Writing Your Thesis Statement

What is a thesis statement? A thesis statement is a sentence used to control and focus the entire paper and to tell the reader the point of view of your research It expresses your position in a full, declarative sentence; it is not a question, nor a statement of purpose. It is merely a topic. It reflects the fact that your paper is sharply focused on a single issue or topic It establishes an investigative, inventive edge to your research and thereby gives a reason for all of your work It points forward to the conclusion

What is a thesis statement? If you have trouble discovering your thesis at first, ask yourself a few questions. The answer might very well be the thesis. What is the point of my research? What do I want this paper to prove? Can I tell the reader anything new or different? Do I have a solution to a problem? Should I take the minority view in this matter?

Examples Vague, Unclear Not researchable Not supportable Not debatable MacBeth, by William Shakespeare, is an interesting play Vague, Unclear I believe that anyone who tries sewing will enjoy it Not researchable All Pittsburgher’s are fans of the Steelers Not supportable Fly fishing is a sport that involves a rod, reel and tackle. Not debatable

Examples The effects of drugs on the individual involved are disastrous, but the social, economic and personal effects on that person’s close associates can be equally serious Nothing better illustrates the low regard that the NCAA has often had for the rights of the student athletes than its random drug testing. To excel in rock climbing, mental preparation is more important than physical preparation.

Ronald Reagan significantly impacted the world today by his defeating Communism, by his treaties with countries in Europe, and by his domestic tax referendums that benefited the upper, middle, and lower classes of the United States.