Effective Thesis Statements
Introduction
Here are some basic guidelines to keep in mind when it comes to constructing a thesis statement:
- Your thesis statement should be one to two sentences.
- Your thesis statement should clearly present the main idea of your essay and make some kind of assertion (even if that assertion is about bringing two sides together).
- Your thesis should not make an “announcement” about what your essay will cover. Instead, it should just present your assertion.
- While there is no such thing as a “required” place for your thesis statement, most academic essays will present the thesis statement early on, usually near the end of the introduction. There is a reason for this. Audience members are more likely to understand and absorb each point as readers if you have told them, in advance, what they should be getting out of your essay. Still, you should check with your professor if you would like to present your thesis somewhere else, such as at the end of your essay.
Designing an Effective Thesis Statement
Your thesis is the engine of your essay. It is the central point around which you gather, analyze, and present the relevant support and philosophical reasoning which constitutes the body of your essay. It is the center, the focal point. The thesis answers the question, “What is this essay all about?”
A strong thesis does not just state your topic but your perspective or feeling on the topic as well. And it does so in a single, focused sentence. Two tops. It clearly tells the reader what the essay is all about and engages them in your big idea(s) and perspective. Thesis statements often reveal the primary pattern of development of the essay as well, but not always.
Thesis statements are usually found at the end of the introduction. Seasoned authors may play with this structure, but it is often better to learn the form before deviating from it.
The following video explores strategies for enhancing a thesis statement:
Summary
Your thesis statement is the most important sentence in your essay. It’s your chance to make sure your audience really understands your point. Be sure your assertion and your writing style are clear.
Sources:
“4 Step #1: Thesis Statements.” By Andrew Gurevich|Mt. Hood Community College. Retrieved from: https://mhcc.pressbooks.pub/writingprocess/chapter/thesis-driven-essays/ Licensed under: CC-BY
“Argumentative Thesis.” By Excelsior Online Writing Lab. Retrieved from: https://owl.excelsior.edu/argument-and-critical-thinking/argumentative-thesis/ Licensed under: CC-BY
“How to Write a Killer Thesis Statement.” By Shmoop. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wxE8R_x5I0 Licensed under: CC-BY
