A thesis statement can appear in different pieces of writing including, but not limited to speeches, debates, advertisements, and lawyers’ closing remarks. Nonetheless, the most common place where you can find a thesis statement is in an essay (analytical, expository/explanatory, compare/contrast, informative, or argumentative).
Without a thesis, the argument in any essay falls flat and scattered, thus not conforming to the requirements of the essay. Due to its significance, it would be worth taking a look at some basic tips and several thesis statement examples.
Let’s define a “Thesis Statement”
Interestingly, most seniors refer to their final papers (before graduation) as theses. This is not the same thesis we are talking about here. Theirs is a long research paper that could take months to put together. In this case, a thesis statement is that one sentence (or two) capturing the position of the writer in relation to the topic.
The arguments made throughout the paper revolve around this sentence. The sentence also acts as a gateway to the reader’s interest on the topic.
How long should it be?
A thesis statement should summarize the main argument and the position of the writer into one or two sentences. The writer should present the topic of the paper, as well as make a direct comment about his or her position towards the topic. The statement should inform the reader what the paper is about, as well as keep the flow of arguments in order.
7 key questions to ask when developing a thesis statement
1. Where is the thesis statement in the paper?
In short essays, the thesis statement appears in the first paragraph, while in longer papers, you will find it in the second paragraph. When writing your paper, you should avoid burying your thesis in the middle paragraph.
2. Should the statement be specific?
In addition to being clear, the thesis statement should also be specific. In most cases, it is advisable to keep refining the thesis statement as you continue developing your arguments. Generally, the thesis statement evolves with the paper as the writer grasps a better sense of his or her arguments.
3. Is the statement too general?
The length of your paper should determine the limit of the thesis statement. You should shape the topic of your paper so that you can create a focus that aligns to intended delivery of the paper. As such, you should ensure your thesis statement is not too general, but rather narrow, focused, and crisp as seen in the thesis statement examples provided in this guide.
4. What is the clarity of the statement?
In order to be successful when writing your thesis statement, you should be as clear as possible, which makes the reader understand exactly what you mean. However, unless you are writing a technical report, you should avoid using technical words and jargon. Some words such as culture, society, and so on should be avoided since they do hold universal meanings.
5. Does it incorporate a comment about your personal position on the topic?
In its entirety, the thesis statement should not only be about the topic, but also the position of the writer regarding the topic at hand. It should incorporate an analysis or evaluation of the issue presented by the topic. Avoid a mere statement of the topic; instead, state your position about the topic, as well as the angle you intend to take to address the topic.
6. Is it original?
An original thesis statement should not only present the topic of the piece of paper in one or two sentences, but should also contain a remark about your stand with regard to the topic. Ideally, an original thesis should keep your argument focused, as well as create a guideline for your writing.
7. Is the statement debatable?
Hypothetically, a persuasive piece of paper should start with a debatable thesis, where the writer reasonably has different opinions. Therefore, the paper need to support the thesis in a methodology that persuades the readers of its verity. In other words, a debatable thesis should be at the center of disagreement in a persuasive essay.
Types of Claims in a thesis statement
Depending on the approach of your topic, claims should focus on the thesis of an aspect of your extensive topic. Basically, claims fall into four categories depending on the claim you want to make in your thesis statement.
Claims of definition or fact
Claims of fact or definition in a thesis statement are used define something or argue whether your paper is about a settled fact. However, there should be the potential for conflict, controversy and conversion, making it a problem for you to solve with the claim of policy.
Claims of cause and effect.
The claims of cause and effect should be your propositions based on how things influences each other. Your thesis statement should prove these claims by defining the terms, effects and causes, with regard to how the things influence each other.
Claims about policies or solutions
Typically, claims about solutions or policies provide either your solution or another series of questions in response to claims of definition or fact. Procedurally, policy claims are organized plans that define your ways to solve a problem and give room for a better solution than your proposed one.
Claims about value
In your thesis statement, the claims of policy will involve evaluations, appraisals and judgments of your article. Once you have your definitions, the claims of value will be easier to understand since they contain many interpretations of the definitions.
Categories of Thesis statements
1. Argumentative thesis statement
In essays, an argumentative thesis statement should be your claim rather than just a factual or personal statement. This statement should contain either your idea that arouses opposition or a claim that your readers might choose to disapprove.
In other words, an argumentative thesis statement will cover the major argument(s) that your article will discuss. For example, to increase their maturity, high school students are required to pursue community services for one year before attending college.
2. Explanatory thesis statement
This thesis announces your main aspect to the reader and does not declare a stance that needs to be defended. Primarily, the explanatory thesis statements are evident in either research or expository articles, where you explain your major subject, how this subject will develop and the methods you will use in your article to reveal this meaning.
One of the thesis statement examples is as indicated here: The life of a university student is characterized by the time spent socializing, attending class and socializing.
3. Analytical thesis statement
Just as the name implies, the analytical thesis statement should focus on your in-depth analysis of issues. Your thesis should highlight what you are going to analyze, how, why as well how the reader will benefit from the appraisal.
Another thesis statement example as indicated;
An appraisal of the process of university education reveals a major challenge of either accepting students with strong backgrounds of extracurricular or high test scores.
Styles of Thesis Statements
As a matter of fact, there are two styles of thesis statements. The first style is for articles that contain less than three paragraphs and it uses a list of two or more points for example, birth order has for decades affected relationships because it directly affects the way one relates with parents, peers and their view of responsibility as adults. Whereas, the second style is more versatile and lists one overarching point that ties all paragraphs.
For instance, the birth order can greatly affect the relationship between peers and parents.
Do we have a formula for a Strong Thesis?
There is no formula for a strong thesis, however, your thesis statement should focus your ideas in one or two sentences and it belongs to the beginning of your article. In a broader perspective, a strong thesis continues to evolve and gain definition as you obtain a better sense of where your argument is driving you to.
The Best Qualities of a Strong Thesis Statement
Since a thesis statement conveys the main subject of your paper, it should present the topic of the essay as well as your position in relation to the topic. Ideally, the thesis statement should guide your writing while it keeps you focused, so your thesis should evolve on what can be achieved in a number of pages. Lastly, the thesis statement should be as clear as possible to ensure that your reader understands clearly your article.
