How to Create a Thesis Statement

What is a Thesis Statement? tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter. tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper. makes a claim that others might dispute. is usually a single sentence somewhere in your first paragraph that presents your argument to the reader.

How do I Create a Thesis Statement? Choose a topic Brainstorm about your topic Narrow your topic Do some research Formulate ideas about relationships in your topic Create an arguable statement which can be supported by evidence

Does my Thesis Statement Answer the Question? Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Is my thesis statement specific enough?

Does my Thesis Statement Pass the “So What” test? If a reader’s first response is, “So what?” then you need to clarify, to forge a relationship, or to connect to a larger issue.

Does my Thesis Pass the “How and Why?” Test? If a reader’s first response is “how?” or “why?” your thesis may be too open-ended and lack guidance for the reader. See what you can add to give the reader a better take on your position right from the beginning.

Let’s Look at Some Examples The following examples will show you good and bad versions of thesis statements about the same topics. See what patterns you find!

Good vs. Bad Thesis Statements Good: Hunger persists in Appalachia because jobs are scarce, and farming in the infertile soil of the region is rarely profitable. This is a strong thesis statement because it narrows the subject to a more specific and manageable topic and identifies the specific causes for the existence of hunger. Bad: Hunger persists in Appalachia. This is a poor thesis statement because it does not provide any reasons behind WHY “hunger persists in Appalachia.” In addition, this thesis statement gives the reader only a vague idea of what the paper is going to argue.

Good vs. Bad Good: The concept of global warming should not receive the amount of attention that is currently focused on this issue because the earth constantly goes through spells of warming and cooling; the increasing temperature of the earth is but a part of this natural cycle and out of human control. This is a good thesis statement because it clearly states the writer’s argument WITHOUT jumping right into statistics, etc., that should be revealed in the body of the paper. Bad: The concept of global warming should not receive the amount of attention that is currently focused on this issue. This is a poor thesis statement because it is solely based on opinion. A thesis statement needs to be backed up by factual reasoning.

Let’s Practice! Complete the following exercise to practice making weak thesis statements in to strong thesis statements!

Change These Weak Statements in to Strong Thesis Statements  Racism is bad because people should not hate one another.  The Bible says that the Lord is coming back, so it must be true.  The Bureau of Land Management needs to institute a better policy when it comes to the wild horses out West.  Living in an apartment has many advantages.

Want More Help? Try the following links to get more help with thesis statements. Easiest Way to Write a Thesis Statement Writing a Thesis Statement How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement

Okay, so now it is time to write your own thesis statement! Good Luck! If you need help, check with your teacher, or review this PowerPoint for tips and help!

How to Create a Thesis Statement Author: Holly C. Bullock September 16, 2013 A Flipped Classroom Lesson