thesis statement (tentative definition of the concept and its significance)

• Awards Season
• Big Stories
• Pop Culture
• Video Games
• Celebrities

How to Create an Effective Thesis Statement in 5 Easy Steps

Creating a thesis statement can be a daunting task. It’s one of the most important sentences in your paper, and it needs to be done right. But don’t worry — with these five easy steps, you’ll be able to create an effective thesis statement in no time.

Step 1: Brainstorm Ideas

The first step is to brainstorm ideas for your paper. Think about what you want to say and write down any ideas that come to mind. This will help you narrow down your focus and make it easier to create your thesis statement.

Step 2: Research Your Topic

Once you have some ideas, it’s time to do some research on your topic. Look for sources that support your ideas and provide evidence for the points you want to make. This will help you refine your argument and make it more convincing.

Step 3: Formulate Your Argument

Now that you have done some research, it’s time to formulate your argument. Take the points you want to make and put them into one or two sentences that clearly state what your paper is about. This will be the basis of your thesis statement.

Step 4: Refine Your Thesis Statement

Once you have formulated your argument, it’s time to refine your thesis statement. Make sure that it is clear, concise, and specific. It should also be arguable so that readers can disagree with it if they choose.

Step 5: Test Your Thesis Statement

The last step is to test your thesis statement. Does it accurately reflect the points you want to make? Is it clear and concise? Does it make an arguable point? If not, go back and refine it until it meets all of these criteria.

Creating an effective thesis statement doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these five easy steps, you can create a strong thesis statement in no time at all.

This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.

MORE FROM ASK.COM

Tentative Thesis Statement

1. Understand the Academic Writing Task

You can begin to formulate a good tentative thesis statement only after you have got a solid grasp of the purpose of the assignment. If you’re asked to write a paper in response to a specific assignment question, then your first task is make sure that you clearly understand the academic writing task. Determine which of the following critical thinking skills you are primarily being asked to apply to your object(s) of study:

• argumentation
• interpretation

Your thesis statement, then, should take a form that reflects the goal of the writing task.

2. What is a tentative thesis? Become Familiar with the Different Kinds of Thesis Statements

Almost all forms of academic writing conform to a thesis-support structure — a structure in which we find the main claim near the beginning of the essay, followed by evidence and analysis in support of this claim in the body of the essay. Your thesis statement serves as the main argument that drives your paper forward. Students are for the most part well accustomed to writing essays that follow this top-down structure; however, they usually have a much harder time adapting their thesis statements to match the purpose of the specific writing task. Never assume that you don’t need a tentative thesis statement just because you’re not asked to write a traditional academic essay.

The following lists some of the most common assignments and their corresponding thesis forms:

• Analytical Essay: Statement of main claim about the topic in relation to the object of study.
• Book Review: Statement of critical evaluation about the book.
• Critical Review (i.e. review of an academic journal article): Statement of critical evaluation about the journal article.
• Position Paper: Statement of position + reasons.
• Comparative Essay: Statement of main argument + main points of comparison.
• Research Paper: Statement of main claim about the topic, issue, or problem.
• Research Proposal: Tentative statement of main claim about the topic, issue, or problem.
• Personal Reflection: Statement of main focus or direction.
• Case Study: Statement of problem + recommendations.
• Lab Report: Statement of main purpose

3. Formulate a Research Question

Students often have a hard time distinguishing between the thesis statement and the research question. These two components of an academic paper are closely related, but not interchangeable. Sometimes the research question is given to you as a part of the assignment question; at other times, you will have to come up with the research question on your own. The research question can be defined in the following ways:

• The question that focuses your research on a significant problem, issue, controversy, define tentative or contradiction.
• The main question outlined in your assignment, or the final question you have arrived at after having asked questions to narrow your topic.
• The question that your thesis statement will answer in the form of a specific claim.

Example of research question:

“What was the most important cause of America’s increased involvement in the Vietnam War during the 1960s?”

Example of a thesis statement in response to a research question:

“The escalation of the Vietnam War during the 1960s was caused primarily by America’s anti-Communist foreign policy”.

