1

The Thesis StatementThe Thesis Statement

2

The ThesisThe Thesis

• A sentence (or sometimes two) somewhere in your introduction.

• Gives your “point of view” about your subject, your “conclusion” about what the evidence means or what action should be taken.

• The statement you will defend in the rest of your essay.

3

A good thesis is…A good thesis is…

• Open to debate (has arguments on both sides).• Clearly defined.• Not based simply on personal opinions or feelings.• Supported with sufficient evidence… do not make a

claim that you cannot back up!

4

Sooo… Sooo…

How do you write a thesis statement? How do you write a thesis statement?

5

1. DO narrow your thesis statement.

Poor: Newspapers cater to the taste of the American public.

Better: The success of USA Today indicates that people want

newspapers that are easy to read and entertaining.

6

2. DO include exceptions/counterexamples.

Use words like…– However– But– Nevertheless, nonetheless– Instead– Consequently

I.E. Genetic engineering is valuable because it can marshal a plant’s natural defenses against weeds and viruses even though such biotechnology could threaten the biosphere.

7

3. DO remember: The subject or topic of a paper is not the same as thesis statement.

Poor: It will be discussed whether a student pub should exist

on campus.

Better: The college should not allow a student pub on campus

because this would detract from the academic focus of the

institution.

8

4. DO NOT base your thesis only on your beliefs or values.

Poor: The death penalty should be abolished because I say so.

Better: The death penalty should be abolished because statistics

prove that it is ineffective at preventing crime.

9

5. DO NOT word your thesis as a question. It should be the answer.

Poor: Does cigarette smoking hurt the body?

Better: Research suggests that cigarette smoking harms both

the heart and the lungs, and so more money should be put into

anti-smoking advertising campaigns.

10

Remember… a thesis is a work in progress!

Don’t worry if you find yourself wanting to change sides on an

issue after you do research. This happens all the time. Often, it

is a good idea to go back to your introduction after you are

finished writing and see if your thesis needs to be altered at all.