledge base upon which to build my career, develop my network, and hopefully give me an advantage in my chosen field.”

Step 3: Determine what information you’ll use to back up your point

Once you have the point you want to make, you need to figure out how you plan to back it up throughout the rest of your essay. Without this information, it will be hard to either prove or argue the main point of your thesis statement. If you decide to write about the Hamilton example, you may decide to address any falsehoods that the writer put into the musical, such as:

“The musical Hamilton, while accurate in many ways, leaves out key parts of American history, presents a nationalist view of founding fathers, and downplays the racism of the times.”

Once you’ve written your initial working thesis statement, you’ll then need to get information to back that up. For example, the musical completely leaves out Benjamin Franklin, portrays the founding fathers in a nationalist way that is too complimentary, and shows Hamilton as a staunch abolitionist despite the fact that his family likely did own slaves. 

Step 4: Revise and refine your thesis statement before you start writing

Read through your thesis statement several times before you begin to compose your full essay. You need to make sure the statement is ironclad, since it is the foundation of the entire paper. Edit it or have a peer review it for you to make sure everything makes sense and that you feel like you can truly write a paper on the topic. Once you’ve done that, you can then begin writing your paper.

When writing a thesis statement, there are some common pitfalls you should avoid so that your paper can be as solid as possible. Make sure you always edit the thesis statement before you do anything else. You also want to ensure that the thesis statement is clear and concise. Don’t make your reader hunt for your point. Finally, put your thesis statement at the end of the first paragraph and have your introduction flow toward that statement. Your reader will expect to find your statement in its traditional spot.

If you’re having trouble getting started, or need some guidance on your essay, there are tools available that can help you. CollegeVine offers a free peer essay review tool where one of your peers can read through your essay and provide you with valuable feedback. Getting essay feedback from a peer can help you wow your instructor or college admissions officer with an impactful essay that effectively illustrates your point.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

While Sandel argues that pursuing perfection through genetic engineering would decrease our sense of humility, he claims that the sense of solidarity we would lose is also important.

This thesis summarizes several points in Sandel’s argument, but it does not make a claim about how we should understand his argument. A reader who read Sandel’s argument would not also need to read an essay based on this descriptive thesis.  

Broad thesis (arguable, but difficult to support with evidence) 

Michael Sandel’s arguments about genetic engineering do not take into consideration all the relevant issues.

This is an arguable claim because it would be possible to argue against it by saying that Michael Sandel’s arguments do take all of the relevant issues into consideration. But the claim is too broad. Because the thesis does not specify which “issues” it is focused on—or why it matters if they are considered—readers won’t know what the rest of the essay will argue, and the writer won’t know what to focus on. If there is a particular issue that Sandel does not address, then a more specific version of the thesis would include that issue—hand an explanation of why it is important.  

Arguable thesis with analytical claim 

While Sandel argues persuasively that our instinct to “remake” (54) ourselves into something ever more perfect is a problem, his belief that we can always draw a line between what is medically necessary and what makes us simply “better than well” (51) is less convincing.

This is an arguable analytical claim. To argue for this claim, the essay writer will need to show how evidence from the article itself points to this interpretation. It’s also a reasonable scope for a thesis because it can be supported with evidence available in the text and is neither too broad nor too narrow.  

Arguable thesis with normative claim 

Given Sandel’s argument against genetic enhancement, we should not allow parents to decide on using Human Growth Hormone for their children.

This thesis tells us what we should do about a particular issue discussed in Sandel’s article, but it does not tell us how we should understand Sandel’s argument.  

Questions to ask about your thesis 

• Is the thesis truly arguable? Does it speak to a genuine dilemma in the source, or would most readers automatically agree with it?  
• Is the thesis too obvious? Again, would most or all readers agree with it without needing to see your argument?  
• Is the thesis complex enough to require a whole essay's worth of argument?  
• Is the thesis supportable with evidence from the text rather than with generalizations or outside research?  
• Would anyone want to read a paper in which this thesis was developed? That is, can you explain what this paper is adding to our understanding of a problem, question, or topic?
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25 Thesis Statement Examples That Will Make Writing a Breeze

Understanding what makes a good thesis statement is one of the major keys to writing a great research paper or argumentative essay. The thesis statement is where you make a claim that will guide you through your entire paper. If you find yourself struggling to make sense of your paper or your topic, then it's likely due to a weak thesis statement.

Let's take a minute to first understand what makes a solid thesis statement, and what key components you need to write one of your own.

A thesis statement always goes at the beginning of the paper. It will typically be in the first couple of paragraphs of the paper so that it can introduce the body paragraphs, which are the supporting evidence for your thesis statement.

Your thesis statement should clearly identify an argument. You need to have a statement that is not only easy to understand, but one that is debatable. What that means is that you can't just put any statement of fact and have it be your thesis. For example, everyone knows that puppies are cute . An ineffective thesis statement would be, "Puppies are adorable and everyone knows it." This isn't really something that's a debatable topic.

Something that would be more debatable would be, "A puppy's cuteness is derived from its floppy ears, small body, and playfulness." These are three things that can be debated on. Some people might think that the cutest thing about puppies is the fact that they follow you around or that they're really soft and fuzzy.

All cuteness aside, you want to make sure that your thesis statement is not only debatable, but that it also actually thoroughly answers the research question that was posed. You always want to make sure that your evidence is supporting a claim that you made (and not the other way around). This is why it's crucial to read and research about a topic first and come to a conclusion later. If you try to get your research to fit your thesis statement, then it may not work out as neatly as you think. As you learn more, you discover more (and the outcome may not be what you originally thought).

Additionally, your thesis statement shouldn't be too big or too grand. It'll be hard to cover everything in a thesis statement like, "The federal government should act now on climate change." The topic is just too large to actually say something new and meaningful. Instead, a more effective thesis statement might be, "Local governments can combat climate change by providing citizens with larger recycling bins and offering local classes about composting and conservation." This is easier to work with because it's a smaller idea, but you can also discuss the overall topic that you might be interested in, which is climate change.

So, now that we know what makes a good, solid thesis statement, you can start to write your own. If you find that you're getting stuck or you are the type of person who needs to look at examples before you start something, then check out our list of thesis statement examples below.

Thesis statement examples

A quick note that these thesis statements have not been fully researched. These are merely examples to show you what a thesis statement might look like and how you can implement your own ideas into one that you think of independently. As such, you should not use these thesis statements for your own research paper purposes. They are meant to be used as examples only.