Tips on coming up with a good research question:

• Ask the journalistic questions (who, what, when, where, why) about your topic until you get down to a single question that is both specific and substantive.
• Consider how your question relates to published literature on your topic.
• Use a purpose-statement prompt to help you come up with a research question: “The purpose of this paper is to …”

4. Formulate a Tentative Thesis Statement

Coming up with a good tentative thesis definition can seem like a very perplexing task in the early stages of the writing process, particularly if you’re asked to submit a research proposal that requires a tentative thesis statement.

How to write a tentative thesis? Remember that a tentative thesis statement is not something set in stone; rather, it is something meant to help you focus your analysis and research so that the writing task becomes manageable. You should not attempt to start collecting and analyzing evidence until you have an idea of the main argument you would like make in your paper. Generating the thesis statement, then, can be thought of as a recursive process.

In the early stages of planning and writing, the tentative thesis definition helps you focus on the evidence in a certain way, but as you get further along in the writing process the analysis of evidence should also help you clarify the thesis statement.

The authors of Writing Analytically recommend that you ask yourself the following questions as you go through the process of generating a main claim for your essay:

• What kinds of patterns or implications emerge when I look closely at my evidence?
• What kind of evidence and support do I need to support my tentative thesis?
• What kind of evidence cannot be adequately accounted for by my tentative thesis?
• How can I explain the mismatches between my thesis statement and my selected evidence?
• How can I rewrite my thesis statement in order to accommodate the evidence that doesn’t fit?

This practice of constantly readjusting the tentative thesis statement to match the evidence and analysis will ultimately lead you to write a polished and defensible thesis statement in your final draft.

Example of a tentative thesis statement:

“Educating Rita celebrates the liberating potential of enabling education, defined as that which remains open to healthy doses of working-class, real-world infusions”.

Example of complicating evidence:

“Frank and Rita both end up alone and alienated”.

Example of a revised thesis:

“Educating Rita celebrates the liberating potential of enabling education (kept open to real-world, working-class energy) but also acknowledges its potential costs in loneliness and alienation”.

5. Examine a Contradiction

Some tentative argument thesis statements are just simply more interesting than others. The choice of a boring or self-evident thesis statement has less to do with how brilliant you are as a writer and more to do with how good you are at identifying a “problem that is significant not just to you, but to your readers as well”. If you get halfway through your essay, and you find yourself with nothing left to say, then you can be fairly certain that your thesis lacks the intellectual vigor required to propel you through the essay.

According to the authors of Thinking It Through: A Practical Guide to Academic Essay Writing, one way that you can avoid writing a thesis statement that falls intellectually flat is to formulate one that focuses on an interesting contradiction, tension, or paradox between two things. For example, a complex thesis statement might focus on the contrast between the popular interpretation of a political event and your own interpretation, between two paradoxical themes in a novel or poem, and so on. By acknowledging the complexities and nuances of the topic at hand, complex thesis statements often come much closer to the reality of things.

Example of a thesis statement that examines a contradiction:

“ While The Long Day’s narrator exemplifies many tenets of new feminism, such as a commitment to women’s economic independence, her feminist sympathies are undermined by her traditional attitudes towards female sexual expression.” -Writing at the University of Toronto

6. Write the Thesis Statement as a Complex Sentence

While inexperienced writers are often unaware of how to use language and sentence structure to reinforce the meaning of their ideas, experienced writers are skilled at using complex sentence structures to create emphasis and to convey a hierarchy of ideas.

Example of a thesis statement that is weak in structure

“The Nativity is a high-spirited comedy and The Crucifixion is a brutal tragedy. Both medieval plays explore a common theme: the intersection of the human and the divine”.

Example of a complex thesis statement

“Although one is a high-spirited comedy and the other a brutal tragedy, the medieval plays The Nativity and The Crucifixion explore a common theme: the intersection of the human and the divine”.

