Formulating a Thesis Thesis = the ultimate goal of the focusing process Main point Theme Position Central idea Perspective Hypothesis Argument Claim Conclusion

Informing the Thesis The focusing process, which leads to the formulation of the thesis, is a product of critical thinking and, most often in writing within an academic context, research. The development of a working thesis will help to narrow down the field of research and to focus the reading on the most relevant information. The thesis is the key planning and organizing factor of an academic essay.

The Essential Qualities of the Thesis an assertion or claim that can be debated and is worth debating followed by a brief clarification of what? why? how? to support the assertion or claim appears in the introduction after contextual or background information indicating the topic empirical impression that the thesis emanates from fact rather than personal impression every idea, fact, paragraph, and sentence in the essay is justified in accordance to its contribution to the development of the thesis.

A thesis takes a stand rather than announcing a topic. A thesis that announces: The purpose of this essay is to discuss the ways that television commercials manipulate their audience in order to sell more of the advertised products. A thesis that argues: Television commercials (what?) deliberately deceive (how?) their audience (who?) in order to sell more of the advertised products (what?).

A thesis statement is an assertion, not a statement of fact or a personal observation. A thesis that is a truism: Television commercials attempt to manipulate their audience in order to sell more of the advertised products. A more provocative thesis: Television commercials (what?) attempt to prey (how?) upon human vulnerability (which?) in order to sell more of the advertised products (what?). Television commercials (what?) tend to exploit (how?) children (who?) in order to sell more of the advertised products (what?).

A thesis statement is narrow or specific rather than broad or general. A thesis that is too broad: Television commercials employ many unethical tactics to entice consumers to buy the advertised product. A thesis that is more specific: Television commercials (what) employ sexually suggestive subliminal messages (which) to entice consumers (who?) to buy the advertised product what?). Television commercials (what?) condone anti-social behaviour (which?) to entice consumers (who?) to buy the advertised product (what?).

A thesis statement is relevant rather than limited. A thesis that is too limited: Molson Canadian beer commercials are offensive. A more relevant thesis: Television commercials promoting the consumption of alcoholic beverages (which?) tend to depict women (who?) as sex objects (how?). Television commercials promoting the consumption of alcoholic beverages (which?) tend to depict men (who?) as simple-minded juveniles (how?). Television commercials promoting the consumption of alcoholic beverages (which?) tend to distort gender relations (how?).

A thesis statement has one main point only. Television commercials promoting the consumption of alcoholic beverages (which?) tend to depict women (who?) as sex objects (how?), while they (which?) tend to depict men (who?) as simple-minded juveniles (how?). [An essay is not sufficiently long to argue both sides in depth. What is accomplished by arguing both sides?]

A thesis statement should reflect original thinking. The commercials (which?) for the television series "Desperate Housewives" (what episodes?) tend to reinforce the show's stereotyping of women (who?) as unscrupulous and sexually obsessed (how?). [The assumption is that books or articles have not been written about this topic in particular, although they have been written about the show and commercials in general.

Questions To Test the Validity of a Thesis Statement Could one argue against the thesis? Does putting the word "not" in the thesis statement also create a viable thesis? If a reasonable person who read the same research material could argue against the thesis, then it is worth defending? Is the thesis worth arguing? Or is it too easy to prove? If the evidence to support the thesis seems to be abundant, it may not be worth arguing. Likewise, if little research or writing exists on the thesis under consideration, then perhaps it is of little serious concern. The key question to determine relevance is: so what? Is the assertion or claim supported with explanation or argumentation? The thesis should have two identifiable parts: an assertion or claim that can be debated and is worth debating; a brief specification or clarification of what? why? how? and/or so what? to support the assertion or claim.