• Vaccinations Because many children are unable to vaccinate due to illness, we must require that all healthy and able children be vaccinated in order to have herd immunity.
• Educational Resources for Low-Income Students Schools should provide educational resources for low-income students during the summers so that they don't forget what they've learned throughout the school year.
• School Uniforms School uniforms may be an upfront cost for families, but they eradicate the visual differences in income between students and provide a more egalitarian atmosphere at school.
• Populism The rise in populism on the 2016 political stage was in reaction to increasing globalization, the decline of manufacturing jobs, and the Syrian refugee crisis.
• Public Libraries Libraries are essential resources for communities and should be funded more heavily by local municipalities.
• Cyber Bullying With more and more teens using smartphones and social media, cyber bullying is on the rise. Cyber bullying puts a lot of stress on many teens, and can cause depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. Parents should limit the usage of smart phones, monitor their children's online activity, and report any cyber bullying to school officials in order to combat this problem.
• Medical Marijuana for Veterans Studies have shown that the use of medicinal marijuana has been helpful to veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Medicinal marijuana prescriptions should be legal in all states and provided to these veterans. Additional medical or therapy services should also be researched and implemented in order to help them re-integrate back into civilian life.
• Work-Life Balance Corporations should provide more work from home opportunities and six-hour workdays so that office workers have a better work-life balance and are more likely to be productive when they are in the office.
• Teaching Youths about Consensual Sex Although sex education that includes a discussion of consensual sex would likely lead to less sexual assault, parents need to teach their children the meaning of consent from a young age with age appropriate lessons.
• Whether or Not to Attend University A degree from a university provides invaluable lessons on life and a future career, but not every high school student should be encouraged to attend a university directly after graduation. Some students may benefit from a trade school or a "gap year" where they can think more intensely about what it is they want to do for a career and how they can accomplish this.
• Studying Abroad Studying abroad is one of the most culturally valuable experiences you can have in college. It is the only way to get completely immersed in another language and learn how other cultures and countries are different from your own.
• Women's Body Image Magazines have done a lot in the last five years to include a more diverse group of models, but there is still a long way to go to promote a healthy woman's body image collectively as a culture.
• Cigarette Tax Heavily taxing and increasing the price of cigarettes is essentially a tax on the poorest Americans, and it doesn't deter them from purchasing. Instead, the state and federal governments should target those economically disenfranchised with early education about the dangers of smoking.
• Veganism A vegan diet, while a healthy and ethical way to consume food, indicates a position of privilege. It also limits you to other cultural food experiences if you travel around the world.
• University Athletes Should be Compensated University athletes should be compensated for their service to the university, as it is difficult for these students to procure and hold a job with busy academic and athletic schedules. Many student athletes on scholarship also come from low-income neighborhoods and it is a struggle to make ends meet when they are participating in athletics.
• Women in the Workforce Sheryl Sandberg makes a lot of interesting points in her best-selling book, Lean In , but she only addressed the very privileged working woman and failed to speak to those in lower-skilled, lower-wage jobs.
• Assisted Suicide Assisted suicide should be legal and doctors should have the ability to make sure their patients have the end-of-life care that they want to receive.
• Celebrity and Political Activism Although Taylor Swift's lyrics are indicative of a feminist perspective, she should be more politically active and vocal to use her position of power for the betterment of society.
• The Civil War The insistence from many Southerners that the South seceded from the Union for states' rights versus the fact that they seceded for the purposes of continuing slavery is a harmful myth that still affects race relations today.
• Blue Collar Workers Coal miners and other blue-collar workers whose jobs are slowly disappearing from the workforce should be re-trained in jobs in the technology sector or in renewable energy. A program to re-train these workers would not only improve local economies where jobs have been displaced, but would also lead to lower unemployment nationally.
• Diversity in the Workforce Having a diverse group of people in an office setting leads to richer ideas, more cooperation, and more empathy between people with different skin colors or backgrounds.
• Re-Imagining the Nuclear Family The nuclear family was traditionally defined as one mother, one father, and 2.5 children. This outdated depiction of family life doesn't quite fit with modern society. The definition of normal family life shouldn't be limited to two-parent households.
• Digital Literacy Skills With more information readily available than ever before, it's crucial that students are prepared to examine the material they're reading and determine whether or not it's a good source or if it has misleading information. Teaching students digital literacy and helping them to understand the difference between opinion or propaganda from legitimate, real information is integral.
• Beauty Pageants Beauty pageants are presented with the angle that they empower women. However, putting women in a swimsuit on a stage while simultaneously judging them on how well they answer an impossible question in a short period of time is cruel and purely for the amusement of men. Therefore, we should stop televising beauty pageants.
• Supporting More Women to Run for a Political Position In order to get more women into political positions, more women must run for office. There must be a grassroots effort to educate women on how to run for office, who among them should run, and support for a future candidate for getting started on a political career.

Still stuck? Need some help with your thesis statement?

If you are still uncertain about how to write a thesis statement or what a good thesis statement is, be sure to consult with your teacher or professor to make sure you're on the right track. It's always a good idea to check in and make sure that your thesis statement is making a solid argument and that it can be supported by your research.

After you're done writing, it's important to have someone take a second look at your paper so that you can ensure there are no mistakes or errors. It's difficult to spot your own mistakes, which is why it's always recommended to have someone help you with the revision process, whether that's a teacher, the writing center at school, or a professional editor such as one from ServiceScape .

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How to Write a Thesis Statement

Last Updated: February 27, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was reviewed by Gerald Posner . Gerald Posner is an Author & Journalist based in Miami, Florida. With over 35 years of experience, he specializes in investigative journalism, nonfiction books, and editorials. He holds a law degree from UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and a BA in Political Science from the University of California-Berkeley. He’s the author of thirteen books, including several New York Times bestsellers, the winner of the Florida Book Award for General Nonfiction, and has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History. He was also shortlisted for the Best Business Book of 2020 by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 3,202,407 times.

Whether you’re writing a short essay or a doctoral dissertation, your thesis statement can be one of the trickiest sentences to formulate. Fortunately, there are some basic rules you can follow to ensure your thesis statement is effective and interesting, including that it must be a debatable analytical point, not a general truism.

Crafting Great Thesis Statements

• Thesis: "Computers allow fourth graders an early advantage in technological and scientific education."
• ' Thesis: "The river comes to symbolize both division and progress, as it separates our characters and country while still providing the best chance for Huck and Jim to get to know one another."
• Thesis: "Through careful sociological study, we've found that people naturally assume that "morally righteous" people look down on them as "inferior," causing anger and conflict where there generally is none."

• Ex. "This dynamic between different generations sparks much of the play’s tension, as age becomes a motive for the violence and unrest that rocks King Lear."
• Ex. "The explosion of 1800s philosophies like Positivism, Marxism, and Darwinism undermined and refuted Christianity to instead focus on the real, tangible world."
• Ex. "Without the steady hand and specific decisions of Barack Obama, America would never have recovered from the hole it entered in the early 2000s."

• "While both sides fought the Civil War over the issue of slavery, the North fought for moral reasons while the South fought to preserve its own institutions."
• "The primary problem of the American steel industry is the lack of funds to renovate outdated plants and equipment."
• "Hemingway's stories helped create a new prose style by employing extensive dialogue, shorter sentences, and strong Anglo-Saxon words."

• "After the third and fourth time you see him beat himself, one finally realizes that Huck Finn is literature's first full-blown sadomasochist."
• "The advent of internet technology has rendered copyright laws irrelevant -- everyone can and should get writing, movies, art, and music for free."
• "Though they have served admirably for the past two centuries, recent research shows that America needs to ditch the two-party system, and quickly."

• "By owning up to the impossible contradictions, embracing them and questioning them, Blake forges his own faith, and is stronger for it. Ultimately, the only way for his poems to have faith is to temporarily lose it."
• "According to its well-documented beliefs and philosophies, an existential society with no notion of either past or future cannot help but become stagnant."
• "By reading “Ode to a Nightingale” through a modern deconstructionist lens, we can see how Keats viewed poetry as shifting and subjective, not some rigid form."
• "The wrong people won the American Revolution." While striking and unique, who is "right" and who is "wrong" is exceptionally hard to prove, and very subjective.
• "The theory of genetic inheritance is the binding theory of every human interaction." Too complicated and overzealous. The scope of "every human interaction" is just too big
• "Paul Harding's novel Tinkers is ultimately a cry for help from a clearly depressed author." Unless you interviewed Harding extensively, or had a lot of real-life sources, you have no way of proving what is fact and what is fiction."

Getting it Right

• is an assertion, not a fact or observation. Facts are used within the paper to support your thesis.
• takes a stand, meaning it announces your position towards a particular topic.
• is the main idea and explains what you intend to discuss.
• answers a specific question and explains how you plan to support your argument.
• is debatable. Someone should be able to argue an alternate position, or conversely, support your claims.