In these tentative thesis statement examples, the information in the subordinate clause consists of what is already known or self-evident about the plays, whereas the information in the main clause emphasizes what is less obvious, and therefore more interesting about the two plays. Together, the two parts of the sentence make explicit the interesting contradiction that will be examined in the essay.

7. Test Your Thesis Statement

Consider the following questions:

• Does the thesis show analysis and depth of thought, or is it mainly descriptive?
• Does the thesis present an argument about the material, and is it worded as an argument?
• Is the thesis contestable? (Would someone potentially want to argue with you about it?)
• Is the thesis defensible? (Have you used qualifying expressions such as “primarily” or “for the most part” to make the thesis more defensible?)
• Does the thesis statement take into account the “so what” question?

Tentative thesis meaning: Frequently Asked Questions about Thesis Statements

Q: Must the thesis statement have a three-part structure?

A: No. The three-part thesis statement is likely something you learned in high school that was intended to give you a basic sense of organization and structure.

When constructing your thesis statement, you should feel free to use as many, or as few, points as you need to make a suitably complex argument.

Q: Can the thesis statement be more than one sentence?

A. Yes. While you should always strive to make the thesis statement as clear and concise as possible, in some cases, you will need more than one sentence to fully articulate your argument. By always trying to adhere to the “one-sentence rule” for thesis statements, you may inadvertently do the following: reduce the complexity of your argument by restricting its expression to one sentence, or obscure the argument by cramming too many clauses into one sentence.

Q: Does the thesis statement have to come at the end of the introduction?

A: No, but by convention the reader will unconsciously expect to find the main claim of the paper somewhere near the end of the introduction. This placement makes sense from a genre or rhetorical perspective because the thesis statement will likely be more compelling or persuasive if you’ve already established some context for it in the opening parts of your introduction.

Q: Should I use the first-person pronoun “I” in the thesis statement?

A: Generally speaking, the use of “I” in the thesis statement is a matter of your personal preference and writing style. Some arguments are worded very explicitly, while others are expressed in a more neutral and detached way. In either case, a phrase such as “in this paper, I will argue that …” can serve as an excellent writing prompt that invites you to word your thesis statement as an argument. Whether or not you decide to keep this phrase in the final version of your thesis statement is up to you.

The stricture against the use of “I” in high school essays, according to the tentative outline definition, was intended to teach you to avoid using subjective experience or personal conviction as the basis of your claim; thus, if your argument is grounded in solid evidence and analysis, then you should not be overly concerned about the use of “I”. Check with your course instructor if are still in doubt about when and where to use “I”.

• How It Works

Essentials of How To Write a Tentative Thesis in 2023

Do you know that you can write your tentative thesis without stress? Here are expert directions on how you can achieve this task effortlessly. You will need more than a tentative thesis definition, some words on a paper, and a few hours to have a quality document. Creating a substantial piece requires time, planning, dedication, and above-average writing skills. For an excellent paper, apt students will google, ‘write my tentative thesis’ to find professional help. You must be one of those desiring top-grades, and that is why you are here. We will provide you with all information you need to know on how to create a tentative thesis that will earn you an A+.

What is a Tentative Thesis?

The statement forms the subject matter’s backbone as contained within a paper by stating something significant and relevant to the reader. The tentative thesis statement summarizes the paper’s main points and says the essay’s necessity to the readers.

The tentative claim is paramount to the essay, and without it, the paper will appear uncontrolled and inadequate. It’s like a plane that is about to land on a runway without lights and a radar. The pilot will only circumnavigate around the airport without landing on the ground. Now that you can define tentative thesis let us proceed to the basics.

How To Write a Tentative Thesis: Outline

A tentative thesis outline will determine how much time you will invest in your paper. In other words, it will help you develop the topic, reflect on it, and write the Thesis. Since a tentative thesis states your standpoint regarding the subject, it should be clear and to the point. Let’s look at some of the steps that you will take:

• Select your topic

The key to cracking a tentative thesis statement is evident in the topic from the onset. A good topic should be relevant, practical, and one that contributes to solving a problem. Such a task is not easy, and thus you should be ready for an in-depth, mind-intriguing process.

