what does the thesis belong

Thesis Statements

What this handout is about.

This handout describes what a thesis statement is, how thesis statements work in your writing, and how you can craft or refine one for your draft.

Introduction

Writing in college often takes the form of persuasion—convincing others that you have an interesting, logical point of view on the subject you are studying. Persuasion is a skill you practice regularly in your daily life. You persuade your roommate to clean up, your parents to let you borrow the car, your friend to vote for your favorite candidate or policy. In college, course assignments often ask you to make a persuasive case in writing. You are asked to convince your reader of your point of view. This form of persuasion, often called academic argument, follows a predictable pattern in writing. After a brief introduction of your topic, you state your point of view on the topic directly and often in one sentence. This sentence is the thesis statement, and it serves as a summary of the argument you’ll make in the rest of your paper.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement:

• tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion.
• is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper.
• directly answers the question asked of you. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. The subject, or topic, of an essay might be World War II or Moby Dick; a thesis must then offer a way to understand the war or the novel.
• makes a claim that others might dispute.
• is usually a single sentence near the beginning of your paper (most often, at the end of the first paragraph) that presents your argument to the reader. The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation.

If your assignment asks you to take a position or develop a claim about a subject, you may need to convey that position or claim in a thesis statement near the beginning of your draft. The assignment may not explicitly state that you need a thesis statement because your instructor may assume you will include one. When in doubt, ask your instructor if the assignment requires a thesis statement. When an assignment asks you to analyze, to interpret, to compare and contrast, to demonstrate cause and effect, or to take a stand on an issue, it is likely that you are being asked to develop a thesis and to support it persuasively. (Check out our handout on understanding assignments for more information.)

How do I create a thesis?

A thesis is the result of a lengthy thinking process. Formulating a thesis is not the first thing you do after reading an essay assignment. Before you develop an argument on any topic, you have to collect and organize evidence, look for possible relationships between known facts (such as surprising contrasts or similarities), and think about the significance of these relationships. Once you do this thinking, you will probably have a “working thesis” that presents a basic or main idea and an argument that you think you can support with evidence. Both the argument and your thesis are likely to need adjustment along the way.

Writers use all kinds of techniques to stimulate their thinking and to help them clarify relationships or comprehend the broader significance of a topic and arrive at a thesis statement. For more ideas on how to get started, see our handout on brainstorming .

How do I know if my thesis is strong?

If there’s time, run it by your instructor or make an appointment at the Writing Center to get some feedback. Even if you do not have time to get advice elsewhere, you can do some thesis evaluation of your own. When reviewing your first draft and its working thesis, ask yourself the following :

• Do I answer the question? Re-reading the question prompt after constructing a working thesis can help you fix an argument that misses the focus of the question. If the prompt isn’t phrased as a question, try to rephrase it. For example, “Discuss the effect of X on Y” can be rephrased as “What is the effect of X on Y?”
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? If your thesis simply states facts that no one would, or even could, disagree with, it’s possible that you are simply providing a summary, rather than making an argument.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? Thesis statements that are too vague often do not have a strong argument. If your thesis contains words like “good” or “successful,” see if you could be more specific: why is something “good”; what specifically makes something “successful”?
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? If a reader’s first response is likely to  be “So what?” then you need to clarify, to forge a relationship, or to connect to a larger issue.
• Does my essay support my thesis specifically and without wandering? If your thesis and the body of your essay do not seem to go together, one of them has to change. It’s okay to change your working thesis to reflect things you have figured out in the course of writing your paper. Remember, always reassess and revise your writing as necessary.
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? If a reader’s first response is “how?” or “why?” your thesis may be too open-ended and lack guidance for the reader. See what you can add to give the reader a better take on your position right from the beginning.

Suppose you are taking a course on contemporary communication, and the instructor hands out the following essay assignment: “Discuss the impact of social media on public awareness.” Looking back at your notes, you might start with this working thesis:

Social media impacts public awareness in both positive and negative ways.

You can use the questions above to help you revise this general statement into a stronger thesis.

• Do I answer the question? You can analyze this if you rephrase “discuss the impact” as “what is the impact?” This way, you can see that you’ve answered the question only very generally with the vague “positive and negative ways.”
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not likely. Only people who maintain that social media has a solely positive or solely negative impact could disagree.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? No. What are the positive effects? What are the negative effects?
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? No. Why are they positive? How are they positive? What are their causes? Why are they negative? How are they negative? What are their causes?
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? No. Why should anyone care about the positive and/or negative impact of social media?

After thinking about your answers to these questions, you decide to focus on the one impact you feel strongly about and have strong evidence for:

Because not every voice on social media is reliable, people have become much more critical consumers of information, and thus, more informed voters.

This version is a much stronger thesis! It answers the question, takes a specific position that others can challenge, and it gives a sense of why it matters.

Let’s try another. Suppose your literature professor hands out the following assignment in a class on the American novel: Write an analysis of some aspect of Mark Twain’s novel Huckleberry Finn. “This will be easy,” you think. “I loved Huckleberry Finn!” You grab a pad of paper and write:

Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn is a great American novel.

You begin to analyze your thesis:

• Do I answer the question? No. The prompt asks you to analyze some aspect of the novel. Your working thesis is a statement of general appreciation for the entire novel.

Think about aspects of the novel that are important to its structure or meaning—for example, the role of storytelling, the contrasting scenes between the shore and the river, or the relationships between adults and children. Now you write:

In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore.

• Do I answer the question? Yes!
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not really. This contrast is well-known and accepted.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? It’s getting there–you have highlighted an important aspect of the novel for investigation. However, it’s still not clear what your analysis will reveal.
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? Not yet. Compare scenes from the book and see what you discover. Free write, make lists, jot down Huck’s actions and reactions and anything else that seems interesting.
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? What’s the point of this contrast? What does it signify?”

After examining the evidence and considering your own insights, you write:

Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain’s Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American democratic ideals, one must leave “civilized” society and go back to nature.

This final thesis statement presents an interpretation of a literary work based on an analysis of its content. Of course, for the essay itself to be successful, you must now present evidence from the novel that will convince the reader of your interpretation.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Anson, Chris M., and Robert A. Schwegler. 2010. The Longman Handbook for Writers and Readers , 6th ed. New York: Longman.

Lunsford, Andrea A. 2015. The St. Martin’s Handbook , 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s.

Ramage, John D., John C. Bean, and June Johnson. 2018. The Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing , 8th ed. New York: Pearson.

Ruszkiewicz, John J., Christy Friend, Daniel Seward, and Maxine Hairston. 2010. The Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers , 9th ed. Boston: Pearson Education.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Make a Gift

Reference management. Clean and simple.

How to write a thesis statement + examples

What is a thesis statement?

Is a thesis statement a question, how do you write a good thesis statement, how do i know if my thesis statement is good, examples of thesis statements, helpful resources on how to write a thesis statement, frequently asked questions about writing a thesis statement, related articles.

A thesis statement is the main argument of your paper or thesis.

The thesis statement is one of the most important elements of any piece of academic writing . It is a brief statement of your paper’s main argument. Essentially, you are stating what you will be writing about.

You can see your thesis statement as an answer to a question. While it also contains the question, it should really give an answer to the question with new information and not just restate or reiterate it.

Your thesis statement is part of your introduction. Learn more about how to write a good thesis introduction in our introduction guide .

A thesis statement is not a question. A statement must be arguable and provable through evidence and analysis. While your thesis might stem from a research question, it should be in the form of a statement.

Tip: A thesis statement is typically 1-2 sentences. For a longer project like a thesis, the statement may be several sentences or a paragraph.

A good thesis statement needs to do the following:

• Condense the main idea of your thesis into one or two sentences.
• Answer your project’s main research question.
• Clearly state your position in relation to the topic .
• Make an argument that requires support or evidence.

Once you have written down a thesis statement, check if it fulfills the following criteria:

• Your statement needs to be provable by evidence. As an argument, a thesis statement needs to be debatable.
• Your statement needs to be precise. Do not give away too much information in the thesis statement and do not load it with unnecessary information.
• Your statement cannot say that one solution is simply right or simply wrong as a matter of fact. You should draw upon verified facts to persuade the reader of your solution, but you cannot just declare something as right or wrong.

As previously mentioned, your thesis statement should answer a question.

If the question is:

What do you think the City of New York should do to reduce traffic congestion?

A good thesis statement restates the question and answers it:

In this paper, I will argue that the City of New York should focus on providing exclusive lanes for public transport and adaptive traffic signals to reduce traffic congestion by the year 2035.

Here is another example. If the question is:

How can we end poverty?

A good thesis statement should give more than one solution to the problem in question:

In this paper, I will argue that introducing universal basic income can help reduce poverty and positively impact the way we work.

• The Writing Center of the University of North Carolina has a list of questions to ask to see if your thesis is strong .

A thesis statement is part of the introduction of your paper. It is usually found in the first or second paragraph to let the reader know your research purpose from the beginning.

In general, a thesis statement should have one or two sentences. But the length really depends on the overall length of your project. Take a look at our guide about the length of thesis statements for more insight on this topic.

Here is a list of Thesis Statement Examples that will help you understand better how to write them.

Every good essay should include a thesis statement as part of its introduction, no matter the academic level. Of course, if you are a high school student you are not expected to have the same type of thesis as a PhD student.

Here is a great YouTube tutorial showing How To Write An Essay: Thesis Statements .

• Skip to Content
• Skip to Main Navigation
• Skip to Search

Indiana University Bloomington Indiana University Bloomington IU Bloomington

• Mission, Vision, and Inclusive Language Statement
• Locations & Hours
• Undergraduate Employment
• Graduate Employment
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Newsletter Archive
• Support WTS
• Schedule an Appointment
• Online Tutoring
• Before your Appointment
• WTS Policies
• Group Tutoring
• Students Referred by Instructors
• Paid External Editing Services
• Writing Guides
• Scholarly Write-in
• Dissertation Writing Groups
• Journal Article Writing Groups
• Early Career Graduate Student Writing Workshop
• Workshops for Graduate Students
• Teaching Resources
• Syllabus Information
• Course-specific Tutoring
• Nominate a Peer Tutor
• Tutoring Feedback
• Schedule Appointment
• Campus Writing Program

Writing Tutorial Services

How to write a thesis statement, what is a thesis statement.

Almost all of us—even if we don’t do it consciously—look early in an essay for a one- or two-sentence condensation of the argument or analysis that is to follow. We refer to that condensation as a thesis statement.

Why Should Your Essay Contain a Thesis Statement?

• to test your ideas by distilling them into a sentence or two
• to better organize and develop your argument
• to provide your reader with a “guide” to your argument

In general, your thesis statement will accomplish these goals if you think of the thesis as the answer to the question your paper explores.

How Can You Write a Good Thesis Statement?

Here are some helpful hints to get you started. You can either scroll down or select a link to a specific topic.

How to Generate a Thesis Statement if the Topic is Assigned How to Generate a Thesis Statement if the Topic is not Assigned How to Tell a Strong Thesis Statement from a Weak One

How to Generate a Thesis Statement if the Topic is Assigned

Almost all assignments, no matter how complicated, can be reduced to a single question. Your first step, then, is to distill the assignment into a specific question. For example, if your assignment is, “Write a report to the local school board explaining the potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class,” turn the request into a question like, “What are the potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class?” After you’ve chosen the question your essay will answer, compose one or two complete sentences answering that question.

Q: “What are the potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class?” A: “The potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class are . . .”

A: “Using computers in a fourth-grade class promises to improve . . .”

The answer to the question is the thesis statement for the essay.

[ Back to top ]

How to Generate a Thesis Statement if the Topic is not Assigned

Even if your assignment doesn’t ask a specific question, your thesis statement still needs to answer a question about the issue you’d like to explore. In this situation, your job is to figure out what question you’d like to write about.

A good thesis statement will usually include the following four attributes:

• take on a subject upon which reasonable people could disagree
• deal with a subject that can be adequately treated given the nature of the assignment
• express one main idea
• assert your conclusions about a subject

Let’s see how to generate a thesis statement for a social policy paper.

Brainstorm the topic . Let’s say that your class focuses upon the problems posed by changes in the dietary habits of Americans. You find that you are interested in the amount of sugar Americans consume.

