Cathy A.
Cathy A.

How to Write a Good Thesis Statement | Learn with Examples

5 min read

Published on: Dec 19, 2019

Last updated on: Apr 8, 2024

Thesis Statement

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Ever felt overwhelmed trying to write that one sentence that sums up your whole essay? You’re not alone. 

Writing a thesis statement can be tough because you are trying to explain the crux of your whole essay in one or two lines. 

But don’t worry!

In this blog, we’ll walk through how to write a statement that’s strong and sets the stage for your essay. We will also give you examples and a checklist to make sure your thesis statement is on point.

So, let’s get right into it!

What is a Thesis Statement

When writing an essay, you cannot miss a thesis statement. It is a one or two-sentence summary of your essay that not only conveys your argument or analysis but also sets the tone for your paper. 

It’s typically found at the end of the first paragraph, acting as a guide for both the writer and the reader.

What Makes a Good Thesis Statement?

Here are the key elements that make a thesis statement effective:

  • Clarity: Your statement should be clear enough that a reader can understand your position without needing further explanation. Avoid jargon and technical language unless necessary.
  • Specificity: A good thesis statement is specific and focused. It doesn’t make a broad claim or a generalization but rather targets a precise aspect of the topic at hand.
  • Arguability: It should present a claim that others might dispute. It should invite discussion and not just state a fact that everyone already agrees with.
  • Relevance: It must be directly related to the questions or objectives outlined in your paper. It should answer the ‘so what?’ question, explaining why your argument matters.
  • Evidence-Based: While the thesis statement itself is a claim, it should be based on evidence that you will present in your paper. It sets the stage for the argument and analysis that will follow.

Types of Thesis Statement

There are usually three types of thesis statements:

  • Analytical Thesis Statement: This type breaks down an idea or issue into its key components, assesses the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and assessment to the audience.
  • Expository (Explanatory) Thesis Statement: This type explains the topic to the audience.
  • Argumentative Thesis Statement: This type makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence in the essay. 

4 Steps to Create a Strong Thesis Statement

Follow these steps to learn how to start a thesis statement:

Step 1: Determine the Topic

Select a topic that interests you and is suitable for the assignment. It should be neither too broad nor too narrow. Ask yourself what you want to learn about the topic as you begin your prior research.

Step 2: Create and Answer the Question

Develop a research question your essay will answer. Read and reflect on the material to develop a clear, concise answer to your research question. This answer will form the basis of your thesis statement.

Step 3: Improve the Answer

Refine your answer into a more focused thesis statement by including a strong argument and clear direction for your essay. Your thesis should make a claim that will be supported with evidence throughout your essay.

Step 4: Refine the Statement

Polish your thesis statement by ensuring it’s specific, arguable, and clear. It should forecast the sub-theses or blocks of information that you will use to prove your argument.

Thesis Statement Examples

Let's look at some of the thesis statement examples:

Thesis Statement in an Argumentative Essay:

Here is a thesis statement for an argumentative essay:

"Although many believe that genetically modified foods offer a solution to global hunger, their potential health risks and environmental impact outweigh any benefits."

Thesis Statement about Social Media:

Take a look at this example of a thesis statement about social media:

"Social media platforms have revolutionized communication by fostering connections, but they also pose significant challenges to privacy and mental health."

Thesis Statement on Democracy:

Here is a thesis statement example on democracy:

"Democracy, while widely celebrated as the epitome of good governance, is only as effective as the education and participation of its citizenry."

Checklist for Thesis Statement

Use this checklist to check if your statement is strong enough:

  • Clarity: Is your thesis statement clear and easy to understand?
  • Specificity: Does it focus on a specific aspect of your topic?
  • Arguability: Can your thesis be debated? Is it a strong opinion?
  • Evidence: Can you support your thesis with evidence from your research?
  • Position: Does it show your position on the topic?

So there you have it!

By following these detailed steps and ensuring your thesis statement meets the criteria in the checklist, you’ll be well on your way to writing a compelling and well-argued essay.

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Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

How long should a thesis statement be?

A thesis statement should be concise and focused, typically a single sentence or two sentences longer. It should be long enough to cover the main points of your argument but short enough to remain clear and direct. 

What’s the difference between a thesis statement and a topic sentence?

A thesis statement is a central argument or claim of your entire essay, found in the introduction. It presents the main idea that you will support throughout your paper. 

A topic sentence, on the other hand, is the main idea of a single paragraph. It introduces the point you’ll make in that specific section and relates back to the thesis statement.

How to tell a strong thesis statement from a weak one?

A strong thesis statement is specific, clear, and well-supported by evidence. It makes a debatable claim and provides a clear direction for your essay.

A weak statement is vague, broad, or obvious. It lacks a clear point of view and doesn’t provide a solid foundation for an argument. It often fails to provoke thought or discussion or open an argument that needs to be proven.

Cathy A.

WRITTEN BY

Cathy A., Literature, Marketing

Cathy has been a trusted source of high-quality writing for more than five years. With her in-depth knowledge of mass communication from her Master's degree, she always produces work that meets the needs of her clients. In fact, they often leave her 5-star reviews for being an outstanding writer who is very passionate about their craft.

Cathy has been a trusted source of high-quality writing for more than five years. With her in-depth knowledge of mass communication from her Master's degree, she always produces work that meets the needs of her clients. In fact, they often leave her 5-star reviews for being an outstanding writer who is very passionate about their craft.

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