• Brainstorming on the topic

Once you have your topic set, it is now time to disintegrate it. This will prompt you into a process of brainstorming to develop ideas for your tentative Thesis. You will put on the table various ideas that come to our mind either silently or through reading other sources.

• Developing the tentative thesis statement

It is important to note that the tentative claim is in the introduction of your paper. Since it is a single statement found at the end of the intro, you have to be strategic and approach it precisely.

Parts of a Tentative Thesis

As short as it may seem, a tentative thesis has three crucial parts that you cannot avoid at any cost. Therefore, you will have to be coherent and logical in your approach to this section. Let us look at each of these critical sections in brief:

• Tentative Thesis Introduction

In the intro, you will give the reader a feel of the topic by summarizing the arguments you intend to bring in the body. To achieve this, you should use clear and spot-on statements to hook the reader to your paper.

The first statement that meets the eye of the reader should interest and captivate him/her. It should arouse a sense of curiosity in the reader that makes him want to read your essay more. You should also include background information to put the topic into context.

All these three culminate in the thesis statement, which is the last statement of the introduction paragraph.

• Tentative Thesis Body

It contains statements in support of your claim, and they form the bulk of your paper. These statements should comprise of evidence and facts in support of your stance. The tentative thesis body will fortify your claims and make them viable.

The structure of the body paragraphs is this: topic sentence, explanation, and supporting statements. At the end of each section, there should be a transition sentence that ushers in the next paragraph.

• Tentative Thesis Conclusion

In this section, you will find a summary of the key arguments and claims made in the body. The reader will have a chance to re-visit the discussions in the body in a concise way. You remind him/her of the thesis statement and the conclusions made from it.

While restating the thesis statement, do not merely repeat what you wrote in the introduction, word for word. Instead, summarize it differently while still maintain the original idea. Remember also to include your recommendations, opinion, or final thoughts on the discussion.

An impressive tentative thesis conclusion leaves a strong impression on the reader.

Writing Tips For A Top-Notch Tentative Thesis

• It should be specific and clear – to make it easy to understand
• The tentative thesis statement should be in the introduction (the last sentence)
• It should communicate a single thought or idea rather than a myriad of pictures here and there.
• Write it from scratch. A fresh and original thesis statement will attract top grades rather than a plagiarized one.
• Write it concisely and coherently. It will keep your readers hooked.

Tentative Thesis Statement Samples

Sample 1: “The continued ignorance of people towards the coronavirus prevention guidelines is wanting. This ignorance will likely lead to a second wave of infections.” Sample 2: “Global pandemics threaten the stability of the world in different areas. There are political, social, and cultural implications.”

Tentative Thesis Writing From Profs

As a college or university student, knowing how to write a tentative thesis is crucial because it constitutes the bulk of assignments. From the discussions above, you can note that structure of a tentative thesis is vital. Disregarding any section may cause your paper to be rejected. Since it forms the first part of your essay, ensure that it is appealing and captivating. But don’t worry – thesisgeek.com is here to assist you with that! You can use this professional thesis writing service to help you with the topics, structure, and format of a tentative thesis. It will also enable you to have a different understanding of the subject. Get your thesis paper written by an expert now!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment * Error message

Name * Error message

Email * Error message

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

As Putin continues killing civilians, bombing kindergartens, and threatening WWIII, Ukraine fights for the world's peaceful future.

Ukraine Live Updates

Skip to content. | Skip to navigation

Masterlinks

• About Hunter
• One Stop for Students
• Make a Gift
• Access the Student Guide
• Apply to Become a Peer Tutor
• Access the Faculty Guide
• Request a Classroom Visit
• Refer a Student to the Center
• Request a Classroom Workshop
• The Writing Process
• The Documented Essay/Research Paper
• Writing for English Courses
• Writing Across the Curriculum
• Grammar and Mechanics
• Business and Professional Writing
• CUNY TESTING
• | Workshops
• Research Information and Resources
• Evaluating Information Sources
• Writing Tools and References
• Reading Room
• Literary Resources
• ESL Resources for Students
• ESL Resources for Faculty
• Teaching and Learning
• | Contact Us

UNDERSTANDING A THESIS

A thesis is a substantial generalization that can stand by itself as the basis of an essay’s development. It is an assertion of what the writer believes is right or wrong and why, and it is a statement that can be either true or false.