You start out with a thesis statement like this:

Sugar consumption.

This fragment isn’t a thesis statement. Instead, it simply indicates a general subject. Furthermore, your reader doesn’t know what you want to say about sugar consumption.

Narrow the topic . Your readings about the topic, however, have led you to the conclusion that elementary school children are consuming far more sugar than is healthy.

You change your thesis to look like this:

Reducing sugar consumption by elementary school children.

This fragment not only announces your subject, but it focuses on one segment of the population: elementary school children. Furthermore, it raises a subject upon which reasonable people could disagree, because while most people might agree that children consume more sugar than they used to, not everyone would agree on what should be done or who should do it. You should note that this fragment is not a thesis statement because your reader doesn’t know your conclusions on the topic.

Take a position on the topic. After reflecting on the topic a little while longer, you decide that what you really want to say about this topic is that something should be done to reduce the amount of sugar these children consume.

You revise your thesis statement to look like this:

More attention should be paid to the food and beverage choices available to elementary school children.

This statement asserts your position, but the terms more attention and food and beverage choices are vague.

Use specific language . You decide to explain what you mean about food and beverage choices , so you write:

Experts estimate that half of elementary school children consume nine times the recommended daily allowance of sugar.

This statement is specific, but it isn’t a thesis. It merely reports a statistic instead of making an assertion.

Make an assertion based on clearly stated support. You finally revise your thesis statement one more time to look like this:

Because half of all American elementary school children consume nine times the recommended daily allowance of sugar, schools should be required to replace the beverages in soda machines with healthy alternatives.

Notice how the thesis answers the question, “What should be done to reduce sugar consumption by children, and who should do it?” When you started thinking about the paper, you may not have had a specific question in mind, but as you became more involved in the topic, your ideas became more specific. Your thesis changed to reflect your new insights.

How to Tell a Strong Thesis Statement from a Weak One

1. a strong thesis statement takes some sort of stand..

Remember that your thesis needs to show your conclusions about a subject. For example, if you are writing a paper for a class on fitness, you might be asked to choose a popular weight-loss product to evaluate. Here are two thesis statements:

There are some negative and positive aspects to the Banana Herb Tea Supplement.

This is a weak thesis statement. First, it fails to take a stand. Second, the phrase negative and positive aspects is vague.

Because Banana Herb Tea Supplement promotes rapid weight loss that results in the loss of muscle and lean body mass, it poses a potential danger to customers.

This is a strong thesis because it takes a stand, and because it's specific.

2. A strong thesis statement justifies discussion.

Your thesis should indicate the point of the discussion. If your assignment is to write a paper on kinship systems, using your own family as an example, you might come up with either of these two thesis statements:

My family is an extended family.

This is a weak thesis because it merely states an observation. Your reader won’t be able to tell the point of the statement, and will probably stop reading.

While most American families would view consanguineal marriage as a threat to the nuclear family structure, many Iranian families, like my own, believe that these marriages help reinforce kinship ties in an extended family.

This is a strong thesis because it shows how your experience contradicts a widely-accepted view. A good strategy for creating a strong thesis is to show that the topic is controversial. Readers will be interested in reading the rest of the essay to see how you support your point.

3. A strong thesis statement expresses one main idea.

Readers need to be able to see that your paper has one main point. If your thesis statement expresses more than one idea, then you might confuse your readers about the subject of your paper. For example:

Companies need to exploit the marketing potential of the Internet, and Web pages can provide both advertising and customer support.

This is a weak thesis statement because the reader can’t decide whether the paper is about marketing on the Internet or Web pages. To revise the thesis, the relationship between the two ideas needs to become more clear. One way to revise the thesis would be to write:

Because the Internet is filled with tremendous marketing potential, companies should exploit this potential by using Web pages that offer both advertising and customer support.

This is a strong thesis because it shows that the two ideas are related. Hint: a great many clear and engaging thesis statements contain words like because , since , so , although , unless , and however .

4. A strong thesis statement is specific.

A thesis statement should show exactly what your paper will be about, and will help you keep your paper to a manageable topic. For example, if you're writing a seven-to-ten page paper on hunger, you might say:

World hunger has many causes and effects.

This is a weak thesis statement for two major reasons. First, world hunger can’t be discussed thoroughly in seven to ten pages. Second, many causes and effects is vague. You should be able to identify specific causes and effects. A revised thesis might look like this:

Hunger persists in Glandelinia because jobs are scarce and farming in the infertile soil is rarely profitable.

This is a strong thesis statement because it narrows the subject to a more specific and manageable topic, and it also identifies the specific causes for the existence of hunger.

Produced by Writing Tutorial Services, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN

Writing Tutorial Services social media channels

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement is an essential component of ALL academic and research writing.

A thesis statement:

• occurs early in a piece of written work (introduction)
• tells the reader what the purpose and scope of the work will be
• provides more than a mere description of the topic
• puts a ‘wager’ (i.e. a bet) on the topic by telling us what the significance of the research will be
• defines what will be investigated and what they think will be found (note, it’s OK if the hypothesis is disproven once the data is in)

Descriptive thesis statements

Beware thesis statements that are too descriptive because they “do not investigate anything, critique anything, or analyze anything […] they also do not invite support and argument from outside of the central text” ( UW Expository Writing Program, 2007, p. 2). The problem with thesis statements that are merely descriptive is that they lack a ‘stance’ or an argument. They are therefore difficult to support with evidence and to build an argument for.

The examples below would not make good thesis statements because they are too descriptive.

a) Shakespeare was a famous playwright during the Elizabethan era. He wrote numerous plays and poems.

b) Almost one in two marriages in Australia end in divorce. That means the divorce rate is almost 50%.

c) Covid-19 was a virus that caused an epidemic in the early 2020’s.

Check your understanding

Where is the thesis statement in the passage below?

My intention was to investigate and portray Antarctica through my own and others’ personal experiences, through historical examples of jewellery and souvenirs and through experimentation in the studio-based manufacture of new jewellery and souvenirs [e] . The objects produced through this research would reference the valued jewellery and souvenirs now displayed in museums as historical artefacts which were once personal mementos [f] . I was particularly interested in the potential of these objects to represent personal narratives and experiences of the past [g] . In this research project I have explored some of the ways in which I can make objects, specifically jewellery and souvenirs that draw on this rich heritage to present Antarctica in an innovative way [h] .

Excerpt from Kirsten Haydon’s dissertation Antarctic landscapes in the souvenir and jewellery (used with permission)

Research and Writing Skills for Academic and Graduate Researchers Copyright © 2022 by RMIT University is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Share This Book

• Resources Home 🏠
• Try SciSpace Copilot
• Search research papers
• Add Copilot Extension
• Try AI Detector
• Try Paraphraser
• Try Citation Generator
• April Papers
• June Papers
• July Papers

What is a thesis | A Complete Guide with Examples

Table of Contents

A thesis is a comprehensive academic paper based on your original research that presents new findings, arguments, and ideas of your study. It’s typically submitted at the end of your master’s degree or as a capstone of your bachelor’s degree.

However, writing a thesis can be laborious, especially for beginners. From the initial challenge of pinpointing a compelling research topic to organizing and presenting findings, the process is filled with potential pitfalls.

Therefore, to help you, this guide talks about what is a thesis. Additionally, it offers revelations and methodologies to transform it from an overwhelming task to a manageable and rewarding academic milestone.

What is a thesis?

A thesis is an in-depth research study that identifies a particular topic of inquiry and presents a clear argument or perspective about that topic using evidence and logic.

Writing a thesis showcases your ability of critical thinking, gathering evidence, and making a compelling argument. Integral to these competencies is thorough research, which not only fortifies your propositions but also confers credibility to your entire study.

Furthermore, there's another phenomenon you might often confuse with the thesis: the ' working thesis .' However, they aren't similar and shouldn't be used interchangeably.

A working thesis, often referred to as a preliminary or tentative thesis, is an initial version of your thesis statement. It serves as a draft or a starting point that guides your research in its early stages.

As you research more and gather more evidence, your initial thesis (aka working thesis) might change. It's like a starting point that can be adjusted as you learn more. It's normal for your main topic to change a few times before you finalize it.

While a thesis identifies and provides an overarching argument, the key to clearly communicating the central point of that argument lies in writing a strong thesis statement.

What is a thesis statement?

A strong thesis statement (aka thesis sentence) is a concise summary of the main argument or claim of the paper. It serves as a critical anchor in any academic work, succinctly encapsulating the primary argument or main idea of the entire paper.

Typically found within the introductory section, a strong thesis statement acts as a roadmap of your thesis, directing readers through your arguments and findings. By delineating the core focus of your investigation, it offers readers an immediate understanding of the context and the gravity of your study.

Furthermore, an effectively crafted thesis statement can set forth the boundaries of your research, helping readers anticipate the specific areas of inquiry you are addressing.

Different types of thesis statements

A good thesis statement is clear, specific, and arguable. Therefore, it is necessary for you to choose the right type of thesis statement for your academic papers.

Thesis statements can be classified based on their purpose and structure. Here are the primary types of thesis statements:

Argumentative (or Persuasive) thesis statement

Purpose : To convince the reader of a particular stance or point of view by presenting evidence and formulating a compelling argument.

Example : Reducing plastic use in daily life is essential for environmental health.

Analytical thesis statement

Purpose : To break down an idea or issue into its components and evaluate it.

Example : By examining the long-term effects, social implications, and economic impact of climate change, it becomes evident that immediate global action is necessary.

Expository (or Descriptive) thesis statement

Purpose : To explain a topic or subject to the reader.

Example : The Great Depression, spanning the 1930s, was a severe worldwide economic downturn triggered by a stock market crash, bank failures, and reduced consumer spending.

Cause and effect thesis statement

Purpose : To demonstrate a cause and its resulting effect.

Example : Overuse of smartphones can lead to impaired sleep patterns, reduced face-to-face social interactions, and increased levels of anxiety.

Compare and contrast thesis statement

Purpose : To highlight similarities and differences between two subjects.

Example : "While both novels '1984' and 'Brave New World' delve into dystopian futures, they differ in their portrayal of individual freedom, societal control, and the role of technology."

When you write a thesis statement , it's important to ensure clarity and precision, so the reader immediately understands the central focus of your work.

What is the difference between a thesis and a thesis statement?

While both terms are frequently used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings.

A thesis refers to the entire research document, encompassing all its chapters and sections. In contrast, a thesis statement is a brief assertion that encapsulates the central argument of the research.

Here’s an in-depth differentiation table of a thesis and a thesis statement.

Now, to craft a compelling thesis, it's crucial to adhere to a specific structure. Let’s break down these essential components that make up a thesis structure

15 components of a thesis structure

Navigating a thesis can be daunting. However, understanding its structure can make the process more manageable.

Here are the key components or different sections of a thesis structure:

Your thesis begins with the title page. It's not just a formality but the gateway to your research.

Here, you'll prominently display the necessary information about you (the author) and your institutional details.

• Title of your thesis
• Your full name
• Your department
• Your institution and degree program
• Your submission date
• Your Supervisor's name (in some cases)
• Your Department or faculty (in some cases)
• Your University's logo (in some cases)
• Your Student ID (in some cases)

In a concise manner, you'll have to summarize the critical aspects of your research in typically no more than 200-300 words.

This includes the problem statement, methodology, key findings, and conclusions. For many, the abstract will determine if they delve deeper into your work, so ensure it's clear and compelling.

Acknowledgments

Research is rarely a solitary endeavor. In the acknowledgments section, you have the chance to express gratitude to those who've supported your journey.

This might include advisors, peers, institutions, or even personal sources of inspiration and support. It's a personal touch, reflecting the humanity behind the academic rigor.

Table of contents

A roadmap for your readers, the table of contents lists the chapters, sections, and subsections of your thesis.

By providing page numbers, you allow readers to navigate your work easily, jumping to sections that pique their interest.

List of figures and tables

Research often involves data, and presenting this data visually can enhance understanding. This section provides an organized listing of all figures and tables in your thesis.

It's a visual index, ensuring that readers can quickly locate and reference your graphical data.

