Thesis Statement Construction

1. A good thesis statement is restricted/limited  It deals with restricted, “bite-size” issues rather than issues that would require a lifetime to discuss.  Restrict the thesis so that you may explore it fully in your paper.

 Odysseus has many character traits. Poor Thesis Statement:

 In Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey, Odysseus uses his bravery and cleverness to aid him on his journey home. Better Thesis Statement:

2. A good thesis statement proves something or takes a stand on an issue.  A good thesis proves something, and the rest of the paper is a defense of that thesis.  Be sure there is another side to the thesis that someone else could prove.

Examples: Poor: Rainsford is a character in “The Most Dangerous Game.” Better: In Richard Connell’s short story, “The Most Dangerous Game,” Rainsford’s intelligence and bravery help him to survive while on General Zaroff’s island.

3. A good writer states his or her thesis in one carefully worded sentence.  Your thesis needs to be concise, yet also include all the necessary information.  Your thesis should never be longer than 1 sentence.

4. A good thesis statement contains an action verb  Use “literary present” tense to discuss literature.  The tense of the thesis indicates the primary tense chosen for the rest of the paper.  Choose a strong verb.

Examples: Poor: In “The Cask of Amontillado,” a short story by Edgar Allan Poe, Montresor was a clever and vengeful character. Better: In “The Cask of Amontillado,” Edgar Allan Poe portrays Montresor as a clever, vengeful individual who longs for retribution.

A good thesis statement contains “so whatness.”  Read your thesis. Ask yourself, “So what?” Your thesis should answer that question.

6. Check your thesis for the following components:  Name of the author  Title of your primary source  Genre of your primary source Short story Epic poem  Action verb  “So whatness”  Sense of “proving” something

Sample Thesis Statement #1  In “The Necklace,” a short story by Guy de Maupassant, Madame Loisel is portrayed as an unhappy and materialistic person who spends her life longing for more.

Sample Thesis Statement #2  In The Odyssey, an epic poem by Homer, Odysseus is portrayed as a brave and clever person who longs to return home.

Sample Thesis Statement #3  In “The Scarlet Ibis,” a short story by James Hurst, Brother is portrayed as a strong individual driven by guilt.