A thesis clearly and concisely conveys the writer’s main argument in an essay, and it allows readers to clearly grasp the focus of the essay, which will be developed in the body of the essay.

A thesis needs to be unified—expressing one main idea—although it can, and often does, include secondary concepts as they relate to the main idea. The thesis statement should be broad enough and arguable enough to be worth defending in an essay.

A thesis statement usually evolves only after considerable reading, writing, and thinking has been done on your topic. You can begin the writing process of an essay with a preliminary or open thesis , move on to a tentative thesis or hypothesis , and finally arrive at your closed or final thesis . During your writing, you will become more secure in advancing your final thesis, which includes the fundamental reason(s) you have chosen to support your assertion.

STAGES OF THE THESIS STATEMENT

Stage I: Preliminary or Open Thesis

In the very early stages of your writing or research, or before you have begun to write, it is advantageous to formulate a preliminary or open thesis , which will state your general unifying idea but will not yet reflect how you intend to support that idea. Let’s say you are writing an essay on the relationship between the United States criminal court system and the media. You have read one article related to this topic, but you have not yet begun your research. Still, it is possible for you to arrive at a very basic and general opinion without going into detail, secondary topics, or supporting reason(s) for your assertion.

Broad Topic: The United States criminal court system and the media

Example of a Preliminary or Open Thesis: The media plays a very influential role in criminal court trials, perhaps too influential.

To assist you in formulating your preliminary or open thesis, ask basic “W” questions that are related to your topic: who, what, when, where, and why? This will help you determine your particular interests and a possible starting point for your essay or research.

Based on the topic above, the following list demonstrates the different kinds of questions that can be generated. Note how the order of questions goes from the more general to the more specific. It may be easier for you to begin with broader questions as they may lead you to more narrowed and focused questions.

• Why is the media involved in court cases?
• When did the media start reporting court cases?
• What is the media’s role in criminal court cases?
• What aspect of the media am I going to write about?
• What kind of criminal case is it?
• When did the case take place?
• Where did the case take place?
• Who were the people involved in the case?

If you are writing a research paper and you have come up with a long list of random questions, select three or four questions that hold the most interest for you. These questions will narrow your focus and help you to plan your research strategy.

Exercise A: Choose a topic, brainstorm for a few minutes, and come up with a basic list of questions. Then, write a preliminary or open thesis.

Stage II: Tentative Thesis or Hypothesis

A tentative thesis or hypothesis is more specific than the preliminary or open thesis, and it is particularly important for a research paper. After you have brainstormed, written a list of questions, arrived at an open thesis, and begun your research and reading, you will be prepared to write a focused question and then a tentative answer to this question. The tentative answer is your hypothesis because it represents what you predict you will be able to conclude.

Example of a Focused Question: Does media publicity in a criminal trial influence the verdict?

Example of a Tentative Thesis or Hypothesis as an Answer to a Focused Question: The media’s ubiquitous presence in courtroom trials has made it impossible to have a jury that is unbiased.

Exercise B: Continuing with your preliminary or open thesis from Exercise A, formulate a focused question and then answer that question with your tentative thesis or hypothesis.

Stage III: Closed or Final Thesis

If you make an assertion and include the reason or reasons which support your assertion, and it is broad enough in scope, yet specific enough to be unified and to serve as a substantial generalization of your essay, you have written a closed or final thesis statement. The evidence can take many forms: facts, opinions, anecdotes, statistics, analogies, etc., but the essential relationship between the thesis and the major points of support is one of conclusion to reason:

I believe this (thesis statement) to be true because... (provide the reasons to support your thesis) .