Introduction

Here's where you introduce your research topic, articulate the research question or objective, and outline the significance of your study.

• Present the research topic : Clearly articulate the central theme or subject of your research.
• Background information : Ground your research topic, providing any necessary context or background information your readers might need to understand the significance of your study.
• Define the scope : Clearly delineate the boundaries of your research, indicating what will and won't be covered.
• Literature review : Introduce any relevant existing research on your topic, situating your work within the broader academic conversation and highlighting where your research fits in.
• State the research Question(s) or objective(s) : Clearly articulate the primary questions or objectives your research aims to address.
• Outline the study's structure : Give a brief overview of how the subsequent sections of your work will unfold, guiding your readers through the journey ahead.

The introduction should captivate your readers, making them eager to delve deeper into your research journey.

Literature review section

Your study correlates with existing research. Therefore, in the literature review section, you'll engage in a dialogue with existing knowledge, highlighting relevant studies, theories, and findings.

It's here that you identify gaps in the current knowledge, positioning your research as a bridge to new insights.

To streamline this process, consider leveraging AI tools. For example, the SciSpace literature review tool enables you to efficiently explore and delve into research papers, simplifying your literature review journey.

Methodology

In the research methodology section, you’ll detail the tools, techniques, and processes you employed to gather and analyze data. This section will inform the readers about how you approached your research questions and ensures the reproducibility of your study.

Here's a breakdown of what it should encompass:

• Research Design : Describe the overall structure and approach of your research. Are you conducting a qualitative study with in-depth interviews? Or is it a quantitative study using statistical analysis? Perhaps it's a mixed-methods approach?
• Data Collection : Detail the methods you used to gather data. This could include surveys, experiments, observations, interviews, archival research, etc. Mention where you sourced your data, the duration of data collection, and any tools or instruments used.
• Sampling : If applicable, explain how you selected participants or data sources for your study. Discuss the size of your sample and the rationale behind choosing it.
• Data Analysis : Describe the techniques and tools you used to process and analyze the data. This could range from statistical tests in quantitative research to thematic analysis in qualitative research.
• Validity and Reliability : Address the steps you took to ensure the validity and reliability of your findings to ensure that your results are both accurate and consistent.
• Ethical Considerations : Highlight any ethical issues related to your research and the measures you took to address them, including — informed consent, confidentiality, and data storage and protection measures.

Moreover, different research questions necessitate different types of methodologies. For instance:

• Experimental methodology : Often used in sciences, this involves a controlled experiment to discern causality.
• Qualitative methodology : Employed when exploring patterns or phenomena without numerical data. Methods can include interviews, focus groups, or content analysis.
• Quantitative methodology : Concerned with measurable data and often involves statistical analysis. Surveys and structured observations are common tools here.
• Mixed methods : As the name implies, this combines both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

The Methodology section isn’t just about detailing the methods but also justifying why they were chosen. The appropriateness of the methods in addressing your research question can significantly impact the credibility of your findings.

Results (or Findings)

This section presents the outcomes of your research. It's crucial to note that the nature of your results may vary; they could be quantitative, qualitative, or a mix of both.

Quantitative results often present statistical data, showcasing measurable outcomes, and they benefit from tables, graphs, and figures to depict these data points.

Qualitative results , on the other hand, might delve into patterns, themes, or narratives derived from non-numerical data, such as interviews or observations.

Regardless of the nature of your results, clarity is essential. This section is purely about presenting the data without offering interpretations — that comes later in the discussion.

In the discussion section, the raw data transforms into valuable insights.

Start by revisiting your research question and contrast it with the findings. How do your results expand, constrict, or challenge current academic conversations?

Dive into the intricacies of the data, guiding the reader through its implications. Detail potential limitations transparently, signaling your awareness of the research's boundaries. This is where your academic voice should be resonant and confident.

Practical implications (Recommendation) section

Based on the insights derived from your research, this section provides actionable suggestions or proposed solutions.

Whether aimed at industry professionals or the general public, recommendations translate your academic findings into potential real-world actions. They help readers understand the practical implications of your work and how it can be applied to effect change or improvement in a given field.

When crafting recommendations, it's essential to ensure they're feasible and rooted in the evidence provided by your research. They shouldn't merely be aspirational but should offer a clear path forward, grounded in your findings.

The conclusion provides closure to your research narrative.

It's not merely a recap but a synthesis of your main findings and their broader implications. Reconnect with the research questions or hypotheses posited at the beginning, offering clear answers based on your findings.

Reflect on the broader contributions of your study, considering its impact on the academic community and potential real-world applications.

Lastly, the conclusion should leave your readers with a clear understanding of the value and impact of your study.

References (or Bibliography)

Every theory you've expounded upon, every data point you've cited, and every methodological precedent you've followed finds its acknowledgment here.

In references, it's crucial to ensure meticulous consistency in formatting, mirroring the specific guidelines of the chosen citation style .

Proper referencing helps to avoid plagiarism , gives credit to original ideas, and allows readers to explore topics of interest. Moreover, it situates your work within the continuum of academic knowledge.

To properly cite the sources used in the study, you can rely on online citation generator tools  to generate accurate citations!

Here’s more on how you can cite your sources.

Often, the depth of research produces a wealth of material that, while crucial, can make the core content of the thesis cumbersome. The appendix is where you mention extra information that supports your research but isn't central to the main text.

Whether it's raw datasets, detailed procedural methodologies, extended case studies, or any other ancillary material, the appendices ensure that these elements are archived for reference without breaking the main narrative's flow.

For thorough researchers and readers keen on meticulous details, the appendices provide a treasure trove of insights.

Glossary (optional)

In academics, specialized terminologies, and jargon are inevitable. However, not every reader is versed in every term.

The glossary, while optional, is a critical tool for accessibility. It's a bridge ensuring that even readers from outside the discipline can access, understand, and appreciate your work.

By defining complex terms and providing context, you're inviting a wider audience to engage with your research, enhancing its reach and impact.

Remember, while these components provide a structured framework, the essence of your thesis lies in the originality of your ideas, the rigor of your research, and the clarity of your presentation.

As you craft each section, keep your readers in mind, ensuring that your passion and dedication shine through every page.

Thesis examples

To further elucidate the concept of a thesis, here are illustrative examples from various fields:

Example 1 (History): Abolition, Africans, and Abstraction: the Influence of the ‘Noble Savage’ on British and French Antislavery Thought, 1787-1807 by Suchait Kahlon.

Example 2 (Climate Dynamics): Influence of external forcings on abrupt millennial-scale climate changes: a statistical modelling study by Takahito Mitsui · Michel Crucifix

Checklist for your thesis evaluation

Evaluating your thesis ensures that your research meets the standards of academia. Here's an elaborate checklist to guide you through this critical process.

Content and structure

• Is the thesis statement clear, concise, and debatable?
• Does the introduction provide sufficient background and context?
• Is the literature review comprehensive, relevant, and well-organized?
• Does the methodology section clearly describe and justify the research methods?
• Are the results/findings presented clearly and logically?
• Does the discussion interpret the results in light of the research question and existing literature?
• Is the conclusion summarizing the research and suggesting future directions or implications?

Clarity and coherence

• Is the writing clear and free of jargon?
• Are ideas and sections logically connected and flowing?
• Is there a clear narrative or argument throughout the thesis?

Research quality

• Is the research question significant and relevant?
• Are the research methods appropriate for the question?
• Is the sample size (if applicable) adequate?
• Are the data analysis techniques appropriate and correctly applied?
• Are potential biases or limitations addressed?

Originality and significance

• Does the thesis contribute new knowledge or insights to the field?
• Is the research grounded in existing literature while offering fresh perspectives?

Formatting and presentation

• Is the thesis formatted according to institutional guidelines?
• Are figures, tables, and charts clear, labeled, and referenced in the text?
• Is the bibliography or reference list complete and consistently formatted?
• Are appendices relevant and appropriately referenced in the main text?

Grammar and language

• Is the thesis free of grammatical and spelling errors?
• Is the language professional, consistent, and appropriate for an academic audience?
• Are quotations and paraphrased material correctly cited?

Feedback and revision

• Have you sought feedback from peers, advisors, or experts in the field?
• Have you addressed the feedback and made the necessary revisions?

Overall assessment

• Does the thesis as a whole feel cohesive and comprehensive?
• Would the thesis be understandable and valuable to someone in your field?

Ensure to use this checklist to leave no ground for doubt or missed information in your thesis.

After writing your thesis, the next step is to discuss and defend your findings verbally in front of a knowledgeable panel. You’ve to be well prepared as your professors may grade your presentation abilities.

Preparing your thesis defense

A thesis defense, also known as "defending the thesis," is the culmination of a scholar's research journey. It's the final frontier, where you’ll present their findings and face scrutiny from a panel of experts.

Typically, the defense involves a public presentation where you’ll have to outline your study, followed by a question-and-answer session with a committee of experts. This committee assesses the validity, originality, and significance of the research.

The defense serves as a rite of passage for scholars. It's an opportunity to showcase expertise, address criticisms, and refine arguments. A successful defense not only validates the research but also establishes your authority as a researcher in your field.

Here’s how you can effectively prepare for your thesis defense .

Now, having touched upon the process of defending a thesis, it's worth noting that scholarly work can take various forms, depending on academic and regional practices.

One such form, often paralleled with the thesis, is the 'dissertation.' But what differentiates the two?

Dissertation vs. Thesis

Often used interchangeably in casual discourse, they refer to distinct research projects undertaken at different levels of higher education.

To the uninitiated, understanding their meaning might be elusive. So, let's demystify these terms and delve into their core differences.

Here's a table differentiating between the two.

Wrapping up

From understanding the foundational concept of a thesis to navigating its various components, differentiating it from a dissertation, and recognizing the importance of proper citation — this guide covers it all.

As scholars and readers, understanding these nuances not only aids in academic pursuits but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the relentless quest for knowledge that drives academia.

It’s important to remember that every thesis is a testament to curiosity, dedication, and the indomitable spirit of discovery.

Good luck with your thesis writing!

Frequently Asked Questions

A thesis typically ranges between 40-80 pages, but its length can vary based on the research topic, institution guidelines, and level of study.

A PhD thesis usually spans 200-300 pages, though this can vary based on the discipline, complexity of the research, and institutional requirements.

To identify a thesis topic, consider current trends in your field, gaps in existing literature, personal interests, and discussions with advisors or mentors. Additionally, reviewing related journals and conference proceedings can provide insights into potential areas of exploration.

The conceptual framework is often situated in the literature review or theoretical framework section of a thesis. It helps set the stage by providing the context, defining key concepts, and explaining the relationships between variables.

A thesis statement should be concise, clear, and specific. It should state the main argument or point of your research. Start by pinpointing the central question or issue your research addresses, then condense that into a single statement, ensuring it reflects the essence of your paper.

You might also like

Boosting Citations: A Comparative Analysis of Graphical Abstract vs. Video Abstract

The Impact of Visual Abstracts on Boosting Citations

Introducing SciSpace’s Citation Booster To Increase Research Visibility

• Thesis Action Plan New
• Academic Project Planner

Literature Navigator

Thesis dialogue blueprint, writing wizard's template, research proposal compass.

• Why students love us
• Why professors love us
• Rebels Blog (Free)
• Why we are different
• All Products
• Coming Soon

Navigating the Essay Structure: Where Does the Thesis Statement Belong?

In the quest to master essay writing, understanding where to place the thesis statement is crucial. The thesis statement serves as the compass of your essay, guiding readers through your arguments and claims. This article delves into the strategic placement of the thesis statement within an essay's structure, exploring its role, ideal positioning, and the nuances that can affect its effectiveness. Whether you're a seasoned writer or a student learning the ropes, grasping the concept of thesis statement placement will significantly enhance the clarity and impact of your essays.

Key Takeaways

• The thesis statement is a critical component of an essay, encapsulating its main argument or claim.
• Typically, the thesis statement is positioned at the end of the introductory paragraph, setting the stage for the essay.
• Different essay genres and disciplines may require variations in thesis statement placement for optimal reader engagement.
• A well-crafted thesis statement is concise, clear, and specific, guiding the reader through the essay's content.
• Integrating the thesis statement seamlessly with the essay structure ensures coherence and reinforces the argument.

