How to Write a Thesis Statement?

In writing an essay or any other type of academic paper, no other aspect raises as many questions as a thesis statement. Once we have a strong thesis statement ready, we can say that we’ve secured ourselves a huge prerequisite to success. Let us quickly show everyone how to write a good thesis statement.

How to write a thesis statement

In a vast majority of cases, the question of how to write a thesis statement boils down to a single most important aspect – what to include in a thesis statement. For a perfect thesis statement, consider including the following:

• Significance. In addressing the significance of your thesis statement, you should aim to answer the “so what” question. The answer should clarify why your chosen statement is important and why it adds value to the topic of your paper.
• Clarity. At all costs, avoid ambiguity and lack of clarity in your thesis statement. Ideally, it should be concise and straightforward.
• Controversy. Despite popular belief, a good thesis statement doesn’t have to be simple and indisputable. On the contrary, it should leave enough room for debate, appearing as interesting to the reader. In other words – it should be arguable.
• Organization. Your statement should occupy a definite place in the paper’s structure – be positioned in the introductory paragraph, ideally closer to the end of it, but not the very last sentence.
• Originality. Nobody is keen on debating a statement that is not original. Therefore, you should aim to introduce a sufficient amount of novelty in your thesis.
• Relevance. The relevance of your statement is critically important. It should be relevant to the topic of your work. 

How to start a thesis statement

A standard thesis statement definition underlines its pivotal role in the entire writing piece. Therefore, one should carefully prepare and take incremental steps to elaborate on this important element.

Firstly, you need to understand the assignment. If you have been given a fixed topic or a prompt for an essay – read it carefully and evaluate & analyze it from various angles. Find the angle that suits your research interests and writing talent the most. Coming up with a killer thesis statement would be so much easier that way.

Not everyone can find a perfect thesis statement in a blink of an eye. You may want to do a small brainstorming activity first, followed by an outline of your paper, in order to create a worthy thesis statement. Sketch multiple ideas first and slowly narrow them down to a few and then a single best statement.

Consider formulating your thesis statement in the form of a question. It is easier that way, at least for most people. Otherwise, be very specific in your formulation, take a clear stand, and make your final statement rather declarative (provoking too, as this is what will engage most readers).

Ultimately, consider your target audience, and your readers, and evaluate the effectiveness of your thesis statement against them. Revise and edit, if necessary, even when you have already written the introductory part of your paper.    

How to make a thesis statement

Work over a thesis statement always begins with understanding the purpose of one’s writing. What is it that you want to achieve with your paper? Who is your target audience? What are their interests and expectations? These questions and answers to them will help you develop an immutable sense of purpose, and gain confidence in what you are going to do. 

How to create a thesis statement that is strong and original? Unfortunately, we live in an era of plagiarism, when copy-pasting and stealing someone’s ideas have become a norm. If you want your thesis statement to be strong and original, consider the first and the most important rule – don’t use the Internet to help you generate ideas. As consciously or not, you might pick up an old theme, an already explored and debated statement.

A universal algorithm for making a strong thesis statement includes the following steps:

1. Understand your task;
2. Come up with a clear purpose for your work;
3. Brainstorm ideas and narrow them down to a single, strongest statement;
4. Use precise language and rephrase your statement if needed;
5. Ensure the correct format (placement and length of your thesis statement.

Example of a thesis statement

If you need a good example of a strong thesis statement for inspiration, this is something we can readily give you. A sample thesis statement should help you to come up with your own, strong and original statement.

Here are a few examples:

“The rise of social media has not only brought benefits to our society, but also particular health issues, both physical and mental.”

“Today’s Hollywood fantasy movies are dramatically downgrading our population’s cognitive capabilities.”

“The introduction of sustainable and innovative practices in agriculture is vital for fighting hunger in the world.”

“The increased digitalization of goods and services presents significant financial safety and privacy threats and requires greater cybersecurity measures”

 “The implementation of better gun handling and control measures is necessary to prevent violence and acts of spontaneous aggression in private households and public places.”

 And now a few examples in the form of a question:

“Why is space exploration vital for humanity’s short-term scientific gains and long-term survival benefits?”

“What are the main challenges of online education with respect to educational novelty and cultural diversity?”

“What are the consequences of the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) on the human job market and career paths?”

Frequently asked questions about thesis statements

What is a thesis statement?

It’s a central idea, the nota bene of a writing piece. It is a claim the writer makes, which requires supporting arguments and discussion. 

Why do I need a thesis statement?

A paper without a thesis statement will be left without a purpose. A thesis statement gives meaning to your writing and directs your evidence and argumentation further down the text.

How can I come up with a thesis statement?

You should keep the topic of your paper in mind and try to come up with an interesting claim, a provoking question, or an intriguing assumption that is worth proving and sharing with the readers.

Where does the thesis statement go in an essay?

It goes to the introductory part, usually the very first paragraph of your paper.