• "Because of William the Conqueror's campaign into England, that nation developed the strength and culture it would need to eventually build the British Empire."
• "Hemingway significantly changed literature by normalizing simplistic writing and frank tone."

Finding the Perfect Thesis

• A clear topic or subject matter
• A brief summary of what you will say
• [Something] [does something] because [reason(s)].
• Because [reason(s)], [something] [does something].
• Although [opposing evidence], [reasons] show [Something] [does something].
• The last example includes a counter-argument, which complicates the thesis but strengthens the argument. In fact, you should always be aware of all counter-arguments against your thesis. Doing so will refine your thesis, and also force you to consider arguments you have to refute in your paper.

• There are two schools of thought on thesis timing. Some people say you should not write the paper without a thesis in mind and written down, even if you have to alter it slightly by the end. The other school of thought says that you probably won't know where you're going until you get there, so don't write the thesis until you know what it should be. Do whatever seems best to you.

• Never frame your thesis as a question . The job of a thesis is to answer a question, not ask one.
• A thesis is not a list. If you're trying to answer a specific question, too many variables will send your paper off-focus. Keep it concise and brief.
• Never mention a new topic that you do not intend to discuss in the paper.
• Do not write in the first person. Using sentences such as, "I will show...," is generally frowned upon by scholars.
• Do not be combative. The point of your paper is to convince someone of your position, not turn them off, and the best way to achieve that is to make them want to listen to you. Express an open-minded tone, finding common ground between different views.

Sample Thesis and List of Things to Include

Community Q&A

• Think of your thesis as a case a lawyer has to defend. A thesis statement should explain to your readers the case you wish to make and how you will accomplish that. You can also think of your thesis as a contract. Introducing new ideas the reader is not prepared for may be alienating. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
• An effective thesis statement controls the entire argument. It determines what you cannot say. If a paragraph does not support your thesis, either omit it or change your thesis. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://wts.indiana.edu/writing-guides/how-to-write-a-thesis-statement.html
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/the_writing_process/thesis_statement_tips.html
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/thesis-statements/
• ↑ http://www.writing.utoronto.ca/advice/planning-and-organizing/thesis-statements
• ↑ https://writingcenter.uagc.edu/writing-a-thesis

About This Article

To write an effective thesis statement, choose a statement that answers a general question about your topic. Check that your thesis is arguable, not factual, and make sure you can back it up your with evidence. For example, your thesis statement could be something like "Computers allow fourth graders an early advantage in technological and scientific education." To learn about writing thesis statements for different types of essays or how to incorporate them into your essay, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Published by Nicolas at January 15th, 2024 , Revised On January 23, 2024

How To Write A Thesis Statement That Grabs Attention

Stuck at the very beginning of your research work and can’t figure out how to write a thesis statement? This guide is for you. 

Table of Contents

A thesis statement is the backbone of your academic paper. It serves as a roadmap for both the readers and the writers. However, a powerful thesis statement does more than just guide – it grabs the reader’s attention and sets the tone for the entire essay. Universities in Canada put great emphasis on effective thesis statements. Let’s explore this in depth.

What Is A Thesis Statement?

A thesis statement is a concise and specific sentence or two that summarizes the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, or any other piece of academic writing. It serves as the central focus and guiding idea for the entire work.

Make sure that you understand the differences between a dissertation and a thesis , as their requirements for a thesis statement may differ a bit.

Characteristics Of A Thesis Statement

• Clarity: A well-crafted thesis statement clearly communicates the main idea of the paper. It should avoid ambiguity and ensure that the reader understands the writer’s stance on the topic.
• Specificity: The thesis statement should be precise and focused. It should address a particular aspect of the topic and avoid broad or general statements.
• Debatable: A strong thesis statement presents an argument or a perspective that can be debated or challenged. It should not be a statement of fact but rather an assertion that requires support and evidence.
• Relevance: The thesis statement should be directly related to the topic of the essay. It provides a roadmap for what the reader can expect to find in the rest of the paper.
• Conciseness: Ideally, a thesis statement is a brief and to-the-point expression of the main idea. It typically appears in the introduction of the paper and is usually one or two sentences long.

Step-By-Step Guide On How To Write A Thesis Statement

Writing a compelling thesis statement is a crucial skill for any academic or research paper . It serves as the foundation of your entire paper, as it encapsulates the main idea and provides a roadmap for your readers. Here is a step-by-step guide explaining how to write a thesis statement for beginners. 

Step 1: Understand The Assignment

Before writing a thesis statement, it is crucial to understand the assignment thoroughly. Carefully read through the guidelines provided by your instructor or institution. Identify the key elements, such as the purpose of the assignment, the expected length, and other necessary requirements. Adhere to the location standards, such as knowing how to write dates.  

You also have to comprehend the type of paper you are writing. Is it an informative essay, an argumentative paper, or a comparative analysis? Each type of paper may require a different approach to formulating the thesis statement, so clarity on the assignment’s nature is the first step toward success.

Step 2: Identify Your Topic

Once you clearly understand the assignment, the next step is to identify your topic. Choose a subject that aligns with the assignment’s requirements and resonates with your interests. The more passionate you are about the topic, the easier it will be to engage your readers.

Consider the scope of your topic and define its boundaries. It will be the base for your hypothesis . Be specific in your choice and avoid overly broad or narrow subjects. If your assignment allows for flexibility, take the opportunity to explore a unique angle or perspective that adds depth to your thesis statement.

Step 3: Do Your Research

Research is the backbone of any well-crafted thesis statement. You need it to write the entire paper and your literature review. Take a look into academic journals, books, online databases, and other reputable sources to gather information and evidence that supports your chosen topic. As you collect data, take note of key findings, relevant quotes, and any contrasting perspectives that can contribute to a great thesis statement.

Furthermore, make sure to organize your research systematically. Create an outline that highlights the main points and arguments you want to address. This will not only streamline the writing process but also ensure that your thesis statement is backed by solid evidence.

Step 4: Revise And Refine

With your research in hand, it is time to start drafting your thesis statement. Begin with a preliminary version. Ensure that you capture the main idea of your paper in a single sentence. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different phrasings and structures until you find the one that best encapsulates your argument.

Moreover, once you have a working thesis statement, seek feedback from peers, mentors, or instructors. Their perspectives can offer valuable insights and help you identify any weaknesses or areas for improvement. Revise your thesis statement accordingly.  

A good thesis statement is one that is clear, concise, and effectively communicates your main argument.

Step 5: Finalize Your Research Statement

The final step in crafting a thesis statement is to refine your research question. Your thesis statement should not only present your main argument but also guide the direction of your research. Ensure that your statement aligns with the scope of your paper and is specific enough to be addressed within the given constraints.

Consider the implications of your thesis statement – what are the potential counterarguments, and how will you address them? By anticipating opposing viewpoints, you can strengthen your thesis statement and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the subject.

Thesis Statement Example

The increasing prevalence of social media has significantly altered interpersonal communication, leading to both positive and negative consequences. This paper explores the impact of social media on relationships, self-perception, and societal dynamics, arguing that while it fosters connectivity and information-sharing, it also poses challenges such as privacy concerns and the perpetuation of unrealistic standards.

The thesis statement we write have:

• Precision and Clarity
• Zero Plagiarism
• High-level Encryption
• Authentic Sources

How To Write A Thesis Statement For An Essay

Writing a thesis statement for an essay involves the same fundamental principles as a standard thesis statement, but with a greater emphasis on tailoring it to the specific requirements of the essay. Here are key considerations:

• Focus On The Essay Guidelines
• Highlight The Scope Of The Essay

Thesis Statement Example Of An Essay

Considering the transformative role of technology in education, this essay contends that integrating interactive digital tools enhances student engagement and learning outcomes. Examining case studies and educational research will demonstrate how technology, when used judiciously, can positively reshape the educational landscape, fostering a more dynamic and effective learning environment.