The Role of the Thesis Statement in Essay Composition

Defining the thesis statement.

A thesis statement serves as the guiding beacon of your essay, succinctly presenting your central argument or claim. It is the core assertion that you intend to prove or explain throughout your writing. Think of it as the compass for your essay , directing the reader's attention to the main point you will explore and support with evidence.

The thesis statement typically appears at the end of the introductory paragraph, setting the stage for the body of the essay. It should be clear, concise, and specific, providing a preview of the structure and direction of your argument. Here are some key characteristics of an effective thesis statement:

• It clearly states the topic of your essay and your position on it.
• It is specific enough to be covered in the scope of your essay.
• It is debatable, meaning someone could potentially disagree with it.
• It provides a roadmap for the essay, hinting at how the argument will be constructed.

Remember, the thesis statement is not just a topic—it is your interpretation or perspective on that topic, which you will defend with logic and evidence throughout your essay.

Functions of the Thesis Statement

The thesis statement serves as the compass of your essay, guiding both you and your readers through the terrain of your arguments and ideas. It articulates the purpose and main point of your essay , ensuring that you stay on course and that your readers understand the direction of your argumentation from the outset.

In crafting your thesis statement, you are doing more than simply stating what you will discuss; you are setting the stage for how you will present your evidence, analysis, and insights. The thesis statement acts as a promise to your readers about the scope, direction, and essence of your paper. Here are some key functions of a thesis statement:

• It establishes the focus of your essay and narrows down the topic to a manageable scope.
• It provides a clear and concise summary of the main points or arguments that you will explore.
• It sets expectations for the reader, offering a preview of what is to come in the body of the essay.

Remember, a well-positioned and effectively communicated thesis statement is pivotal to the success of your essay. It is the foundation upon which all other elements are built, and it should be both specific enough to be meaningful and broad enough to allow for a comprehensive discussion within the confines of your essay.

Positioning the Thesis Statement

Understanding where to position your thesis statement within your essay is crucial for setting the stage for your argument. Typically, the thesis statement is placed at the end of the introductory paragraph, serving as a gateway to the body of the essay. This strategic placement allows you to clearly present your main argument or claim before delving into the supporting evidence. It acts as a roadmap for your readers , guiding them through the subsequent discussion and analysis.

In crafting your essay, consider the flow of ideas leading up to the thesis statement. Start with a hook to grab attention, provide some background information, and then introduce your thesis. This progression ensures that by the time your readers encounter the thesis, they have sufficient context to understand its significance. For instance, a website that offers tools like the Thesis Action Plan , Worksheets, and resources can be instrumental in honing your thesis crafting and research strategies.

Remember, the exact position of the thesis statement can vary depending on the length and style of the essay. In longer essays, it may appear after a more extended introduction, while in shorter pieces, it might be more direct. Regardless of its position, the thesis statement should be clear, concise, and well-articulated to effectively anchor your essay's structure.

Strategic Placement of the Thesis Statement

Thesis placement in different essay genres.

The placement of your thesis statement can vary significantly across different essay genres. In a five-paragraph essay , for instance, the thesis typically appears at the end of the introductory paragraph, setting the stage for the arguments to follow. Conversely, in a narrative essay, the thesis may be woven subtly throughout the narrative rather than presented upfront.

Understanding the conventions of each genre is crucial for effective communication. For example, an argumentative essay demands a clear and assertive thesis early on to guide the reader through your points of contention. Below is a list of common essay genres and the typical placement of the thesis statement within them:

• Analytical Essay : Usually at the end of the introduction
• Expository Essay : Often at the end of the first paragraph
• Compare and Contrast Essay : End of the introduction, highlighting the main comparison points
• Persuasive Essay : Close to the beginning, to clearly establish your position

Each genre has its own rhythm and purpose, and the thesis placement should align with the overall structure and intent of the essay. As you write, consider how the placement of your thesis will impact the flow and coherence of your argument.

Cultural and Disciplinary Variations

The thesis statement's placement can be influenced by cultural and disciplinary norms that dictate how an argument should be presented. In some cultures, it is common to state the thesis explicitly at the beginning of an essay to guide the reader. In contrast, other traditions may prefer a more subtle approach, weaving the thesis throughout the discourse. Disciplines also play a role; for example, a literature paper might integrate the thesis more fluidly than a scientific report, which typically states the thesis upfront.

Understanding these variations is crucial for you as a writer. It allows you to tailor your essay to the expectations of your audience, whether they are academics, professionals, or a general readership. To navigate these nuances, it is helpful to engage in how to find literature that exemplifies the conventions of your field or culture. This research can provide insights into the most effective placement of your thesis statement, ensuring that your argument resonates with your intended audience.

Here are some steps to consider when determining the placement of your thesis statement:

• Identify the cultural and disciplinary expectations for thesis placement.
• Analyze exemplar essays and papers within your field to discern patterns.
• Reflect on the purpose of your essay and the impact you wish to achieve.
• Experiment with different placements in drafts to gauge the effectiveness.

By being mindful of these factors, you can enhance the clarity and persuasiveness of your essay, making your thesis statement not just a claim, but a bridge connecting your ideas to the reader's understanding.

Impact of Thesis Placement on Reader Comprehension

The placement of your thesis statement can significantly influence how readers understand and engage with your essay. A strategically positioned thesis statement sets the stage for what is to come and prepares the reader for the arguments and evidence that will follow. Typically, the thesis is located at the end of the introductory paragraph, serving as a bridge to the body of the essay. However, variations exist, and the optimal position may differ based on the essay's purpose and audience.

Consider the following factors when determining the best placement for your thesis statement:

• The genre of the essay and its conventional structure.
• The expectations of your academic discipline or cultural context.
• The complexity of your argument and the need for background information.

By thoughtfully positioning your thesis statement, you enhance the reader's ability to follow your line of reasoning, thereby improving the overall coherence and persuasiveness of your essay. It's essential to weigh these considerations carefully to ensure that your thesis statement fulfills its role as the essay's guiding force.

Crafting an Effective Thesis Statement

Characteristics of a strong thesis.

A strong thesis statement is the backbone of a well-constructed essay. It serves as a beacon, guiding your readers through the arguments and supporting evidence you present. It must be clear and concise , encapsulating your main argument in a way that is easy for readers to grasp. The thesis should be specific enough to give a clear direction to your essay, yet flexible enough to allow for a comprehensive exploration of the topic.

An effective thesis statement also reflects a certain level of complexity, indicating a deep understanding of the subject matter. It should not be a mere statement of fact, but rather an assertion that requires evidence and elaboration. Here are some key characteristics to aim for:

• Arguable: It should invite debate by presenting a viewpoint that can be challenged.
• Supportive: It must be able to be backed up with evidence .
• Focused: It should define the scope of your essay and focus on a specific area of inquiry.
• Insightful: It should provide a unique perspective or imply a new way of understanding the topic.

Common Pitfalls in Thesis Development

As you delve into the intricacies of writing your thesis, it's crucial to be aware of common pitfalls that can undermine the strength of your thesis statement. A thesis may be a single, declarative sentence, yet it can falter if it lacks clarity or specificity. Avoid broad or vague statements that fail to convey the central argument of your essay. Instead, strive for a thesis that is both assertive and focused, providing a clear direction for your essay.

When crafting your thesis, it's essential to how to find research question that is both relevant and compelling. This will serve as the foundation for your argument and guide your research. Here are some steps to ensure your thesis remains robust and effective:

• Begin with a broad exploration of your topic to identify potential angles.
• Narrow down your focus to a specific question that your thesis will address.
• Ensure that your thesis statement directly answers the research question.
• Refine your thesis through multiple drafts, seeking feedback from peers or mentors.

Remember, a well-developed thesis is the cornerstone of a successful essay. It should not only present your argument but also engage your readers, compelling them to read further.

Revising for Clarity and Precision

After drafting your thesis statement, it's crucial to revise for clarity and precision . This process involves stripping away superfluous details and ensuring that your thesis conveys your argument succinctly. Pay particular attention to transition words ; they are the signposts that guide readers through the logic of your argument.

Consider employing the zoom-in-zoom-out technique to balance the big picture with necessary details. Start by zooming out to ensure your thesis addresses the overall argument, then zoom in to refine and articulate the specifics. This technique helps in maintaining the focus and avoiding half-zoomed, abstract statements that lack vividness.

Here are some steps to enhance your thesis statement:

• Organize your thesis to present your ideas logically.
• Revise thoroughly to remove ambiguities.
• Cite sources properly to bolster credibility.
• Seek feedback to polish your thesis journey.

Remember, a well-crafted thesis statement is the cornerstone of an impactful essay. It's worth investing the time to revise and perfect it.

Integrating the Thesis Statement with Essay Structure

Thesis-centric paragraph development.

When constructing your essay, each paragraph should serve as a building block, contributing to the overall argument presented by your thesis statement . Develop paragraphs that revolve around your thesis , ensuring that each one introduces a distinct idea or piece of evidence that supports your central argument. This approach not only strengthens the coherence of your essay but also reinforces the reader's understanding of your thesis as they progress through your writing.

Consider the following structure for each paragraph:

• A topic sentence that clearly relates to the thesis.
• Supporting sentences with evidence, examples, or arguments.
• A concluding sentence that ties the paragraph back to the thesis and transitions smoothly to the next point.

By adhering to this format, you create a logical flow that guides the reader through your essay, making your argument more persuasive and easier to follow. The strategic use of transitions is crucial; they act as signposts that help navigate the reader from one idea to the next, maintaining the momentum of your thesis-driven narrative.

Transitions and Signposting

As you weave your ideas together in your essay, transitions play a pivotal role in maintaining the flow and coherence of your writing. These linguistic signposts guide the reader through your argument, ensuring that each point seamlessly connects to the next. Consider the following list of transition words and phrases to enhance the readability of your essay:

In addition to single words, phrases such as "in light of the foregoing" or "given these points" can also serve as effective transitions. It's important to use these elements judiciously; overuse can lead to a cluttered and repetitive text, while underuse may leave your reader lost in a maze of disjointed thoughts. Striking the right balance is key to a well-structured essay. Remember, transitions are not just decorative; they are essential in articulating the logical structure of your argument and in reinforcing the cohesion of your thesis statement throughout the essay.

Ensuring Coherence and Unity

To ensure that your essay resonates with coherence and unity, it is essential to weave your thesis statement seamlessly throughout your work. Transition words play a pivotal role in this process, as they help to signal connections between ideas, guiding the reader through your argument with ease. Consider using words like however , therefore , and thus to articulate the logical flow of your essay.

In addition to transition words, it is crucial to maintain a consistent voice and tone throughout your essay. Avoid introducing new themes or diverging from your central thesis, as this can disrupt the unity of your composition. Instead, focus on reinforcing your thesis by aligning each paragraph's topic sentence with the overarching argument. This alignment ensures that every section of your essay contributes to the development of your thesis, reinforcing the essay's overall coherence.

Lastly, remember to review your essay for any redundant or off-topic information that may detract from its unity. By removing minor details that do not support your thesis, you can sharpen the focus and strengthen the impact of your argument. The goal is to present a unified piece of writing where each element, from individual words to entire paragraphs, serves the purpose of advancing your thesis.

Advanced Considerations for Thesis Statements

Thesis statements in complex arguments.

In the realm of complex arguments, the thesis statement serves as the compass that guides the reader through the intricacies of your reasoning. It must be robust enough to unify the various strands of argumentation while remaining clear and concise. When crafting a thesis for a complex argument, consider the following steps:

• Begin by identifying the central question or problem your essay addresses.
• Synthesize the main points that will form the pillars of your argument.
• Ensure that your thesis encapsulates the essence of these points in a single, coherent statement.

Remember, the cohesion of your argument relies heavily on the strength of your thesis. As you delve into detailed evidence and examples, your thesis should remain the steadfast anchor, keeping your essay's purpose in sharp focus. In complex essays, where multiple perspectives and nuances are explored, revisiting and refining your thesis becomes an iterative process. This ensures that as your argument evolves, your thesis accurately reflects the depth and breadth of your analysis.

