What is a “thesis statement”?
Thesis Statement is a short statement, usually one to two sentences, that summarizes the central idea of an essay, research paper, etc., and is developed, supported, and explained throughout the paper by examples and supporting evidence (Dictionary.com). This statement is typically expressed within the introductory paragraph and outlines the structure of the rest of the paper.
Why is a Thesis Statement Significant?
- Organizes and better develops the essay’s argument.
- Tells the reader how you will interpret the topic under discussion (The Writing Center)
- Makes a claim that others might dispute (The Writing Center).
- Explains the purpose of the essay and how it will deliver that purpose.
- Integral to a successful and credible essay.
Examples:
- One moment I'll never forget was the time I spend in the Department of Motor Vehicles facing unpleasant surroundings, never ending lines, and rude people as I tried to get my first driver's license (Thesis Statement).
- If you're looking for the best campsite, there are three important factors to consider: the availability of recreational activities, the attractiveness of the location, and the closeness of basic amenities (Thesis Statement).
See What is a “thesis statement” and how do I write a strong one? for more information.
External Links
- The Thesis Statement — from Capital Community College
- Thesis Statement — from LEO: Literacy Education Online
- [1]-from Writing Tutorial Services, Idiana University
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Works Cited
"College of Arts and Sciences." The Writing Center. UNC College of Arts & Sciences, n.d. Web. 08 Nov. 2013.
Hacker, Diana. A Writer's Reference. 5th Ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2003.
"Thesis Statement - Examples." Thesis Statement - Examples. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Nov. 2013.
"thesis statement." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 07 Nov. 2013. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/thesis statement>.
What is a “thesis statement”?
File:Thesis funnel.pngA [6]thesis statement is essentially what you as the writer use to inform readers of what the topic of the essay is. It is a sentence or two that states your point of view or the argument you’re going to be making throughout the entire essay. Consider it the headline of your essay. If stated correctly, it will be found within the introduction or opening paragraph of the essay. Therefore, you must be sure you’ve clarified your thesis statement well enough before readers begin reading the body or supporting paragraphs of the essay to ensure their understanding and that you’ve made yourself clear.
The thesis statement isn’t long and drawn out; it’s straight-forward and assertive. It answers a [7]question that maybe you or your readers have about a topic assigned or not. Particularly one that could be rationally debated between people. It also focuses on one main idea, expressing your thoughts on that subject, while justifying why the topic should even be discussed.
As with any debate or argument, if you want to be “heard” you must offer a reason to listen. This is why the supporting paragraphs are so vital in an essay. Therefore, a thesis statement is not only a means of establishing what the essay is about, but it is also an [8]organizational tool in the developing of your essay. With a working thesis statement you can then decide what information to include and at which point to include it in the essay.File:Thesis liza.jpg
Once you’ve established the topic of your essay and precisely as well as clearly stated it as such, your thesis statement has formed. However, if you find that as you’re writing, your essay isn’t further elaborating on the thesis statement you’ve chosen or not supporting it, then revise to avoid falling short of the expectations readers have in reading your essay as well as losing credibility. This could either be forming a new thesis statement, or restructuring the supporting paragraphs to correlate with the existing one. In doing so you strengthen your essay but more importantly, your thesis statement because it becomes more assertive, and offers better logic behind it. A successful essay has a well thought-out, clarified, precise thesis statement with evidence to support it; leaving no reader confused about what they’ve just read. It also makes them well aware of your perspective on the topic.
a few [9] examples
See What is a “thesis statement” and how do I write a strong one? for more information.