Remember: A thesis statement consists of at least one complete sentence; you cannot use a phrase or sentence fragment. Usually, the first sentence indicates the general thesis assertion, and additional sentences indicate the major support for this assertion. (An assertion is any statement that can be either true or false.) As readers, we may not know whether it is true or false or even have any way of determining whether it is true or false, but the logical response to an assertion is either, “Yes, I believe that to be true” or “No, I do not believe that to be true.” Some sentences do not make assertions. Commands, exclamations, intentions, obvious facts, and questions are considered sentences, but they do not make direct assertions and cannot be used as thesis statements.

Whether or not your thesis is preliminary or open, tentative, or closed and final, it should be considered flexible while you are still writing and doing research. Good writing results from a mixture of conviction and open-mindedness, no matter how diametrical these two qualities appear to be.

The following paragraph represents the introduction to an essay on the subject of “mail order companies” that discusses “deceptive sales techniques” referred to by the author as a form of “psychological harassment.” The closed or final thesis is highlighted in bold.

Mail order companies use deceptive sales techniques to lure potential buyers into purchasing their products. They mail documents that boldly declare: “You have just won 10,000,000” while a half page down in faint, minuscule print it reads: “...if you send in your form and order and you have the matching numbers.” This type of advertising and solicitation constitutes psychological harassment; it misleads consumers through a fallacious belief that if they buy, they will win, and it should be made illegal.

GUIDELINES FOR THESIS DEVELOPMENT

Thesis for a Single Source Essay

Many times you will be asked to respond in writing to a single text. Before you begin writing, you must be clear about the author’s intentions and what her/his own thesis is. A good way to do this is to make annotations while you are reading and after you are finished reading to briefly summarize the author’s main points. Also, make sure to separate your own ideas and opinions from those of your source. It would also be beneficial to decide whether you agree or disagree with what the author is saying. Then, you can begin the stages—as listed in this handout—of developing your thesis.

Thesis for a Comparative Essay

In a comparative essay, you will be required to formulate a thesis that encompasses two or more features that you will be comparing and analyzing. Therefore, you will be writing a thesis that looks at multiple perspectives, not necessarily leaning one way or the other, but bringing out a central comparative idea between or among the things, issues, authors, etc., that you choose as the focus of your essay. The following paragraph represents the introduction to an essay comparing the female protagonists from two works of fiction: Kate Chopin’s The Awakening and Charlotte Perkins Gillman’s The Yellow Wallpaper . The closed or final thesis is highlighted in bold.

In Kate Chopin’s book The Awakening and Charlotte Perkins Gillman’s novella The Yellow Wallpaper , the female protagonists veer from the collective mainstream of a patriarchal society because of their pronounced feelings of alienation, frustration, and emotional and creative repression within this social structure, marked by the subordination of women. Ultimately, both characters escape the narrow restraints of this early 20th century mentality either by suicide—as in The Awakening —or through insanity—as in The Yellow Wallpaper . However tragic this may appear on the surface, the implication of deliverance from their restricted environments is one of liberation and transgression from and of the dominant culture. In this way, the women’s actions are equally heroic.

Thesis for a Multiple Source Essay

Most of the guidelines of this handout specifically relate to writing a thesis for a multiple source essay. Remember, it is best to keep your thesis open while you are doing your research, and it is necessary to have a few possible narrow topics in mind before beginning intensive reading. Also, the questions that you formulate in the first stage of the thesis are important, as they will guide you in your research.

Thesis for a Biographical or Historical Research Paper

Biographical and historical topics have an immediate advantage: they can be defined and limited by space and time. Always try to select a specific point in time as the focus of your essay. As you narrow your topic and begin your reading, watch for your emerging thesis: a single clear impression of the person or event should be the controlling idea of your essay. Whether you are writing about a sequence of events, as in a battle, or a single event or issue affecting the life of a well-known person, you will still need both a thesis and a strategy to shape the direction of your essay.