How To Write A Thesis Statement For A Research Paper

Writing a thesis statement for a research paper example requires a few additional considerations due to the research nature of the assignment:

• Incorporate Research Objectives
• Highlight Research Methodology
• Acknowledge the Research Gap

Thesis Statement Example Of A Research Paper

This research paper investigates the multifaceted impacts of climate change on global biodiversity, aiming to elucidate specific patterns and vulnerabilities. Using a combination of quantitative analysis and case studies, it seeks to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by identifying critical gaps in understanding the implications of climate change for various ecosystems. By bridging these knowledge gaps, this research endeavours to inform conservation strategies and policies in the face of an evolving climate.

How To Write A Thesis Statement For A Critical Essay

Here are some specific considerations when writing a thesis statement for critical essays.

• Express Your Critical Evaluation
• Identify Key Elements for Critique
• Acknowledge Counterarguments

Critical Essay Thesis Statement Example

In examining the portrayal of gender roles in [Literary Work], this critical essay asserts that while the narrative seemingly adheres to traditional gender norms, a deeper analysis reveals subtle subversions and contradictions. By scrutinizing character dynamics, language use, and narrative structure, this essay aims to evaluate the underlying messages about gender critically. Moreover, it acknowledges counterarguments that may arise from a surface-level reading, providing a better understanding of how the work challenges and reinforces established gender roles.

How To Write A Narrative Essay Thesis Statement

When crafting a thesis statement for a narrative essay, the focus is on expressing the central theme or message of the story. 

• Emphasize the Central Theme
• Connect to Personal Experience
• Highlight the Journey or Transformation

Narrative Essay Thesis Statement Example

In recounting the challenges faced during my year abroad, this narrative essay delves into the transformative power of resilience and self-discovery. Through navigating cultural barriers and personal setbacks, the narrative unfolds a journey from vulnerability to strength, highlighting the profound lessons learned from adversity. This essay not only chronicles my experiences but also underscores the universal theme of human resilience in the face of challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to write a thesis statement.

• Understand the assignment
• Identify your topic
• Do your research
• Revise and refine

How to write a 3 point thesis statement?

Craft a concise 3-point thesis by clearly stating your main idea on the topic and breaking it down into three specific subpoints. Order these points logically, express them in a clear sentence, and provide a brief preview of each. For example, in an essay on technology’s impact on education: “Digital tools enhance engagement, enable personalized learning, and prepare students for a tech-centric future.”

How to write a thesis statement for an essay?

Compose a focused thesis by clearly stating your main argument or perspective on the topic. Be specific, make it debatable, and provide a roadmap for your essay’s main points. For example, in an essay on climate change: “Rising global temperatures demand urgent action, addressing the complex interplay of human activities, policy changes, and environmental responsibility.”

How to write a thesis statement for a research paper?

Formulate a precise thesis for your research paper by stating the specific objectives, research methodology, and the research gap you aim to address. Clearly express your stance on the topic and outline the paper’s contributions. For instance, in a paper on climate change’s impact: “This research examines the effects of climate change on biodiversity, employing quantitative analysis to fill existing knowledge gaps and inform conservation strategies.”

How to write a thesis statement example?

The rapid rise of social media has reshaped interpersonal communication, presenting both opportunities and challenges. This essay explores the impact of social media on relationships, privacy, and societal dynamics, arguing that while it fosters connectivity, it also necessitates a critical evaluation of its effects on personal and societal well-being.

How to write a good thesis statement for an argumentative essay?

Compose a strong thesis for an argumentative essay by clearly presenting your stance on the issue and the main points that support it. Use specific language, make it debatable, and acknowledge opposing views. For example, in an essay on the importance of vaccination: “Vaccination mandates are crucial for public health, safeguarding communities against preventable diseases and ensuring collective well-being.”

How to write a thesis statement for a critical essay?

Develop a focused thesis for a critical essay by clearly expressing your critical evaluation of the topic. Identify specific elements or themes to critique, acknowledge counterarguments, and emphasize the broader significance of your analysis. For instance, in a critical essay on a literary work: “Examining [Work], this essay critically analyzes its portrayal of [theme], revealing subtle contradictions and societal implications.”

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Introduction establishes context, states research question, and justifies study. The abstract is a concise summary of key paper elements.

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How to Write a Thesis Statement–Examples

What is a thesis statement? A thesis statement summarizes the main idea of a paper or an essay. Similar to the statement of the problem in research, it prepares the reader for what is to come and ties together the evidence and examples that are presented and the arguments and claims that are made later. 

A good thesis statement can provoke thought, arouse interest, and is always followed up by exactly what it promises—if the focus or direction of your essay changes over time, you should go back to your statement and adapt it as well so that it clearly reflects what you are explaining or discussing. 

Where does the thesis statement go in my paper?

Your thesis statement should be placed near the end of your introduction—after you have given the reader some background and before you delve into the specific evidence or arguments that support your statement.

Can you give me a thesis statement template?

Depending on the type of essay you are writing, your thesis statement will look different. The important thing is that your statement is specific and clearly states the main idea you want to get across. In the following, we will discuss different types of statements, show you a simple 4-step process for writing an effective thesis statement, and finish off with some not-so-good and good thesis statement examples.

Table of Contents:

• Types of Thesis Statements
• How to Write a Thesis Statement Step by Step 
• Not-So-Good and Good Thesis Statements 

Types of Thesis Statements 

Depending on whether your paper is analytical, expository, or argumentative, your statement has a slightly different purpose. 

Analytical thesis statements

An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its components, evaluates the pieces, and presents an evaluation of this breakdown to the reader. Such papers can analyze art, music, literature, current or historical events, political ideas, or scientific research. An analytical thesis statement is therefore often the result of such an analysis of, for example, some literary work (“Heathcliff is meant to be seen as a hero rather than a horrible person”) or a process (“the main challenge recruiters face is the balance between selecting the best candidates and hiring them before they are snatched up by competitors”), or even the latest research (“starving yourself will increase your lifespan, according to science”). In the rest of the paper, you then need to explain how you did the analysis that led you to the stated result and how you arrived at your conclusion, by presenting data and evidence.

Expository thesis statements

An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience, such as a historical development, a current phenomenon, or the effect of political intervention. A typical explanatory thesis statement is therefore often a “topic statement” rather than a claim or actual thesis. An expository essay could, for example, explain “where human rights came from and how they changed the world,” or “how students make career choices.” The rest of the paper then needs to present the reader with all the relevant information on the topic, covering all sides and aspects rather than one specific viewpoint.

Argumentative thesis statements

An argumentative paper makes a clear and potentially very subjective claim and follows up with a justification based on evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the author’s claim is true. A thesis statement for such a paper could be that “every student should be required to take a gap year after high school to gain some life experience”, or that “vaccines should be mandatory”. Argumentative thesis statements can be bold, assertive, and one-sided—you have the rest of the paper to convince the reader that you have good reasons to think that way and that maybe they should think like that, too.

How to Write a Thesis Statement Step-by-Step 

If you are not quite sure how you get from a topic to a thesis statement, then follow this simple process—but make sure you know what type of essay you are supposed to write and adapt the steps to the kind of statement you need. 

First , you will have to select a topic . This might have been done for you already if you are writing an essay as part of a class. If not, then make sure you don’t start too general—narrow the subject down to a specific aspect that you can cover in an essay. 