Balancing Specificity and Scope

In crafting your thesis statement, you must strike a delicate balance between specificity and scope. A thesis that is too broad may lack focus, while one that is too narrow might not allow for a comprehensive exploration of the topic. To achieve this equilibrium, consider the following points:

• Identify the core idea you wish to convey and ensure it is neither too general nor excessively detailed.
• Reflect on the relevance of your thesis to the broader field of study, and whether it contributes new insights or perspectives.
• Adjust the scope of your thesis to align with the length and depth of your essay; a shorter essay will require a more focused thesis, whereas a longer piece can explore a wider range of issues.

Remember, the specificity of your thesis should illuminate the path of your argument, guiding the reader through your essay with clarity and purpose. Conversely, the scope of your thesis determines the breadth of discussion, allowing you to engage with the topic comprehensively without becoming overwhelmed by its complexities.

The Evolving Thesis in the Writing Process

As you embark on the journey of essay composition, it's essential to understand that your thesis statement is not set in stone. The process of writing is dynamic, and your thesis will likely undergo transformation as you gain deeper insights into your topic. This evolution is a natural and beneficial aspect of scholarly work, reflecting your growing expertise and nuanced understanding of the subject matter.

Recognize that your thesis may evolve as you delve deeper into research and analysis, adjusting to new insights. This iterative process can be both exhilarating and daunting, potentially leading to thesis anxiety . However, embracing the fluidity of your thesis can result in a more robust and compelling argument. To manage this evolution effectively, consider the following steps:

• Begin with a provisional thesis that guides your initial research.
• Stay open to new perspectives and evidence that may challenge your assumptions.
• Revise your thesis as necessary, ensuring it remains aligned with your developing argument.

By acknowledging and anticipating changes to your thesis, you can mitigate anxiety and channel your efforts into producing a refined and persuasive essay.

Delving into 'Advanced Considerations for Thesis Statements' can elevate your academic writing to new heights. Our comprehensive guide on the subject is a must-read for any serious scholar. However, if you're encountering access issues, we're here to help. Visit our website for troubleshooting tips and expert advice. Don't let technical difficulties hinder your progress—take the next step in perfecting your thesis statement today!

In conclusion, the thesis statement is a pivotal element of essay structure, serving as the compass that guides the reader through the intellectual journey of the essay. It is typically positioned at the end of the introduction, where it succinctly presents the central argument or claim, setting the stage for the ensuing discussion. The placement of the thesis statement is not merely a matter of formality but a strategic choice that enhances the clarity and coherence of the essay. As we have explored throughout this article, understanding where the thesis statement belongs is crucial for students and scholars alike, as it underpins the effectiveness of their academic writing. By mastering the art of thesis placement, writers can ensure that their essays are well-organized and persuasive, reflecting a clear and logical progression of ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the thesis statement typically belong in an essay.

The thesis statement usually belongs at the end of the introduction paragraph, providing a clear and concise statement of the main argument or claim of the essay.

Can the thesis statement be more than one sentence?

Yes, while often a single sentence, the thesis statement can be extended into two sentences if it improves clarity or allows for a more detailed presentation of the argument.

Is the placement of the thesis statement the same across all disciplines?

No, the placement can vary depending on cultural and disciplinary conventions. It's important to understand the expectations of your specific academic field.

How does the placement of the thesis statement affect reader comprehension?

Strategic placement of the thesis statement at the beginning of the essay sets the tone and provides a roadmap for the reader, enhancing comprehension and engagement.

What are some common pitfalls in thesis statement development?

Common pitfalls include being too vague, too broad, lacking specificity, or not being arguable. A good thesis statement should be clear, focused, and contestable.

Can the thesis statement evolve during the writing process?

Yes, the thesis statement can and often should evolve as you refine your ideas and develop your arguments throughout the writing process.

How Do You Write a Hypothesis: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ai for academia: transforming education and research, help master thesis: expert advice for success, what is the correct way to write a hypothesis, how do you write a hypothesis for a research paper: tips and examples.

Avoiding Procrastination Pitfalls: Bachelor Thesis Progress and Weekend Celebrations

How Do You Write a Hypothesis for a Research Paper? Step-by-Step Guide

How to Write a Thesis Fast: Tips and Strategies for Success

The Note-Taking Debate: Pros and Cons of Digital and Analog Methods

Maximize Your Academic Excellence with These 9 Evening Habits for Quality Sleep

Thesis Action Plan

• Rebels Blog
• Blog Articles
• Terms and Conditions
• Payment and Shipping Terms
• Privacy Policy
• Return Policy

© 2024 Research Rebels, All rights reserved.

Your cart is currently empty.

Think of yourself as a member of a jury, listening to a lawyer who is presenting an opening argument. You'll want to know very soon whether the lawyer believes the accused to be guilty or not guilty, and how the lawyer plans to convince you. Readers of academic essays are like jury members: before they have read too far, they want to know what the essay argues as well as how the writer plans to make the argument. After reading your thesis statement, the reader should think, "This essay is going to try to convince me of something. I'm not convinced yet, but I'm interested to see how I might be."

An effective thesis cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." A thesis is not a topic; nor is it a fact; nor is it an opinion. "Reasons for the fall of communism" is a topic. "Communism collapsed in Eastern Europe" is a fact known by educated people. "The fall of communism is the best thing that ever happened in Europe" is an opinion. (Superlatives like "the best" almost always lead to trouble. It's impossible to weigh every "thing" that ever happened in Europe. And what about the fall of Hitler? Couldn't that be "the best thing"?)

A good thesis has two parts. It should tell what you plan to argue, and it should "telegraph" how you plan to argue—that is, what particular support for your claim is going where in your essay.

Steps in Constructing a Thesis

First, analyze your primary sources.  Look for tension, interest, ambiguity, controversy, and/or complication. Does the author contradict himself or herself? Is a point made and later reversed? What are the deeper implications of the author's argument? Figuring out the why to one or more of these questions, or to related questions, will put you on the path to developing a working thesis. (Without the why, you probably have only come up with an observation—that there are, for instance, many different metaphors in such-and-such a poem—which is not a thesis.)

Once you have a working thesis, write it down.  There is nothing as frustrating as hitting on a great idea for a thesis, then forgetting it when you lose concentration. And by writing down your thesis you will be forced to think of it clearly, logically, and concisely. You probably will not be able to write out a final-draft version of your thesis the first time you try, but you'll get yourself on the right track by writing down what you have.

Keep your thesis prominent in your introduction.  A good, standard place for your thesis statement is at the end of an introductory paragraph, especially in shorter (5-15 page) essays. Readers are used to finding theses there, so they automatically pay more attention when they read the last sentence of your introduction. Although this is not required in all academic essays, it is a good rule of thumb.

Anticipate the counterarguments.  Once you have a working thesis, you should think about what might be said against it. This will help you to refine your thesis, and it will also make you think of the arguments that you'll need to refute later on in your essay. (Every argument has a counterargument. If yours doesn't, then it's not an argument—it may be a fact, or an opinion, but it is not an argument.)

This statement is on its way to being a thesis. However, it is too easy to imagine possible counterarguments. For example, a political observer might believe that Dukakis lost because he suffered from a "soft-on-crime" image. If you complicate your thesis by anticipating the counterargument, you'll strengthen your argument, as shown in the sentence below.

Some Caveats and Some Examples

A thesis is never a question.  Readers of academic essays expect to have questions discussed, explored, or even answered. A question ("Why did communism collapse in Eastern Europe?") is not an argument, and without an argument, a thesis is dead in the water.

A thesis is never a list.  "For political, economic, social and cultural reasons, communism collapsed in Eastern Europe" does a good job of "telegraphing" the reader what to expect in the essay—a section about political reasons, a section about economic reasons, a section about social reasons, and a section about cultural reasons. However, political, economic, social and cultural reasons are pretty much the only possible reasons why communism could collapse. This sentence lacks tension and doesn't advance an argument. Everyone knows that politics, economics, and culture are important.

A thesis should never be vague, combative or confrontational.  An ineffective thesis would be, "Communism collapsed in Eastern Europe because communism is evil." This is hard to argue (evil from whose perspective? what does evil mean?) and it is likely to mark you as moralistic and judgmental rather than rational and thorough. It also may spark a defensive reaction from readers sympathetic to communism. If readers strongly disagree with you right off the bat, they may stop reading.

An effective thesis has a definable, arguable claim.  "While cultural forces contributed to the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe, the disintegration of economies played the key role in driving its decline" is an effective thesis sentence that "telegraphs," so that the reader expects the essay to have a section about cultural forces and another about the disintegration of economies. This thesis makes a definite, arguable claim: that the disintegration of economies played a more important role than cultural forces in defeating communism in Eastern Europe. The reader would react to this statement by thinking, "Perhaps what the author says is true, but I am not convinced. I want to read further to see how the author argues this claim."

A thesis should be as clear and specific as possible.  Avoid overused, general terms and abstractions. For example, "Communism collapsed in Eastern Europe because of the ruling elite's inability to address the economic concerns of the people" is more powerful than "Communism collapsed due to societal discontent."

Copyright 1999, Maxine Rodburg and The Tutors of the Writing Center at Harvard University

How to Write a Good Thesis Statement

Creating the core of your essay

• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

In composition and academic writing , a thesis statement (or controlling idea) is a sentence in an essay, report, research paper, or speech that identifies the main idea and/or central purpose of the text. In rhetoric, a claim is similar to a thesis.

For students especially, crafting a thesis statement can be a challenge, but it's important to know how to write one because a thesis statement is the heart of any essay you write. Here are some tips and examples to follow.

Purpose of the Thesis Statement

The thesis statement serves as the organizing principle of the text and appears in the  introductory paragraph . It is not a mere statement of fact. Rather, it is an idea, a claim, or an interpretation, one that others may dispute. Your job as a writer is to persuade the reader—through the careful use of examples and thoughtful analysis—that your argument is a valid one.

A thesis statement is, essentially, the idea that the rest of your paper will support. Perhaps it is an opinion that you have marshaled logical arguments in favor of. Perhaps it is a synthesis of ideas and research that you have distilled into one point, and the rest of your paper will unpack it and present factual examples to show how you arrived at this idea. The one thing a thesis statement should not be? An obvious or indisputable fact. If your thesis is simple and obvious, there is little for you to argue, since no one will need your assembled evidence to buy into your statement.

Developing Your Argument

Your thesis is the most important part of your writing. Before you begin writing, you'll want to follow these tips for developing a good thesis statement:

• Read and compare your sources : What are the main points they make? Do your sources conflict with one another? Don't just summarize your sources' claims; look for the motivation behind their motives.
• Draft your thesis : Good ideas are rarely born fully formed. They need to be refined. By committing your thesis to paper, you'll be able to refine it as you research and draft your essay.
• Consider the other side : Just like a court case, every argument has two sides. You'll be able to refine your thesis by considering the counterclaims and refuting them in your essay, or even acknowledging them in a clause in your thesis.

Be Clear and Concise

An effective thesis should answer the reader question, "So what?" It should not be more than a sentence or two. Don't be vague, or your reader won't care. Specificity is also important. Rather than make a broad, blanket statement, try a complex sentence that includes a clause giving more context , acknowledging a contrast, or offering examples of the general points you're going to make.

Incorrect : British indifference caused the American Revolution .

Correct : By treating their U.S. colonies as little more than a source of revenue and limiting colonists' political rights, British indifference contributed to the start of the American Revolution .

In the first version, the statement is very general. It offers an argument, but no idea of how the writer is going to get us there or what specific forms that "indifference" took. It's also rather simplistic, arguing that there was a singular cause of the American Revolution. The second version shows us a road map of what to expect in the essay: an argument that will use specific historical examples to prove how British indifference was important to (but not the sole cause of) the American Revolution. Specificity and scope are crucial to forming a strong thesis statement, which in turn helps you write a stronger paper!

Make a Statement

Although you do want to grab your reader's attention, asking a question is not the same as making a thesis statement. Your job is to persuade by presenting a clear, concise concept that explains both how and why.

Incorrect : Have you ever wondered why Thomas Edison gets all the credit for the light bulb?

Correct : His savvy self-promotion and ruthless business tactics cemented Thomas Edison's legacy, not the invention of the lightbulb itself.

