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Thesis Statements

If an essay is like a building, then your thesis statement is its foundation.

The thesis statement is the most important part of an essay. It is the major argument or point that you will be discussing throughout the essay. Because everything else you write relates to your thesis statement, it's a good idea to plan it thoroughly and carefully before you start writing.

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Characteristics of a strong thesis statement:

• a strong thesis statement is a complete and unified sentence
• it has a topic that is neither too broad nor too narrow
• it has a clear idea, opinion, or position that you can defend (with evidence)
• it answers the question you were asked or created

Things to avoid when creating a thesis statement:

• Do not make the thesis the same as the title of your assignment or paper.
• A thesis is not a factual statement or an announcement.
• Vague, broad, or general statements do not make a strong thesis statement.
• Write your statement in first person ('My essay is about' or 'In this paper, I will...').

Formula for writing a thesis:

Observation + analysis OR [perspective, viewpoint, or opinion on topic] because [reason 1], [reason 2], and [reason 3].

Example:
Children should wear uniforms in school [observation] because it promotes harmony and school pride, it helps parents save money on buying clothing, and it can help to prevent bullying and exclusion if families are not able to afford popular types or brands of clothing [analysis].

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