1. Writing Strong Thesis Statements
How to move from descriptive claims to analytical, expository, or persuasive claims

2. What is a thesis statement?
A thesis statement is a sentence that clearly declares what you believe and what you intend to prove. A good thesis statement makes the difference between a thoughtful research project and a simple retelling of facts or a report.

3. A good tentative thesis will help you focus your search for information. You must do a lot of background reading before you know enough about a subject to identify key or essential questions. You may not know how you stand on an issue until you have examined the evidence.

4. You will likely begin your research with a working, preliminary, or tentative thesis statement, which you will continue to refine until you are certain of where the evidence leads.

5. The thesis statement is typically located at the end of your introductory paragraph. (The introductory paragraph serves to set the context for the thesis.)
Remember, your reader will be looking for your thesis. Make it clear, strong, and easy to find.

6. Now, let’s get started…

7. Attributes of a good thesis:
The thesis statement should be contestable, proposing an arguable point with which people could reasonably disagree. A strong thesis is provocative; it takes a stand and justifies the discussion you will present.
The thesis statement is specific and focused. A strong thesis proves a point without discussing “everything about …” Instead of music, think "American jazz music in the 1930s" and your argument about the topic.
The thesis statement should clearly assert your own conclusion based on evidence. Note: Be flexible. The evidence may lead you to a conclusion you didn't think you'd reach. It is perfectly okay to change your thesis!

8. The thesis statement provides the reader with a map to guide him/her through the work.
The thesis statement anticipates and refutes any counter-arguments.
The thesis statement avoids vague language (like "it seems").
The thesis statement avoids the first person ("I believe," "In my opinion").
The thesis statement should pass the So what? or Who cares? test . Example: “People should avoid driving under the influence of alcohol" would be unlikely to evoke any opposition.

9. A weak thesis statement…
…has no argument.
Example: “This paper will perform an in-depth examination of the character of Harry Potter.”
Solution: Raise specific issues for the essay to explore.
Better thesis statement: “Although Harry Potter often goes against the established norms, his pure motives result in positive consequences.”

10. A weak thesis statement…
…is obviously true or a statement of fact.
Example: J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter stories are fanciful tales of a young boy growing-up in a magical world.
Solution: Find an avenue of inquiry—a question about the fact or an issue raised by them. Make an assertion that the reader could disagree with.
Better thesis statement: “Reading J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter stories should be banned in schools.”

11. A weak thesis statement…
…offers personal conviction as the basis for the claim.
Example: “I feel that Harry Potter is a truly sympathetic character, because he overcomes a bad childhood.”
Solution: Avoid 1st and 2nd person. Treat your ideas as a hypotheses to be tested, rather than obvious truths. Maintain some distance from your subject.
A better thesis statement: Often neglected and mistreated as a child, Harry Potter draws on his inner strengths to become a true hero.

12. A weak thesis statement…
…makes an overly broad claim.
Example: “Harry Potter deals with the issue of discrimination in an interesting way.”
Solution: Convert broad, generic categories into more specific, complex assertions. Find ways to bring out the complexity of your subject.
A better thesis statement: Harry Potter fights discrimination in the novels by consistently confronting racial oppressors.

13. Revision…
Using the “solutions,” rewrite an improved version for three of the following thesis statements—be ready to read them and explain the changes you’ve made.

14. What is wrong with these statements?
“Sirius Black dies protecting Harry, which is symbolic.”
“The Harry Potter stories raise interesting questions about class and gender.”
“This paper will show the tensions between classes.”
“I find the character, Harry Potter, to be an engaging and liberating hero in the story.”

15. Improving your thesis
Original Thesis: “Sirius Black dies protecting Harry, which is symbolic.”
Problem/Solution:
The thesis is too general. What is so “symbolic”?
Revised Thesis:

16. Improving your thesis
Original Thesis: “The Harry Potter stories raise interesting questions about class and gender.” Problem/Solution: This thesis has no argument. It leaves the reader saying, “Ok, so what?” Revised Thesis:

17. Improving your thesis
Original Thesis: “This paper will show the tensions between classes.” Problem/Solution: This thesis shows no argument. It is more of a report. Revised Thesis:

18. Improving your thesis
Original Thesis: “I find the character, Harry Potter, to be an engaging and liberating hero in the story.” Problem/Solution: This thesis offers personal conviction, 1st person, as the basis for the claim. Revised Thesis:

19. In Groups of 3-4: Write your own thesis statement concerning the character, Harry Potter. Your statement should represent your argument, should you be writing a paper on any of the Harry Potter novels. The argument should reflect your analysis of Harry as a character: Is he sympathetic? Is he manipulative/manipulated? Is he misunderstood? Is he a victim? Is he a hero?