Second , ask yourself a question about your topic, one that you are personally interested in or one that you think your readers might find relevant or interesting. Here, you have to consider whether you are going to explain something to the reader (expository essay) or if you want to put out your own, potentially controversial, opinion and then argue for it in the rest of your (argumentative) essay.

Third , answer the question you raised for yourself, based on the material you have already sifted through and are planning to present to the reader or the opinion you have already formed on the topic. If your opinion changes while working on your essay, which happens quite often, then make sure you come back to this process and adapt your statement.

Fourth and last, reword the answer to your question into a concise statement . You want the reader to know exactly what is coming, and you also want to make it sound as interesting as possible so that they decide to keep reading.

Let’s look at this example process to give you a better idea of how to get from your topic to your statement. Note that this is the development of a thesis statement for an argumentative essay .

• Choose a specific topic: Covid-19 vaccines 

Narrow it down to a specific aspect: opposition to Covid-19 vaccines

• Ask a question: Should vaccination against Covid-19 be mandatory?     
• Answer the question for yourself, by sorting through the available evidence/arguments:

Yes: vaccination protects other, more vulnerable people; vaccination reduces the spread of the disease; herd immunity will allow societies to go back to normal…

No: vaccines can have side-effects in some people; the vaccines have been developed too fast and there might be unknown risks; the government should stay out of personal decisions on people’s health…

• Form your opinion and reword it into your thesis statement that represents a very short summary of the key points you base your claim on:

While there is some hesitancy around vaccinations against Covid-19, most of the presented arguments revolve around unfounded fears and the individual freedom to make one’s own decisions. Since that freedom is offset by the benefits of mass vaccination, governments should make vaccines mandatory to help societies get back to normal.

This is a good argumentative thesis statement example because it does not just present a fact that everybody knows and agrees on, but a claim that is debatable and needs to be backed up by data and arguments, which you will do in the rest of your essay. You can introduce whatever evidence and arguments you deem necessary in the following—but make sure that all your points lead back to your core claim and support your opinion. This example also answers the question “how long should a thesis statement be?” One or two sentences are generally enough. If your statement is longer, make sure you are not using vague, empty expressions or more words than necessary .

Good and Bad Thesis Statement Examples

Not-so-good thesis statement : Everyone should get vaccinated against Covid-19.

Problem: The statement does not specify why that might be relevant or why people might not want to do it—this is too vague to spark anyone’s interest.

Good : Since the risks of the currently available Covid-19 vaccines are minimal and societal interests outweigh individual freedom, governments should make Covid-19 vaccination mandatory.

Not-so-good thesis statement : Binge drinking is bad for your health.

Problem: This is a very broad statement that everyone can agree on and nobody needs to read an article on. You need to specify why anyone would not think that way.

Good : Binge drinking has become a trend among college students. While some argue that it might be better for your health than regular consumption of low amounts of alcohol, science says otherwise.

Not-so-good thesis statement : Learning an instrument can develop a child’s cognitive abilities.

Problem: This is a very weak statement—”can” develop doesn’t tell us whether that is what happens in every child, what kind of effects of music education on cognition we can expect, and whether that has or should have any practical implications. 

Good thesis statement : Music education has many surprising benefits on children’s overall development, including effects on language acquisition, coordination, problem-solving, and even social skills.

You could now present all the evidence on the specific effects of music education on children’s specific abilities in the rest of your (expository) essay. You could also turn this into an argumentative essay, by adding your own opinion to your statement:

Good thesis statement : Considering the many surprising benefits that music education has on children’s overall development, every child should be given the opportunity to learn an instrument as part of their public school education.

Not-so-good thesis statement : Outer space exploration is a waste of money.

Problem: While this is a clear statement of your personal opinion that people could potentially disagree with (which is good for an argumentative thesis statement), it lacks context and does not really tell the reader what to expect from your essay.

Good thesis statement : Instead of wasting money on exploring outer space, people like Elon Musk should use their wealth to solve poverty, hunger, global warming, and other issues we are facing on this earth.

Get Professional Thesis Editing Services

Now that you know how to write the perfect thesis statement for your essay, you might be interested in our free grammar checker , the Wordvice AI Proofreader. And after drafting your academic papers, be sure to get proofreading that includes manuscript editing , thesis editing , or dissertation editing services before submitting your work to journals for publication.

We have many more articles for you on all aspects of academic writing , tips and tricks on how to avoid common grammar mistakes , and resources on how to strengthen your writing style in general.

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• Writing Tips

5 Tips for Writing a Strong Thesis Statement

• 5-minute read
• 15th January 2021

Every good research paper needs a strong thesis statement. Typically, this is a line or two near the start where you set out the basic idea or argument that you will explore. But how do you write a perfect thesis statement? We have five top tips:

• Think about the type of paper you are writing.
• Come up with a question that your paper will answer.
• Answer your question to work out a point you can argue or defend.
• Summarize the key arguments or points you will make.
• Review your thesis statement after writing your paper.

For more advice on all the above, read our guide below, or watch our video:

1. Tailor Your Thesis Statement to Your Paper Type

Different papers may require different approaches to writing a thesis statement. Three common paper types are argumentative, expository, and analytical:

• Argumentative – An argumentative thesis statement sets out the position you will argue for and outlines the key point(s) from your paper.
• Expository – Expository essays explain something, so the thesis statement for a paper like this will summarize the key facts from your research.
• Analytical – Analytical essays focus on breaking down and exploring an issue in depth, so the thesis statement will summarize the issue and your analysis.

Thus, before writing anything, work out what kind of paper you’re writing. Once you’ve done this, you can tailor your thesis statement to match. We’ll give examples of argumentative, expository, and analytical thesis statements below.

2. Start with a Question

To work out a basic thesis, you need to start with an essay question. This is the issue your paper will address, and thus the main subject for your thesis statement.

If you were assigned a question for the paper, this will be simple! Otherwise, think about the topic of your paper and work out a simple question that you will answer.

You can see some examples of possible essay questions below:

• Argumentative – Should vaccination for measles be compulsory or voluntary?
• Expository – What effect did the Great Depression have on the US economy?
• Analytical – What is the role of the “play within a play” in Hamlet?

This question will provide a jumping off point for your full thesis statement.

3. Work Out a Position You Can Defend

When you have a question, sketch out a basic answer for it. Importantly, this has to be something someone could disagree with or take a differing position on.

For instance, simply saying “The Great Depression had a major effect on the economy” would not be enough. This is too obvious. Instead, try to think of as position that someone could rationally dispute or disagree with. For example:

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• Argumentative – Vaccination for measles should be compulsory.
• Expository – The Great Depression significantly reduced GDP in the USA, triggering a shift to a mixed economy.
• Analytical – Shakespeare uses the “play within a play” in Hamlet to explore the relationship between performance and authenticity.

This will become the basic thesis you will expand on or defend in your paper.

4. Summarize Your Key Arguments

A strong thesis statement will be clear and concise (a sentence or two at most). But it should also be detailed enough to show how you will answer your essay question.

Thus, when you have your basic thesis, you will want to expand it to summarize the key points or arguments you will use to support it. For instance:

• Argumentative – Vaccination for measles should be compulsory because research shows it has saved millions of lives with few negative side effects.
• Expository – The Great Depression reduced GDP in the US by 50% within the first five years, triggering a shift to New Deal politics and a mixed economy.
• Analytical – Shakespeare uses the “play within a play” in Hamlet to explore themes of performance and authenticity, including the reliability of external appearances and how performance shapes our lives.

Your thesis statement should now give a strong sense of what you will say in the rest of your paper, setting up the reader to follow your arguments.

5. Review Your Thesis After Writing Your Paper

The thesis statement always goes at the start of a paper, so it may be one of the first things you write. But it is worth revisiting your thesis once you have a first draft.