Asking a question is not a total no-go, but it doesn't belong in the thesis statement. Remember, in most formal essay, a thesis statement will be the last sentence of the introductory paragraph. You might use a question as the attention-grabbing first or second sentence instead.

Don't Be Confrontational

Although you are trying to prove a point, you are not trying to force your will on the reader.

Incorrect : The stock market crash of 1929  wiped out many small investors who were financially inept and deserved to lose their money.

Correct : While a number of economic factors caused the stock market crash of 1929, the losses were made worse by uninformed first-time investors who made poor financial decisions.

It's really an extension of correct academic writing voice . While you might informally argue that some of the investors of the 1920s "deserved" to lose their money, that's not the kind of argument that belongs in formal essay writing. Instead, a well-written essay will make a similar point, but focus more on cause and effect, rather that impolite or blunt emotions.

• Examples of Great Introductory Paragraphs
• 100 Persuasive Essay Topics
• Complete List of Transition Words
• An Introduction to Academic Writing
• How to Write a Solid Thesis Statement
• The Introductory Paragraph: Start Your Paper Off Right
• How To Write an Essay
• Tips for Writing an Art History Paper
• The Ultimate Guide to the 5-Paragraph Essay
• Tips on How to Write an Argumentative Essay
• What Is Expository Writing?
• Thesis: Definition and Examples in Composition
• How to Write a Persuasive Essay
• Definition and Examples of Analysis in Composition

Home ➔ Essay Structure ➔ Thesis Statement

Thesis Statement Guide

Thesis statements are essential parts of every essay or research paper. However, not all students understand the importance of this statement or its relation to their overall paper. Understanding how to write a good thesis statement can not only help you develop a strong argument for your paper, but it can also relieve some stress of worrying about whether the topic you have chosen is strong enough for the essay.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement is a clear and concise sentence (usually at the end of your first paragraph, the introduction ) that tells the reader what your paper is about. A thesis statement is also known as a thesis statement, thesis claim, thesis topic sentence, or the controlling idea of an essay .

It outlines the main argument or claim of your essay and serves as a roadmap for what you will discuss in your paper. A thesis statement should be arguable, meaning that it should be debatable whether or not it is true.

Thesis statement types

When it comes to essay types , there are three main kinds of thesis statements in academic writing: argumentative, exploratory, and analytical.

• An argumentative thesis statement presents a clear position that the author plans to defend in the essay.
• An exploratory thesis statement simply introduces the topic and provides some initial thoughts on it. It tells the reader what you are going to explain and in what order.
• An analytical thesis statement is a clear and specific statement of what you plan to analyze in your paper and what your findings are.

Also, a thesis statement can be explicit or implicit :

• An explicit thesis statement states the main argument or claim of your essay explicitly with a lot of facts and proof. These are usually used in argumentative and persuasive texts.
• An implicit thesis statement does not state the main argument or claim of your essay. Such theses can be used in expository (informative) or narrative writing .

Example of an implicit thesis statement:

The novel “ To Kill a Mockingbird ” is about a young girl, Scout, who learns about racism and injustice in her small town in Alabama during the 1930s.

Characteristics of a strong thesis

• A strong thesis is specific. It should not be a broad, general statement that could be applied to any topic. Instead, it should focus on a specific issue that you can support with evidence from your research.
• A strong thesis is debatable. A thesis like “Euthanasia is wrong” is not debatable because there is no room for debate; everyone agrees that euthanasia is wrong. A thesis like “Euthanasia should be legalized” is debatable because people can disagree with it.
• A strong thesis is concise. A thesis statement should not be more than one or two sentences long, regardless of the overall length of your entire paper. If your thesis is too long, you might need to shorten it.
• A strong thesis is clear. A thesis statement should be easy for your readers to understand. It should not be vague or confusing.
• A strong thesis gives direction to the rest of your paper. Your thesis should tell your reader what your paper is about and give an overview of the main points you will be discussing in each body paragraph .
• A strong thesis is well-researched. A thesis should be based on evidence, not just opinion. You will need to do some research to find supporting evidence for your thesis.
• A strong thesis requires evidence. A thesis is not a statement of fact. It is an arguable claim or opinion. This means that you will need to support your thesis with specific evidence from your research.
• A strong thesis is not a list. A thesis should not be a list of the main points you will be discussing in your paper. A thesis should be a single, clear sentence that tells your reader what your paper is about.
• A strong thesis is not a question. A thesis is an assertion, a declarative statement, but not a question. It should be something that can be argued and supported.

How to write a good thesis statement

A thesis statement should be the product of your own critical thinking after doing some research, as it will be the main idea of your entire project.

Here are some steps you would need to take to write a thesis statement:

1) Start by writing down your topic. 

If you don’t have a topic yet, try to brainstorm a few ideas until you find one that you’re really excited about.

Your topic can be anything you’re interested in, but it helps if you pick something that will interest other people as well.

2) Narrow down the topic from the assignment (if it’s broad)

Often, your assignment will be pretty broad. For example: “Write about the American Revolution.”

You’ll need to narrow it down to something like: “What were the motivations behind the American Revolution?” or “How did the American Revolution affect British-American relations?”

3) Research the narrowed down topic

This is where you’ll start to form your thesis statement. After doing some research, you may find that the original idea you had about your topic has changed. That’s okay! Your thesis statement should be flexible and adapt as you learn more about your topic.

4) Focus on one specific aspect

Once you’ve done some research, you should have a better idea of what you want to focus on. For example, if you’re writing about “How did the American Revolution affect British-American relations?” you might want to focus only on the economic effects of the Revolution.

5) Make sure the topic you chose is worthwhile to write about

You don’t want to spend all your time writing a paper only to find out that your topic is too boring, too difficult to research, or written about too many times.

Such topics often lead to thesis statements that are either too vague or too simplistic. If your thesis is too vague, it isn’t easy to prove. If it’s too simplistic, it doesn’t give you enough to write about.

6) Narrow down that one specific aspect

Now, you can narrow down that one aspect you have chosen even more by brainstorming some specific thesis statements. For example: “The American Revolution had a positive effect on British-American relations because it led to increased trade between the two countries.”

7) Make sure your thesis statement is arguable

You want to make sure that your thesis statement is something that people could reasonably disagree with. If it’s not, then it’s not a strong thesis statement.

Argumentative thesis statements are more interesting than factual thesis statements. They’re also more likely to lead to interesting, well-researched papers.

Here are some argumentative thesis statement examples with supporting details (with three supporting points).

Note: Each supporting detail usually serves as the main idea for your body paragraph. It is presented with broader significance in the first sentence, also called a topic sentence .

Good: The Internet is good for humanity because it has created a more global society, simplified access to information, and changed how people interact.

Bad: The Internet is a good thing.

Good: The death penalty should be banned because it is a morally questionable form of punishment that does not deter crime, is biased against the poor, and has been shown to be ineffective.

Bad: Should the death penalty be banned?

Good: American industrialization brought about significant economic and social changes that have shaped the country to this day as it was marked by great advances in technology and production, the rise of large corporations and trusts, and the growth of labor unions.

Bad: The Industrial Revolution was good for America.

As you can see, a strong thesis statement should be clear, specific, and arguable. When writing it, make sure to use clear and concise language. Don’t be afraid to revise your thesis statement as you write your paper. Often, your thesis will change as you learn more about your topic.

Examples of thesis statements for a few popular topics:

For Macbeth:

Macbeth is a tragic hero because he is astatic, his downfall is brought about by his own actions, and he has a moment of realization before his death.

The government in George Orwell’s 1984 controls its citizens through a combination of surveillance, intimidation, and violence.

For Romeo and Juliet:

Romeo and Juliet are star-crossed lovers because they are from different families, their relationship is forbidden by society, and they are forced to commit suicide.

For The Great Gatsby:

The characters in The Great Gatsby are all pursuing some version of the American Dream, but they are all ultimately unsuccessful because the dream is impossible to achieve.

For An Inspector Calls:

The Inspector in An Inspector Calls symbolizes morality and justice, and he forces the characters to confront the consequences of their actions.

For Hills Like White Elephants:

The characters in “Hills Like White Elephants” are not able to communicate effectively with each other, which leads to their relationship falling apart.

For Living Like Weasels:

The weasel is a symbol of independence and self-sufficiency, and the narrator of “Living Like Weasels” learns from the weasel to live a more wild and free life.

Examples of thesis statements for some essay types:

Cause and effect essay :

The increase in gun violence in America is due to the easy availability of guns, the lack of gun control, and the idea that violence is the only way to solve problems.

Compare and contrast essay :

While both the Harry Potter and Percy Jackson series are about young boys who find out they are wizards and go on adventures to save the world, they are different in many ways, such as the tone of the books, the characters, and the plots.

Definition essay :

The word “love” is an elusive concept that has many different meanings to different people.

Descriptive essay :

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable structures in the world and is a symbol of French culture.

Reflection essay :

My experience volunteering at the animal shelter has taught me the importance of compassion, responsibility, and patience.

Narrative essay :

The day I got lost in the city was one of the most frightening and exciting experiences of my life.

Argumentative essay :

Junk food should be banned in schools because it is unhealthy, it increases the risk of obesity, and it sets a bad example for children.

Informative essay :

The Industrial Revolution was a time of great social and economic change that had a significant impact on the world.

Typically, a thesis statement is composed of two parts: the topic of your paper and the claim you’re making about that topic. For example, if you’re writing a paper on the American Revolution, your thesis statement might be, “The American Revolution was a watershed moment in American history because it led to the formation of a more democratic government.”

No, your thesis statement should be a declarative sentence that makes a clear and concise argument. Questions are often too vague and open-ended to be arguable thesis statements.

Some common mistakes include thesis statements that are too vague, too broad, or too simplistic. Other thesis statement mistakes include failing to make an argument, making an assertion that is not supportable, and making an argument that is not debatable.

You can revise a thesis statement by making sure it is clear, specific, and arguable. You can also revise it by ensuring that it is well-supported with evidence from your paper. Finally, you can revise your thesis statement by ensuring that it reflects the overall argument of your paper.

The benefits of writing a thesis statement are as follows:

• It helps you to focus on the main point of your paper.
• It helps you to organize your thoughts and structure your paper.
• It helps you to develop a clear and concise argument.
• It helps you to communicate your ideas to others.
• It can help you to receive feedback from others.
• It can help you to revise your paper.

If you are having trouble coming up with an idea, try brainstorming. Brainstorming is a process whereby you come up with ideas by free-associating. To brainstorm, simply start writing down any and all ideas that come to mind, no matter how far-fetched or random they may seem. Once you have a list of ideas, you can start to narrow down your focus and develop a thesis statement.

A thesis statement typically goes at the beginning of an essay, often at the end of the introductory paragraph. However, it can also be placed elsewhere in the paper, such as at the end of the paper, which is often the case for narrative essays. In narrative writing, the thesis statement can be placed in the middle of the action to reveal what the story is about. In these types of essays, it’s often best to place the thesis statement at the end, after the events have unfolded and the reader has a better understanding of what the essay is about.

No, thesis statements should not be in the form of a question. A thesis statement is a declarative sentence that assertively states your position on a particular issue or topic.

Yes, it is possible for a thesis statement to be two sentences. It depends on the complexity of the overall paper and the purpose of the thesis statement. However, it is generally advisable to keep thesis statements as concise as possible, so you may want to consider editing them down to a single sentence.

• Harvard College Writing Center – Developing A Thesis
• Indiana University Bloomington – How to Write a Thesis Statement
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Thesis Statements

Was this article helpful?

Thesis and Purpose Statements

Use the guidelines below to learn the differences between thesis and purpose statements.

In the first stages of writing, thesis or purpose statements are usually rough or ill-formed and are useful primarily as planning tools.

A thesis statement or purpose statement will emerge as you think and write about a topic. The statement can be restricted or clarified and eventually worked into an introduction.

As you revise your paper, try to phrase your thesis or purpose statement in a precise way so that it matches the content and organization of your paper.

Thesis statements

A thesis statement is a sentence that makes an assertion about a topic and predicts how the topic will be developed. It does not simply announce a topic: it says something about the topic.

