What is a thesis statement?
A thesis is the main idea of your paper, and it answers the question or questions posed by your essay. Usually placed at the end of the introductory paragraph, a thesis statement expresses the main idea of the essay, which often states or implies your attitude or opinion about the subject. The thesis gives the essay direction. It is the controlling force behind every word and every sentence. It is a commitment to your reader that you will discuss the central idea presented in your thesis and no other.
Although a thesis is a very specific statement that should be supported with specific evidence, a thesis can change as you write your essay. A working thesis helps you organize ideas and develop a first draft; but in the process of writing, your ideas often become clearer, and you are better able to articulate them. You can continue to refine a thesis as you revise and polish your draft. Be sure to review your thesis before finishing your paper to assure that it accurately reflects your final draft.
Types of thesis statements
The kind of thesis that your essay will have depends on the purpose of your writing. A thesis statement usually consists of two parts: your topic and then the analysis, explanation, or assertion that you are making about the topic.
In an expository (explanatory) essay, you are explaining something to your audience. Your thesis statement should contain the subject or topic you will explain and the purpose or goal of your explanation.
Example: Abraham Lincoln’s stance on slavery evolved throughout his presidency.
Argumentative
In an argumentative essay, you are making a claim and supporting this claim with evidence. The claim may be a position, a proposal, an evaluation, a cause/effect analysis, or an interpretation. The key to argumentation is that you advance a debatable issue. Your thesis statement should contain the issue your essay addresses and your claim or assertion about that issue.
Example: Both parents should share equally the responsibilities of raising their children.
Analytical
In an analytical essay, you are breaking down an issue into its parts, evaluating the issue, and presenting this breakdown and evaluation to your audience. Your thesis statement should contain the object or subject being analyzed and an evaluation of the object or subject being analyzed.
Example: An analysis of Steve Sack’s political cartoon “Don’t Bully” reveals the underlying message that although President Trump appears to stand behind the First Lady's anti-bullying initiative, he truly believes he is above the issue and can bully whomever he chooses.
Thesis statements: What to avoid
Make sure points are distinct and separate. Otherwise, you risk covering the same material more than once.
- Example of thesis with overlap: Although I enjoy my job, I sometimes tire of the long hours, the stress, and the pressure.
- Example with overlap eliminated:Although I enjoy my job, I sometimes tire of the long hours, the stress, and the low pay.
Avoid ideas that are too broad.
- Example of thesis that Is too broad: Improving myself is a New Year’s resolution I am trying to keep this year.
- Example with broadness eliminated: Establishing an exercise routine is a New Year’s resolution I am trying to keep this year.
Avoid points that are so limited that you will have difficulty expanding them into paragraphs.
- Example of thesis that Is too narrow: Growing up with three sisters has taught me to share my hair dryer.
- Example with narrowness eliminated: Growing up with three sisters has taught me to share.