This is because you need your thesis statement to reflect the content of the paper as a whole. And if the focus of your work shifts during writing – perhaps because you found a new piece of evidence or thought of a new argument at some point – you may find your conclusion and your initial thesis don’t quite match up any more.

When you have a first draft, though, you can tweak your thesis statement to reflect any changes made while drafting (or tweak your paper to match the statement).

Expert Paper Proofreading

We hope this guide has helped you to develop a strong thesis statement. If you’d like help with the rest of your paper, though, why not give our student proofreading service a try? You can even get your first 500 words proofread for free !

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How to Write a Thesis Statement in 4 Steps

Learn what a thesis statement is, why thesis statements are important to your essay, and how to write a thesis statement in four easy steps!

It’s no secret that a solid thesis statement is an essential part of any essay. If your writing doesn’t have a defined thesis, nothing else will matter. The thesis statement is the first element of your paper that you’ll be judged on. If your thesis is not clear and straightforward, you’ll lose your reader. So, let’s talk about how to write the perfect thesis statement in four simple steps. But first, let’s start from the beginning. 

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement is one or two sentences at the beginning of your essay that tells your reader the main idea of your paper and maps out the supporting details of that main idea. The thesis statement will focus your writing, and it will help readers link the subtopics of your essay to your central focus. 

In short, the thesis statement is one to two sentences that communicates the main idea, argument or central point of your essay. There are different types of essays, but each one will need a thesis statement. Let’s go over a few different types of essays. 

Three Types of Essays 

What is an analytical essay  .

In an analytical essay, the author is analyzing a topic breaking it down into its component parts. In an analytical essay, you might dissect another author’s argument about a subject. You can also use an analytical essay to write about a book, movie, or other lengthy text. 

The thesis statement of an analytical essay will answer a ‘how’ or ‘why’ question. For example, a while back, I wrote a blog post on how Jane Austen uses the theme of effective communication in her novel, Pride and Prejudice . If you flip that statement and form the question- How does Jane Austen demonstrate the theme of effective communication in Pride and Prejudice ? That’s the question I answered with my essay by analyzing the novel, its characters, and plot.  

What is an expository essay?  

In an expository essay, the author will explain their topic. They will elaborate on a subject or investigate an issue. You’ll also see the term expository essay used as a blanket term to describe all types of essays. Another name for an expository essay is an explanatory essay. 

So, expository can be a general term and may describe an analytical or argumentative essay. A thesis statement for an expository essay will be much like an analytical essay. You could answer a question and lay out the reasons for an outcome with a ‘because’ statement. 

For example: 

You shouldn’t drink and drive because alcohol impairs your judgment and motor skills which could cause harm to you or others and damage to property. 

What is an argumentative essay?  

In an argumentative essay, the writer is taking a stance and defending their opinion. They are making an argument about the topic of the essay. In an argumentative essay, you’ll be evaluating and presenting data that reinforces your opinion. 

In these essays, the term position statement is sometimes used to mean the thesis statement. If you hear a person use the term position statement, they’re talking about the thesis statement. To write your thesis or position statement, you’ll state your opinion and preview the details you will use to back it up. 

With that out of the way, let’s talk about the four steps you can use to write a perfect thesis statement that will fit the needs of any of these essay types. 

4 Steps to Writing the Perfect Thesis Statement

Step 1: Ask a question about your research subject. 

This question will guide your research and will lead you to a central idea for your essay. 

The first step in writing a thesis statement is investigating the subject of your essay. Whether that’s a text, like a book or a movie, or science topic like volcanos. The point of an essay is to relay some information to your reader. You need to decide what this information will be. The best place to start is with a question about your topic, something that genuinely interests you. Having a research question will make your research a lot easier and your writing clearer. 

Let’s go back to the example of volcanos. You don’t want to write an essay that focuses on just volcanoes because that’s too broad a subject. In writing, broad means boring. You’ll want to start drilling down on the topic and asking more specific questions. 

Maybe you want to know why volcanoes erupt. But, that question is still too broad a topic for most essays. You’ll need to ask narrower questions like why do people build cities close to volcanoes? Or, what is the chance of another eruption on the scale of Mt. Saint Helens, in the US? These questions will narrow the scope of your research and ease the writing process. 

Step 2: Formulate the Main Idea of your essay. 

The answer to your research question is your main idea or thesis. 

Once you’ve asked your question, you need to find the answer to it through research. Depending on the scope of your essay, this could take a few hours or a few years. The point of research is to come to some conclusions that answer your initial questions. 

You may find that your original research question changes as you look into your topic, and that’s fine. Nothing is set in stone until you start the writing process. Once you start writing, though, you don’t want to change the direction of your paper. 

When you have an answer to your research question, you can formulate a central idea. Your main idea is the main point of your essay, and it’s also called a thesis. 

Write out this thesis, and you’re half done with your thesis statement!

Step 3: Develop your Supporting Details 

Identify the facts that support, or prove, your main idea.

This isn’t to say, decide on your main idea and go out looking for data to prove it. This is working backward and will lead you to make a false assumption through confirmation bias. The concept of confirmation bias is that if you start with an idea you want to prove, then you’ll only look for information that confirms your view. When you do find data that disproves it, you’ll likely ignore it. 

You should already have supporting details once you develop your main idea. The supporting details are the data that led you to your main idea. You should also look for information that disproves your main idea. Be honest, and let your research guide you to a conclusion. Never start with your conclusion in mind. 

Once you’ve reached your conclusion, collect the most substantial data points that led you to that main idea, the answer to your research question. 

Step 4: Combine your Main Idea with your Supporting Details into one statement

Clearly state your main idea and preview your supporting details in one or two sentences. 

The job of your thesis statement is to layout, for the reader, your thesis or main idea early in your essay. You need to state your main idea as clearly as possible. You also need to preview the supporting details that will make up the body of your essay. Depending on the length and complexity of your article and main idea, you may need more than one sentence to accomplish this. 

We can take the above example of my analytical essay on Pride and Prejudice to examine how to formulate a thesis statement. Through reading the book, I decided there was a theme of communication. By drilling down on that topic, I discovered that each character had possessed a flawed way of communicating, which led to most of the conflict in the novel. 

The following sentence is a thesis statement developed from that conclusion: 

In her work, Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen explores the theme of effective communication. ⇠ Main Idea Through various characters’ means of expression, she demonstrates how the lack of communication skills can lead to a breakdown of romantic, friendly, and familial bonds. ⇠ Supporting Details

In the above thesis statement, the first sentence states the main idea. In the second sentence, I preview my supporting details- the data that proves my main idea. 

Thesis Statement Checklist 

A thesis statement should… 

• Be clear and concise 
• In the intro paragraph(s) of your essay
• Not be too broad 
• Be An opinion not a fact 
• Preview your supporting details 
• Answer your research question

A Formula for Thesis Statements 

While there’s no single way to write a thesis statement, here’s a simplified way to help guide your thinking: 

State your Main Idea + Preview your Supporting Details = Thesis Statement 

Examples of Thesis Statements 

The following are examples of thesis statements pulled from the article 25 Thesis Statement Examples That Will Make Writing A Breeze by J.Birdwell Branson. You can read the full list here. As you read each of these examples, identify the main idea and the supporting details in each one. 

“Because many children are unable to vaccinate due to illness, we must require that all healthy and able children be vaccinated in order to have herd immunity.”

“Educational Resources for Low-Income Students Schools should provide educational resources for low-income students during the summers so that they don’t forget what they’ve learned throughout the school year.”

“School uniforms may be an upfront cost for families, but they eradicate the visual differences in income between students and provide a more egalitarian atmosphere at school.”