Good: X has made a significant impact on the teenage population due to its . . . Bad: In this paper, I will discuss X.

A thesis statement makes a promise to the reader about the scope, purpose, and direction of the paper. It summarizes the conclusions that the writer has reached about the topic.

A thesis statement is generally located near the end of the introduction. Sometimes in a long paper, the thesis will be expressed in several sentences or an entire paragraph.

A thesis statement is focused and specific enough to be proven within the boundaries of the paper. Key words (nouns and verbs) should be specific, accurate, and indicative of the range of research, thrust of the argument or analysis, and the organization of supporting information.

Purpose statements

A purpose statement announces the purpose, scope, and direction of the paper. It tells the reader what to expect in a paper and what the specific focus will be.

Common beginnings include:

“This paper examines . . .,” “The aim of this paper is to . . .,” and “The purpose of this essay is to . . .”

A purpose statement makes a promise to the reader about the development of the argument but does not preview the particular conclusions that the writer has drawn.

A purpose statement usually appears toward the end of the introduction. The purpose statement may be expressed in several sentences or even an entire paragraph.

A purpose statement is specific enough to satisfy the requirements of the assignment. Purpose statements are common in research papers in some academic disciplines, while in other disciplines they are considered too blunt or direct. If you are unsure about using a purpose statement, ask your instructor.

This paper will examine the ecological destruction of the Sahel preceding the drought and the causes of this disintegration of the land. The focus will be on the economic, political, and social relationships which brought about the environmental problems in the Sahel.

Sample purpose and thesis statements

The following example combines a purpose statement and a thesis statement (bold).

The goal of this paper is to examine the effects of Chile’s agrarian reform on the lives of rural peasants. The nature of the topic dictates the use of both a chronological and a comparative analysis of peasant lives at various points during the reform period. . . The Chilean reform example provides evidence that land distribution is an essential component of both the improvement of peasant conditions and the development of a democratic society. More extensive and enduring reforms would likely have allowed Chile the opportunity to further expand these horizons.

For more tips about writing thesis statements, take a look at our new handout on Developing a Thesis Statement.

Writing Process and Structure

This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.

Getting Started with Your Paper

Interpreting Writing Assignments from Your Courses

Generating Ideas for Your Paper

Creating an Argument

Thesis vs. Purpose Statements

Developing a Thesis Statement

Architecture of Arguments

Working with Sources

Quoting and Paraphrasing Sources

Using Literary Quotations

Citing Sources in Your Paper

Drafting Your Paper

Introductions

Paragraphing

Developing Strategic Transitions

Conclusions

Revising Your Paper

Peer Reviews

Reverse Outlines

Revising an Argumentative Paper

Revision Strategies for Longer Projects

Finishing Your Paper

Twelve Common Errors: An Editing Checklist

How to Proofread your Paper

Writing Collaboratively

Collaborative and Group Writing

It appears you have javascript disabled. Please enable javascript to get the full experience of gustavus.edu

Tips on writing a thesis statement: composing compelling thesis statements.

College-level courses demand a solid grasp of writing concepts, and some students arrive at Intro to Composition unprepared to write a high-quality essay. Teachers tend to give a bit more slack at the high school level, but college professors are often much more exacting. That’s why excellent writing skills are crucial to the majority of college courses — even outside the English department. 

One of the most important elements to master is the thesis statement. A strong thesis statement is at the root of all writing, from op-eds to research papers. It’s an essential element of any persuasive piece; something we look for without even thinking about it. A convincing, attention-grabbing thesis statement keeps the reader engaged — and lets them know where the piece is headed. 

Having a few tips and tricks in your toolbox can help you to make a convincing academic argument every time.

What is a Thesis Statement?

First, the basics. A thesis statement is a sentence or two that states the main idea of a writing assignment. It also helps to control the ideas presented within the paper. However, it is not merely a topic. It often reflects a claim or judgment that a writer has made about a reading or personal experience. For instance: Tocqueville believed that the domestic role most women held in America was the role that gave them the most power, an idea that many would hotly dispute today. 

Every assignment has a question or prompt. It’s important that your thesis statement answers the question. For the above thesis statement, the question being answered might be something like this: Why was Tocqueville wrong about women? If your thesis statement doesn’t answer a question, you’ll need to rework your statement.

Where Will I Use Thesis Statements?

Writing an exceptional thesis statement is a skill you’ll need both now and in the future, so you’ll want to be confident in your ability to create a great one. Whether in academic, professional, or personal writing, a strong thesis statement enhances the clarity, effectiveness, and impact of the overall message. Here are some real-world examples that demonstrate the importance of composing an outstanding thesis statement:

• Academic writing. The success of academic research papers depends on an exceptional thesis statement. Along with establishing the focus of the paper, it also provides you with direction in terms of research. The thesis sets a clear intention for your essay, helping the reader understand the argument you’re presenting and why the evidence and analysis support it.
• Persuasive writing. Persuasive writing depends on an excellent thesis statement that clearly defines the author’s position. Your goal is to persuade the audience to agree with your thesis. Setting an explicit stance also provides you with a foundation on which to build convincing arguments with relevant evidence.
• Professional writing. In the business and marketing world, a sound thesis statement is required to communicate a project’s purpose. Thesis statements not only outline a project’s unique goals but can also guide the marketing team in creating targeted promotional strategies.

Where Do Thesis Statements Go? 

A good practice is to put the thesis statement at the end of your introduction so you can use it to lead into the body of your paper. This allows you, as the writer, to lead up to the thesis statement instead of diving directly into the topic. Placing your thesis here also sets you up for a brief mention of the evidence you have to support your thesis, allowing readers a preview of what’s to come.

A good introduction conceptualizes and anticipates the thesis statement, so ending your intro with your thesis makes the most sense. If you place the thesis statement at the beginning, your reader may forget or be confused about the main idea by the time they reach the end of the introduction. 

What Makes a Strong Thesis Statement?

A quality thesis statement is designed to both inform and compel. Your thesis acts as an introduction to the argument you’ll be making in your paper, and it also acts as the “hook”. Your thesis should be clear and concise, and you should be ready with enough evidence to support your argument. 

There are several qualities that make for a powerful thesis statement, and drafting a great one means considering all of them: 

A strong thesis makes a clear argument .

A thesis statement is not intended to be a statement of fact, nor should it be an opinion statement. Making an observation is not sufficient — you should provide the reader with a clear argument that cohesively summarizes the intention of your paper.

Originality is important when possible, but stick with your own convictions. Taking your paper in an already agreed-upon direction doesn’t necessarily make for compelling reading. Writing a thesis statement that presents a unique argument opens up the opportunity to discuss an issue in a new way and helps readers to get a new perspective on the topic in question. Again, don’t force it. You’ll have a harder time trying to support an argument you don’t believe yourself.

A strong thesis statement gives direction .

If you lack a specific direction for your paper, you’ll likely find it difficult to make a solid argument for anything. Your thesis statement should state precisely what your paper will be about, as a statement that’s overly general or makes more than one main point can confuse your audience. 

A specific thesis statement also helps you focus your argument — you should be able to discuss your thesis thoroughly in the allotted word count. A thesis that’s too broad won’t allow you to make a strong case for anything.

A strong thesis statement provides proof.

Since thesis statements present an argument, they require support. All paragraphs of the essay should explain, support, or argue with your thesis. You should support your thesis statement with detailed evidence that will interest your readers and motivate them to continue reading the paper.

Sometimes it is useful to mention your supporting points in your thesis. An example of this could be: John Updike's Trust Me is a valuable novel for a college syllabus because it allows the reader to become familiar with his writing and provides themes that are easily connected to other works. In the body of your paper, you could write a paragraph or two about each supporting idea. If you write a thesis statement like this, it will often help you to keep control of your ideas.

A strong thesis statement prompts discussion .

Your thesis statement should stimulate the reader to continue reading your paper. Many writers choose to illustrate that the chosen topic is controversial in one way or another, which is an effective way to pull in readers who might agree with you and those who don’t! 

The ultimate point of a thesis statement is to spark interest in your argument. This is your chance to grab (and keep) your reader’s attention, and hopefully, inspire them to continue learning about the topic.

Testing Your Thesis Statement

Because your thesis statement is vital to the quality of your paper, you need to ensure that your thesis statement posits a cohesive argument. Once you’ve come up with a working thesis statement, ask yourself these questions to further refine your statement: 

• Is it interesting ? If your thesis is dull, consider clarifying your argument or revising it to make a connection to a relatable issue. Again, your thesis statement should draw the reader into the paper.
• Is it specific enough ? If your thesis statement is too broad, you won’t be able to make a persuasive argument. If your thesis contains words like “positive” or “effective”, narrow it down. Tell the reader why something is “positive”. What in particular makes something “effective”?
• Does it answer the question ? Review the prompt or question once you’ve written your working thesis and be sure that your thesis statement directly addresses the given question.
• Does my paper successfully support my thesis statement ? If you find that your thesis statement and the body of your paper don’t mesh well, you’re going to have to change one of them. But don’t worry too much if this is the case — writing is intended to be revised and reworked.
• Does my thesis statement present the reader with a new perspective? Is it a fresh take on an old idea? Will my reader learn something from my paper? If your thesis statement has already been widely discussed, consider if there’s a fresh angle to take before settling.
• Finally, am I happy with my thesis ? If not, you may have difficulty writing your paper. Composing an essay about an argument you don’t believe in can be more difficult than taking a stand for something you believe in.

Quick Tips for Writing Thesis Statements

If you’re struggling to come up with a thesis statement, here are a few tips you can use to help:

• Know the topic. The topic should be something you know or can learn about. It is difficult to write a thesis statement, let alone a paper, on a topic that you know nothing about. Reflecting on personal experience and/or researching your thesis topic thoroughly will help you present more convincing information about your statement.
• Brainstorm. If you are having trouble beginning your paper or writing your thesis, take a piece of paper and write down everything that comes to mind about your topic. Did you discover any new ideas or connections? Can you separate any of the things you jotted down into categories? Do you notice any themes? Think about using ideas generated during this process to shape your thesis statement and your paper.
• Phrase the topic as a question. If your topic is presented as a statement, rephrasing it as a question can make it easier to develop a thesis statement.
• Limit your topic. Based on what you know and the required length of your final paper, limit your topic to a specific area. A broad scope will generally require a longer paper, while a narrow scope can be sufficiently proven by a shorter paper.

Writing Thesis Statements: Final Thoughts

The ability to compose a strong thesis statement is a skill you’ll use over and over again during your college days and beyond. Compelling persuasive writing is important, whether you’re writing an academic essay or putting together a professional pitch. 

If your thesis statement-writing skills aren’t already strong, be sure to practice before diving into college-level courses that will test your skills. If you’re currently looking into colleges, Gustavus Adolphus offers you the opportunity to refine your writing skills in our English courses and degree program . Explore Gustavus Adolphus’ undergraduate majors here .

What is a thesis statement? I need some examples, too.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement clearly identifies the topic being discussed, includes the points discussed in the paper, and is written for a specific audience. Your thesis statement belongs at the end of your first paragraph, also known as your introduction. Use it to generate interest in your topic and encourage your audience to continue reading.

You can read chapter four of Schaum's Quick Guide to Writing Great Research Papers an eBook in our online collection, click the title to open: "How Do I Write a Thesis Statement?" .

Another option is to think of a thesis statement as one complete sentence that expresses your position .

• Narrows the topic down to a specific focus of an investigation.
• Establishes a direction for the entire paper.
• Points forward to the conclusion.
• Always stated in your introduction. (Usually at the end of the first paragraph).
• Always take a stand and justify further discussion.

A thesis statement is not a statement of fact.

Your readers—especially your instructors—want to read writing that engages them. Consequently, you must write thesis statements that are arguable, not factual. Statements of fact seem easy to write about because, well, they are easy to prove. After all, they’re facts. The problem is that you cannot write engaging papers around statements of fact. Such theses prevent you from demonstrating critical thinking and analytical skills, which you want to show your instructor. If you were to write a paper around the next two statements, your writing would probably be quite dull because you would be restating facts that the general public already knows.

Thesis Statements always take a stand and justify further discussion.

