Writing a Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is a single-sentence summary of the main idea of an essay. The entirety of your paper hangs on that sentence, but its function is to be informative and direct.

It should be one sentence.

What makes a weak thesis sentence? Weak thesis statements include phrases such as “in my opinion,” “I think,” and “it seems” and are broad and unfocused.

What makes a strong thesis sentence? A specific claim & evidence to support that claim make a strong thesis sentence.

Subject + Fact or Opinion + Reason Thesis Formula Subject + Fact or Opinion + Reason = Thesis

Label the Parts of the Formula Local schools are adopting uniforms because it provides an affordable option for school clothing and unifies the student body.