“The rise in populism on the 2016 political stage was in reaction to increasing globalization, the decline of manufacturing jobs, and the Syrian refugee crisis.”

Check out the twenty-one more great examples at Servicescape.com 

Write your own Thesis Statement using our Controlling Idea Writing Exercise

Read more about Thesis Statements: 

The Oxford Essential Guide to Writing

“Whether you’re composing a letter, writing a school thesis, or starting a novel, this resource offers expert advice on how to think more creatively, how to conjure up ideas from scratch, and how to express those ideas clearly and elegantly… Some features include:

• How to use journals to store ideas and explore potential topics • Examples of style and technique from such masters of form as Mark Twain, H.L. Mencken, E.B. White, and Annie Dillard • Advice on using outlines to shape your material—and drafts and revisions to refine them • Selecting the proper words to convey both information and point of view • A useful appendix on punctuation, ranging from commas to underlining and capitalization”

Resources: 

Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements – Purdue University 

Writing Tips: Thesis Statements – the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign

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How to Craft the Perfect Thesis Statement for your Academic Paper

A thesis statement is an important element of an academic paper or thesis at any level, at it guides both the reader and the author. Technically, it is the sentence or two that states the main idea of your thesis or dissertation. Without a thesis statement, your paper may ramble on and on without a clean point and you take the risk of losing the reader. From a productivity point of view, you also risk producing lots of vague and unnecessary text fragments, because you as a writer lack the focus a concise thesis statement could give you.

What is a thesis statement?

As already said above, a thesis statement is a sentence or two that states the main idea of your thesis. It is the sentence or two that links everything else in your paper together. You could also see it as a compass that clearly shows the direction in which you are heading.

Sounds simple enough? The problem is that “thesis statement” is a term that is often used in essay writing, where it does take a slightly different form. So here, we focus on what it looks like in other academic formats:

• Bachelor theses,
• Master theses,
• doctoral dissertations, 
• quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies, and
• journal papers,

Example of a thesis statement in an empirical research study

Take my open-access article “Great Expectations: The Relationship Between Future Time Perspective, Learning from Others, and Employability” as an example (you can access the fulltext for free here ).

Here is the abstract:

Employees in countries with advanced industrial economies need to continuously develop their competences to sustain their employability – that is, to have a set of competences that enables them to maintain or find an adequate job. But how should efforts to enhance employability progress in the context of the demographic shift? Previous research suggests that employees’ perspective about their future working life may influence their motivation to engage in learning activities. The study reported and discussed here investigates how employees’ perceptions of the future as a time of opportunities and limitations affects their engagement in learning from others and, in turn, their employability. We tested our model empirically in two Austrian consultancies ( n  = 167). We find that focus on opportunities in the future explains engagement in learning from others and, subsequently, differences in employability. The informants’ perspectives about the future may be a helpful alternative to the measurement of chronological age, which is problematic from a conceptual point of view. Froehlich, D.E., Beausaert, S.A. & Segers, M.S. Great Expectations: The Relationship Between Future Time Perspective, Learning from Others, and Employability.  Vocations and Learning   8,  213–227 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12186-015-9131-6

What would you identify as the main statement here that gives away what I’ll be doing in the rest of the paper?

As I said, it might be a bit less clear in an academic article than in an essay that you might write for school or university; the context is just much more complex. But the sentence “ The study reported and discussed here investigates how employees’ perceptions of the future as a time of opportunities and limitations affect their engagement in learning from others and, in turn, their employability ” is quite telling. It makes the position that I have quite visible: I do think that constructs such as future time perspective and the undertaking of learning activities are very important for people’s employability.

And in the sentence before I have also given some (superficial) evidence about why I think this is the case: previous research indicates this.

Why you should have a clear thesis statement?

Now that we have identified the thesis statement in the example article, we can think about its function . Basically, there are benefits for two parties: the readers and the authors. 

For the readers, it is easier to follow the article if they know what the main argument is. The thesis statement should be short and to the point, so it does not distract from the main argument. It should be clear what you are arguing for.

For the authors, a clear thesis statement makes their argument more visible. If they can articulate their position clearly and succinctly, they are less likely to lose readers in detail or to get bogged down in arguments that do not affect their main argument. Furthermore, a well-written thesis statement can also help them outline their research and make sure they cover all important aspects of their topic.

But you do not have to believe my words. Try it out for yourself, this is a tactic that I often use when applying my award-winning technique of videofeedback on Bachelor and Master theses or doctoral dissertations. Just based on the thesis statement above, try to construct a table of contents for the theoretical background.

Take a minute for this: What would be the major headings you expect to see in the theoretical background of this paper?

From my perspective, the thesis statement really gives everything away – all three core concepts are mentioned: future time perspective, learning activities, employability (if you used different words for the same terms, that is OK, of course). So that should be the main headings – and they are! You might not have guessed the order correctly, and this is indeed related to another topic. But to put this in a nutshell: Starting out with the dependent variable, the one concept you seek to explain (in the example it is individuals’ employability) is often a very good approach.

How to create your perfect thesis statement

How to make a thesis statement? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the process of creating a thesis statement will vary depending on the topic and nature of your paper. However, there are some general tips that can help you create one that is effective and relevant.

1. Think about the main argument or point you want to make in your paper. What is the main point you want to communicate? This is your thesis statement.

2. Once you have identified your main argument, try to boil it down into one or two concise sentences. This is where you will start to develop your thesis statement.

3. Be sure to focus your thesis statement on the main points of your argument – don’t get bogged down in details or secondary points. Remember, a good thesis statement should be clear, concise, and persuasive.

Step 1: Know your research question or research objective

A thesis statement can also be conceptualized as an answer to your research question . Therefore, before you can write a thesis statement, you first have to come up with a topic and a research question (or more generally speaking, a research objective). I have covered this in separate blog articles, mini course , and online course. If you struggle with creating a sound research question/objective, please consult these sources first.

Online Course (in German )

Step 2: Be clear about the constructs that appear in your research question

Your thesis statement must be based on the research question or objective that you identified in step 1. This means that you have to be clear about the constructs that appear in your research question/objective. For example, if your research question is “What are the effects of a new policy on employee productivity?” then your thesis statement might focus on the concepts of “efficiency” and “productivity”. But also on whatever this new policy is about. However, if your research question is “How do student perceptions of classroom lectures affect satisfaction levels?” then your thesis statement will likely focus on concepts like “attitude,” “satisfaction,” and “learning.”. In both cases, you need to be specific about what constructs appear in the research question/objective.

Step 3: Connect the constructs and give some background

Now explain how the constructs that you have extracted are linked with each other. Importantly, however, this should be based on some past theoretical or empirical evidence. Put differently, do not fail to mention any related theories or past empirical findings that do suggest these relationships. 

Step 4: Revise your thesis statement for conciseness and clarity

Do not forget that a thesis statement is only one or two sentences. But if you have followed the previous three steps, you might have much more material than that. So focus. Extract only the most important evidence that you would like to focus on. In the example it was just, quite generally, “past research”; the specifics will have to be mentioned in the theoretical background, anyway). Remember to be clear and concise; a thesis statement is not about giving all the information at once. Here, it might be helpful to remember the main functions of a thesis statement. To be a compass for both the readers and yourself as an author. So, whenever you feel that the thesis statement is confusing or an outright burden for yourself, do not forget that it should be just a tool to help you craft a clear thesis. Simplify.

By the way, this is also a good time to proofread and edit your statement for grammar and clarity.

Bonus Step: Moving forward

You have already crafted your final thesis statement in step 4. But the thesis statement is too powerful as a tool to just leave it with that. You want to actually use it and help you structure the rest of your thesis. So apply the same exercise that we have done based on my study on your own (see above).

