Writing in college often requires the persuasive writing to convince others that you have an intriguing and analytical point of view on the subject you are studying. This form of persuasion is usually known as an academic argument.
After a short intro of your topic, you immediately reveal your point of view on the subject, often in one sentence. This technically written sentence is the thesis statement, and it functions as a summation of the assertion you’ll make later on in the paper.
What is a Thesis Statement?
A thesis statement:
- is a sentence that illustrates the central idea of a research paper or essay
- Informs the reader about how you will analyze the significance of the subject matter under discussion.
- is often a single sentence at the introductory section of your paper that presents your opinion to the reader. The other parts of the essay, that is, the body of the essay collates and organizes information that will convince the reader to see the logical justification of your initial interpretation.
A thesis statement can be tricky to craft. Fortunately, there are some simple rules which can guide you in crafting a compelling and effective thesis statement.
Here are the rules;
Begin with a question and carve your thesis statement from the answer. No matter how sophisticated the subject is, any thesis can is done by answering a question.
- Question: “What are the benefits of the use of computers in a fifth-grade classroom?”.
- Thesis Statement: “Computers give fifth-graders an early lead and advantage in technological and give education.”
- Question: “Why do people despise feminists and other “morally righteous” groups?”.
- Thesis Statement: “Through thorough sociological study, we discover that people spontaneously assume that “morally righteous” people often look down on them as “minority,” leading to rage, anger, and conflict.”
1. Be Specific about Your Views to Make Your Thesis More Potent.
Center your opinions around a single theme, and elaborate your points within the body of the essay with utmost clarity. Take a look at the following examples:
- “Although both regions fought the Civil War over the matter of slavery, the South fought to protect their institutions, while the North fought to restore normalcy.”
- “The main issue confronting the British steel industry is the unavailability of financial aid needed to renovate obsolete plants and machinery.”
2. Craft the Statement Correctly
Your thesis statement is supposed to convey relevant claims to the reader, which, of course, will be supported with sound reasons within the body of the paper. In simple words, a good thesis statement answers the question, “What is this paper about?”. Also, a good thesis statement should be:
- Debatable, that is, someone should be able to counter or agree with it.
- Declare your position on the matter.
3. Get the Tone Right
When writing your thesis statement, you should be clear enough to make it identifiable as a thesis statement. This is where the use of appropriate phrasing words comes in. Words like “because” can do the trick. See these examples
- “Because of Ragnar Lothbrock’s quest into the badlands of England, that nation acquired the strength it would need to build the British Empire.”
- “Nora Roberts significantly altered literature by normalizing simplistic writing.”
4. Know Where It Fits
Due to the significant role thesis statements play, they are usually strategically placed at the beginning of the paper, towards the end of the first paragraph.
The positioning of your thesis statements depends on the introduction relative to the length of the entire paper.
5. Don’t Exceed the Length
The thesis statements are supposed to be short, explicit, and informative. Despite these requirements, it should not span more than one or two sentences in length. In one or two sentences, write your thesis statement to spot what you intend to say later quickly.
Finding the Ideal Topic
Select the Topic of Interest
It is profitable to select a topic that interests you. A problem you can comfortably do extensive research on. Although this is not always the case as you may get a question from your supervisor. But if allowed to choose what interests you.
Know Your Audience, the Type of Paper, and Your Purpose of Writing.
Take note of your audience, the purpose of writing, and type (that is, persuasive, descriptive, or argumentative), because they will eventually affect your thesis statement. When writing a descriptive paper, you are supposed to describe something to a specific group clearly. Persuasive writing mandates you to prove something to a particular group.
Good and Bad Thesis Statements Examples
Bad
“The Consumption of alcohol has negative effects by altering the neurotransmitters, behavior, and developing of the brain.”
This thesis isn’t good because it is too detailed. It reveals the evidence before putting it into context. A good thesis statement can, however, spring out from this poorly written one. Now have a look at this;
Good
“The consumption of alcohol has negative effects on the human brain.”
This gives room for evidence to be slotted.
Bad
“European travel is a good way to spend your summer.”
This thesis statement is not specific enough. No reasons why European travel is good. Now see this;
Good
“Solitary European travel requires independence, which, in the end, promotes confidence.”
This is much more distinctive. With this, you can sharpen your research on lone travel through Europe and the positive effects on personal confidence.
Bad
“All retirees should relocate to Melbourne.” This statement is devoid of specificity. The reader doesn’t know why retirees should move to Melbourne.
Good
Retirees should relocate to Melbourne, where 65% of Australians choose to live in because it offers the opportunity to expand one’s network of friendships.
Conclusion
Writing a thesis statement is not an uphill task if you know the mechanism of approach. In this article, we covered essential rules needed to craft a good thesis statement, good and bad examples of thesis statements with reasons. We hope you find it informative enough to guide you through the journey of your thesis statement writing.
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