In order to make your writing interesting, you should develop a thesis statement that is arguable. Sometimes you will be writing to persuade others to see things your way and other times you will simply be giving your strong opinion and laying out your case for it.

Take a look at the following examples:

Statement of fact:

Small cars get better fuel mileage than 4x4 pickup trucks.

Arguable thesis statement:

The government should ban 4x4 pickup trucks except for work-related use.

Foul language is common in movies.

The amount of foul language in movies is disproportionate to the amount of foul language in real life.

State ment of fact:

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease.

Arguable thesis statement/opening paragraph:

Researchers think the incidence of celiac disease is increasing in the USA not only because of an increase in the ability and awareness to diagnose it, but also because of changes in the agricultural system. In particular, they are looking at the increased use of pesticides, insecticides, and genetically modified wheat as culprits. Some of these theories are more likely to be valid than others.

Links & Files

• Thesis Builder

• Reading and Writing
• Weekly Written Assignments
• Research Papers
• Last Updated Feb 27, 2024
• Views 1411716
• Answered By Kerry Louvier

FAQ Actions

• Share on Facebook

Comments (6)

• this is really helpful by rita on Nov 14, 2021
• Yes, thank you. This is really helpful. It's been YEARS since I have encountered the term "thesis statement", and I needed a refresher on what it was before beginning my final presentation for a college course. This page answered all of my questions! by Brigitte on Dec 06, 2021
• Thank You. This helped by Deborah Smith on Mar 23, 2022
• Great explanation. This will definitely help my writing, by Jack on Dec 15, 2022
• This a very helpful website for me. Thank you by Catie on Jan 09, 2023
• This is very helpful. Thank you by George Wilson on Jan 31, 2024

Hello! We're here to help! Please log in to ask your question.

Need an answer now? Search our FAQs !

How can I find my course textbook?

You can expect a prompt response, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM Central Time (by the next business day on weekends and holidays).

Questions may be answered by a Librarian, Learning Services Coordinator, Instructor, or Tutor. 

The Writing Place

Resources – developing a thesis, what is a thesis.

A thesis is the main point of your paper. Everything else in your paper should contribute to explaining and proving the main point. Your thesis may be a single sentence, but it can be much longer. In a large paper, you might need a paragraph or more to state your thesis. A thesis is more specific than either a subject area or a topic. Here are some examples of subjects and topics, and a thesis statement that could be written about one of the topics.

A Sample Thesis

“Contrary to much public opinion, the growth of the homeless population has not been caused by mass deinstitutionalization of mental patients. Instead, the increase in homelessness has resulted from the combination of two circumstances: the decrease in traditional jobs in industry and destruction of low-income housing.”

Why is this a good example of a thesis?

It is specific:  The thesis focuses on two clearly-stated factors of a narrowly defined topic.

It makes an arguable point.  Unless you are writing a factual report, your thesis should make a point that needs to be further proved or explained.

It prepares the reader for more information.  The thesis helps the reader define his or her expectations. From this thesis, a reader could expect to learn more about why these two factors cause homelessness, how they combine, and why the deinstitutionalization of mental patients is not the primary cause.

Does every paper need a thesis?

Yes. Every paper needs a controlling idea that helps you select and organize the details. However, not every paper needs the same kind of thesis. Here is an example of a thesis that summarizes factual information rather than arguing a position:

Users may search the university library’s catalog by author, title, subject, or keyword. The keyword function is a new addition to the library catalog that allows the user to search for words or combinations of words appearing anywhere in the book’s title. Several specific commands enable users to combine keyword search terms.

This thesis prepares the reader for more information about searching the library catalog using the keyword function. Even though this thesis does not argue a position in the same manner as the previous one, it still organizes and controls the flow of information.

Where does the thesis belong in the paper?

In general, the thesis belongs at the beginning of the paper. If the thesis is at the beginning of a paper, it can set reader expectations and organize the information. Good places for a thesis: the first sentence, the end of the first paragraph, or the end of the opening section.

How do I develop a thesis?

You may find it very valuable to consult with your instructor during the process of formulating a thesis.

• Choose your subject area (the professor may choose it for you).
• Select a topic (the professor may ask you to write on a specific topic).
• What questions in class have interested you the most?
• What points has the professor made that you found intriguing?
• Have you uncovered any controversies in the readings?
• What have you found most surprising about the course material?
• Find a question that you want to answer, or a problem you want to solve. Write down as specific an answer as possible and use that answer as a thesis to organize your details.
• Are these questions and answers relevant to the course material?
• Am I interested developing and supporting my answer to this question?
• Will my readers be interested in my answer?
• Can I find appropriate material to support my answer in the amount of time I have to work on this assignment?
• Can I ask and answer my question in the number of pages asked for?

From Thesis to Paper

• If that person understands what you are talking about and why, your thesis probably makes sense.
• This may help you figure out how to support the claims or promises of information that you make in your thesis.
• You may discover that your thesis needs to be changed or replaced.
• If you write an early draft that doesn’t stick to the main point you have chosen, it may mean that you really want to write about something else. In that case, change your thesis.
• When you are confident your thesis reflects the point you really want to make, review each paragraph of the paper to see how it relates to the thesis.
• Make an outline of the paper’s points and compare it to the thesis. You may decide to add, omit, or rearrange material to make your paper more persuasive and informative

Printable Version of This Resource  

Click here to return to the “writing place resources” main page..

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Dissertation

How to Write a Thesis or Dissertation Introduction

Published on September 7, 2022 by Tegan George and Shona McCombes. Revised on November 21, 2023.

The introduction is the first section of your thesis or dissertation , appearing right after the table of contents . Your introduction draws your reader in, setting the stage for your research with a clear focus, purpose, and direction on a relevant topic .

Your introduction should include:

• Your topic, in context: what does your reader need to know to understand your thesis dissertation?
• Your focus and scope: what specific aspect of the topic will you address?
• The relevance of your research: how does your work fit into existing studies on your topic?
• Your questions and objectives: what does your research aim to find out, and how?
• An overview of your structure: what does each section contribute to the overall aim?

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

Table of contents

How to start your introduction, topic and context, focus and scope, relevance and importance, questions and objectives, overview of the structure, thesis introduction example, introduction checklist, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about introductions.

Although your introduction kicks off your dissertation, it doesn’t have to be the first thing you write — in fact, it’s often one of the very last parts to be completed (just before your abstract ).

It’s a good idea to write a rough draft of your introduction as you begin your research, to help guide you. If you wrote a research proposal , consider using this as a template, as it contains many of the same elements. However, be sure to revise your introduction throughout the writing process, making sure it matches the content of your ensuing sections.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Begin by introducing your dissertation topic and giving any necessary background information. It’s important to contextualize your research and generate interest. Aim to show why your topic is timely or important. You may want to mention a relevant news item, academic debate, or practical problem.

After a brief introduction to your general area of interest, narrow your focus and define the scope of your research.

You can narrow this down in many ways, such as by:

• Geographical area
• Time period
• Demographics or communities
• Themes or aspects of the topic

It’s essential to share your motivation for doing this research, as well as how it relates to existing work on your topic. Further, you should also mention what new insights you expect it will contribute.

Start by giving a brief overview of the current state of research. You should definitely cite the most relevant literature, but remember that you will conduct a more in-depth survey of relevant sources in the literature review section, so there’s no need to go too in-depth in the introduction.

Depending on your field, the importance of your research might focus on its practical application (e.g., in policy or management) or on advancing scholarly understanding of the topic (e.g., by developing theories or adding new empirical data). In many cases, it will do both.

Ultimately, your introduction should explain how your thesis or dissertation:

• Helps solve a practical or theoretical problem
• Addresses a gap in the literature
• Builds on existing research
• Proposes a new understanding of your topic

Here's why students love Scribbr's proofreading services

Discover proofreading & editing

Perhaps the most important part of your introduction is your questions and objectives, as it sets up the expectations for the rest of your thesis or dissertation. How you formulate your research questions and research objectives will depend on your discipline, topic, and focus, but you should always clearly state the central aim of your research.

If your research aims to test hypotheses , you can formulate them here. Your introduction is also a good place for a conceptual framework that suggests relationships between variables .

• Conduct surveys to collect data on students’ levels of knowledge, understanding, and positive/negative perceptions of government policy.
• Determine whether attitudes to climate policy are associated with variables such as age, gender, region, and social class.
• Conduct interviews to gain qualitative insights into students’ perspectives and actions in relation to climate policy.

To help guide your reader, end your introduction with an outline  of the structure of the thesis or dissertation to follow. Share a brief summary of each chapter, clearly showing how each contributes to your central aims. However, be careful to keep this overview concise: 1-2 sentences should be enough.

I. Introduction

Human language consists of a set of vowels and consonants which are combined to form words. During the speech production process, thoughts are converted into spoken utterances to convey a message. The appropriate words and their meanings are selected in the mental lexicon (Dell & Burger, 1997). This pre-verbal message is then grammatically coded, during which a syntactic representation of the utterance is built.

Speech, language, and voice disorders affect the vocal cords, nerves, muscles, and brain structures, which result in a distorted language reception or speech production (Sataloff & Hawkshaw, 2014). The symptoms vary from adding superfluous words and taking pauses to hoarseness of the voice, depending on the type of disorder (Dodd, 2005). However, distortions of the speech may also occur as a result of a disease that seems unrelated to speech, such as multiple sclerosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

This study aims to determine which acoustic parameters are suitable for the automatic detection of exacerbations in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by investigating which aspects of speech differ between COPD patients and healthy speakers and which aspects differ between COPD patients in exacerbation and stable COPD patients.

Checklist: Introduction

I have introduced my research topic in an engaging way.

I have provided necessary context to help the reader understand my topic.

I have clearly specified the focus of my research.

I have shown the relevance and importance of the dissertation topic .

I have clearly stated the problem or question that my research addresses.

I have outlined the specific objectives of the research .

I have provided an overview of the dissertation’s structure .

You've written a strong introduction for your thesis or dissertation. Use the other checklists to continue improving your dissertation.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

Research bias

• Survivorship bias
• Self-serving bias
• Availability heuristic
• Halo effect
• Hindsight bias
• Deep learning
• Generative AI
• Machine learning
• Reinforcement learning
• Supervised vs. unsupervised learning

 (AI) Tools

• Grammar Checker
• Paraphrasing Tool
• Text Summarizer
• AI Detector
• Plagiarism Checker
• Citation Generator

The introduction of a research paper includes several key elements:

• A hook to catch the reader’s interest
• Relevant background on the topic
• Details of your research problem

and your problem statement

• A thesis statement or research question
• Sometimes an overview of the paper

Don’t feel that you have to write the introduction first. The introduction is often one of the last parts of the research paper you’ll write, along with the conclusion.

This is because it can be easier to introduce your paper once you’ve already written the body ; you may not have the clearest idea of your arguments until you’ve written them, and things can change during the writing process .

Research objectives describe what you intend your research project to accomplish.

They summarize the approach and purpose of the project and help to focus your research.

Your objectives should appear in the introduction of your research paper , at the end of your problem statement .

Scope of research is determined at the beginning of your research process , prior to the data collection stage. Sometimes called “scope of study,” your scope delineates what will and will not be covered in your project. It helps you focus your work and your time, ensuring that you’ll be able to achieve your goals and outcomes.

Defining a scope can be very useful in any research project, from a research proposal to a thesis or dissertation . A scope is needed for all types of research: quantitative , qualitative , and mixed methods .

To define your scope of research, consider the following:

• Budget constraints or any specifics of grant funding
• Your proposed timeline and duration
• Specifics about your population of study, your proposed sample size , and the research methodology you’ll pursue
• Any inclusion and exclusion criteria
• Any anticipated control , extraneous , or confounding variables that could bias your research if not accounted for properly.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

George, T. & McCombes, S. (2023, November 21). How to Write a Thesis or Dissertation Introduction. Scribbr. Retrieved June 24, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/introduction-structure/

Is this article helpful?

Tegan George

Other students also liked, how to choose a dissertation topic | 8 steps to follow, how to write an abstract | steps & examples, "i thought ai proofreading was useless but..".

I've been using Scribbr for years now and I know it's a service that won't disappoint. It does a good job spotting mistakes”