How to Write a Thesis Statement

Based on Writing Tutorial Services Pamphlet

Indiana University www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets.shtml

Prepared by NSHS Library Staff

www.newton.mec.edu/nshs/library/

What is a Thesis Statement?

Whenever we begin to read anything, we look for a sentence or two in the first paragraph that will tell us what the reading is going to be about.    It condenses the argument or analysis that will follow.   It provides the blueprint for the reader to follow as the author argues the point of the paper.   This is what we call the thesis statement.

A thesis statement answers the research question you began with, but also includes your point of view in arguing, analyzing, or explaining that question.

Why Should Your Essay Contain a Thesis Statement?

•  It tests the ideas you found in your research.   If you are able to provide an argument or analysis, it shows that you understand what you have read, and have been able to condense your ideas into a point of view.

•  It helps you organize and develop your argument.   It actually provides the structure of your paper.

•  It gives your reader a road map to your paper.

How To Generate a Thesis Statement

First you start with a topic, such as Peter the Great.   This is just a fragment or general subject.   It does not tell what position you are going to take in discussing the subject.

You need to gather information to find an aspect of your subject that will be of interest to you.  

Next, reduce your focus to a single question.   For example,   if you are going to write a paper on Peter the Great, you can ask "Why is Czar Peter I known as The Great?"   You can then answer the question in a sentence or two:

Peter I, Czar of Russia from 1672-1725, was called The Great because he brought about many reforms which westernized Russia and made it a major European power.

You can see that you need to do quite a bit of research before you can put together a thesis statement.

How to Tell a Strong Thesis Statement From a Weak one.

Remember that your thesis needs to show your conclusions about a subject.   Look at the thesis statements below:

Peter I, Czar of Russia, was called The Great because many things happened while he reigned.

Peter I was called The Great because he westernized Russia.

Peter I was called The Great because he made Russia a power among European Countries.

Peter I, Czar of Russia from 1672-1725, was called The Great because he brought about many reforms which westernized Russia and made it a major European power.

What are the Characteristics of a Strong Thesis Statement?

-It takes a stand or point of view.

-It expresses one main idea.

-It shows your reader exactly what your paper is going to be about.

Writing your conclusion.

When you have finished your paper,   as a test for yourself, just read the introduction and the conclusion.   Compare your first paragraph to your last.   There should be a very close relationship.   If your paper has wandered off course, it will be apparent when you compare your introduction to your conclusion.

Why is the first paragraph the most difficult to write?   Because not only does it introduce your topic, it also contains the conclusion of your argument.