To flesh out your structure even more before you start, check our resources about structure.

By following these steps, you can create the perfect thesis statement for your academic paper. Remember to keep it simple. Use your thesis statement as a compass to help you structure the rest of your paper.

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How to Write a Thesis Statement: A Step-by-Step Guide

by  Antony W

February 16, 2023

If the earth were to be compressed as much as neutron stars are, it would be a sphere with a diameter the length of a football field. That is the power of compression, at least, and is what a thesis statement does to: 

• 1 An argumentative essay
• 2 A  research proposal
• 3 A  research paper
• 4 A  term paper

And typically all other kinds of academic works. 

What is a Thesis Statement? 

A thesis statement is a one or two-sentence condensation of the main arguments of an essay or an academic paper, usually those of the analytical or argumentative kind.

Reducing thousands of words of academic work into one statement takes some skill and effort, and we're going to learn how to do that in this article.

We will explore what a thesis statement is and what it is not, the qualities of a good thesis statement, and the process of writing an effective one for any kind of paper.

We can do this because at Help for Assessment, we are a team of highly learned and experienced academicians who deal with all kinds of academic essays, projects, and papers every day. We assembled this guide to help students at all levels of education. 

We know how and why a good thesis statement culminates into a great paper, and will even write your academic assignment for you at very affordable rates. You can trust Help for Assessment to write you A-level papers and essays every time, and all you have to do is leave us your order. 

What a Thesis Statement Is and Is NOT

The way a thesis statement sums up your paper is that it answers the main research question in one statement. Every paper and essay has one main question or problem it attempts to tackle. For example, a paper about green energy might be dealing with the question of whether solar and wind power can replace coal power in the grid. Thus, its thesis statement might be something like, 

“Due to the inconstancy of solar and wind power, coal power plants are still necessary to ensure uninterrupted power supply in the US.”

What Makes a Strong Thesis Statement? 

From this statement, we can draw on a few qualities that make a strong thesis statement.

1. Standpoint

A thesis statement should represent the author’s personal stand on the subject at hand, at least as represented in the paper. In this example, we can see that the author thinks thermal coal power plants is necessary because renewable energy is not reliable.

Also, note that instead of just taking a general position, the statement gives a justification for the stand. A merely universal statement such as “coal power plants should not be decommissioned” would be unhelpful at best.

2. Scope 

A proper thesis statement should be very specific. It should be a straight-to-the-point answer on the general question being discussed, which means it should have a very narrow focus, sufficient to justify treatment in a full academic paper. 

However, take care not to limit yourself too much. 

For example, in this case, saying "Green electricity cannot replace non-renewable energy" would be too general. Saying that "the Navajo coal power plant should be replaced with solar energy" would be too specific, and probably not enough for a full research paper. Strong thesis statements are usually the result of narrowing down the topic to a country, company, industry, historical period, etc. 

3. Clarity 

Clarity and simplicity is the strength of a thesis statement. Even the most complex and technical papers can be reduced into a few statements without getting too shallow. While you can use technical terms and phrases, it is encouraged to use simple English in a thesis statement.

Clarity comes from sticking to one main idea. Thus, if you have two ideas or two approaches, choose one and stick to it.

4. Originality

Originality means that the statement answers the hows and whys raised by the reader. For example, our statement leaves the reader wondering why solar and wind power are inconstant. This makes our statement weak in that part, which can easily be corrected by a phrase "because solar and wind power depends on unreliable wind and sun … " This statement serves better to answer the "how" and "why."

5. Relevance

Simply put, the thesis statement should answer a "so what?" question. Why is your paper or argument important? Is it worth spending hours reading it? In this case, our statement is already intriguing enough, but we can refine it further by adding something else:

"Even as the world struggles to reduce carbon emissions, sun and wind energy are not sufficient to replace coal power plants in the US because they rely upon unpredictable sun and wind energy."

That is a one-sentence golden thesis statement, no doubt. By making sure your thesis statement fulfills these five conditions, you can craft good ones quickly and easily. 

What a Thesis Statement is Not

Thesis statements are more complicated than they look. What you think is initially a good one can easily turn out to be a dud. Avoid these common but mistaken thesis statements that:

• Are a statement of fact - a thesis statement embodies the soul of the paper. It is not merely descriptive of its contents. Thus, you shouldn't say, "reasons why coal power plants are still in operation despite developments in green energy." That statement is purely descriptive rather than being analytical or argumentative.
• Begin with "the point of this paper is …" - A thesis statement does not begin like that, ever. It should occur naturally without announcing itself. In other words, it should not be conspicuous.
• Appear in the body - the only place for a proper thesis statement is in the introduction .
• Are a research question. A thesis statement is intimately connected with a research question because one is drawn from the other, but they are not interchangeable. Thus, a thesis statement does not take the form of a question.
• Are inconsistent- It is common practice to write a thesis statement before starting your paper, but the paper can evolve and change. Always evaluate your thesis by the end of the writing process to ensure that it is precise and accurate.

Even then, you should realize that thesis statements vary slightly depending on the type of paper you’re writing. That can be:

• An expository paper - One that explains something, in which case the statement will be more descriptive and narrative.
• Analytical - this is a paper that intends to break down the subject matter into its parts, evaluates them, and presents them for the audience to make up their mind on it. In this case, a thesis statement will be more neutral. It won’t take a stand.
• Argumentative - the classic essay is argumentative, which means that it will be trying to justify one point of view or another. In this case, the statement must clearly articulate and justify its position and present the main argument(s).

Having explored that, its now time to go through the process of crafting gold-standard thesis statements.

How to Write a Strong Thesis Statements

Thesis statements are founded on topics that you may either have to provide yourself, select from a list, or create from topics assigned by the teacher. In any case, the process of crafting a good statement is the same. We will assume that you already have a topic, whether assigned or not, and go from there.

1. Reduce the topic to a question

A topic is just an indicator. You first need to convert it into a question addressing a specific problem so that you can have direction and focus. For example, if we had narrowed down our topic to solar and wind power generation, we might ask ourselves, why hasn't solar and wind power not replaced coal power plants that release a lot of carbon II oxide? 

The question is referred to as a research question. You will not include it in the essay, but it is very important to formulate one. It should be clear, specific, and interesting.

2. Conduct general research to try and answer the question

Find sources that have the answers you're looking for. Online sources are the easiest to use at this stage since you just want general knowledge and context to help answer the RQ. In the course of this research, you will be able to decide on the scope of your investigation and what stand you want to take.

3. Pick a side based on what you know.

Make an informed decision on what side you want to be on, unless you're writing an expository or analytical essay. You should typically only support a position that has strong supporting evidence. Even if you're passionate about one thing and you have no credible support data, fact stumps passion in this case.

4. Draft two or more sentences summarizing the answer to your research question

The research will let you know exactly what you need to address in your paper. Condense it into two statements, or one if you can. These statements should be exhaustive but concise, written in answer to your research question.

5. Refine the statement

Your thesis statement will need to develop with your paper. As your essay grows, you will find that some subtle changes occur. You might even have to rewrite it, which is okay. Just make sure that by the end, your thesis statement is an accurate representation of your paper.

Recommended Reading

• Should You Write a Thesis Statement at the End of an Essay?

Need Help With Your Thesis Statement?

Crafting perfect thesis statements is only one step of the way. You will still have the paper to worry about, and we can't guarantee that it will be as easy as this. Luckily, Help for Assessment is here to help you ace that assignment or project. Our experts range from undergraduates to Ph.D. holders, so you are always assured of top quality work based on in-depth, original research. 

What’s more, we have the best prices around and guarantee you complete confidentiality. Calculate the estimated cost of writing your paper here .

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.