Example [biographical profile]: Virginia Woolf Focus: Woolf’s education Focused Question: In what ways did Woolf receive her education? Tentative Thesis or Answer to a Focused Question: Virginia Woolf did not receive her academic education from a university because women were, in that provincial Victorian era, not deemed worthy of entering those so-called esteemed halls of academia. In lieu of any formal training, Woolf substantially and extraordinarily educated herself although it is true that her home environment was an academic one and she was given guidance from her father, Leslie Stephen, as well as other relatives.

Document Actions

• Public Safety
• Website Feedback
• Privacy Policy
• CUNY Tobacco Policy

Definition Essay

Effective thesis statements, what is a thesis statement.

• A thesis statement tells a reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion. Such a statement is also called an “argument,” a “main idea,” or a “controlling idea.”
• A good thesis has two parts. It should tell what you plan to argue, and it should “telegraph” how you plan to argue—that is, what particular support for your claim is going where in your essay
• A standard place for your thesis is at the end of the introductory paragraph.
• A thesis is an interpretation of a subject, not the subject itself. The subject, or topic, of an essay might be World War II or Moby Dick; a thesis must then offer a way to understand the war or the novel that others might dispute.
• A strong thesis not only grabs the interest of your reader, who now wants to see you support your unique interpretation, it also provides a focus for your argument, one to which every part of your paper refers in the development of your position.
• A thesis keeps the writer centered on the matter at hand and reduces the risk of intellectual wandering. Likewise, a thesis provides the reader with a “road map,” clearly laying out the intellectual route ahead.
• A thesis statement avoids the first person (“I believe,” “In my opinion”).

A simple equation for what a thesis might look like this:

What you plan to argue + How you plan to argue it = Thesis Specific Topic+ Attitude/Angle/Argument=Thesis

Steps To Write Effective Thesis Statement

• Choose a prompt or, if appropriate, select a topic: television violence and children
• What are the effects of television violence on children?
• Violence on television increases aggressive behavior in children.
• Avoid general phrasing and/or sweeping words such as “all” or “none” or “every”.
• Lead the reader toward the topic sentences (the subtopics needed to prove the thesis).
• While poor parenting and easy access to weapons may act as contributory factors, in fact when children are exposed to television violence they become less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others, are more fearful of the world around them, and are more likely to behave in aggressive or harmful ways toward others.

The Components of an Effective Thesis Statement

• You can’t just pluck a thesis out of thin air. Even if you have a terrific insight concerning a topic, it won’t be worth much unless you can logically and persuasively support it in the body of your essay. A thesis is the evolutionary result of a thinking process, not a miraculous creation. Formulating a thesis is not the first thing you do after reading an essay assignment .
• Substantial – Your thesis should be a claim for which it is easy to answer every reader’s question: “So what?”
• Supportable – A thesis must be a claim that you can prove with the evidence at hand (e.g., evidence from your texts or from your research). Your claim should not be outlandish, nor should it be mere personal opinion or preference (e.g., “Frederick Douglass is my favorite historical figure.”) It tackles a subject that could be adequately covered in the format of the project assigned.
• Precise – It is focused and specific. A strong thesis proves a point without discussing everything. It clearly asserts your own conclusion based on evidence. Note: Be flexible. It is perfectly okay to change your thesis!
• Arguable – It should be contestable, proposing an arguable point with which people could reasonably disagree.
• Relevant – If you are responding to an assignment, the thesis should answer the question your teacher has posed. In order to stay focused, pay attention to the task words in the assignment: summarize, argue, compare/contrast, etc.
• Aware of Counters – It anticipates and refutes the counter-arguments.

The best thesis statement is a balance of specific details and concise language. Your goal is to articulate an argument in detail without burdening the reader with too much information.

Questions To Review Your Thesis

• “Do I answer the question?” This might seem obvious, but it’s worth asking. No matter how intriguing or dazzling, a thesis that doesn’t answer the question is not a good thesis!
• “Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose?” If not, then you probably do not have a strong argument. Theses that are too vague often have this problem. If your thesis contains vague words like “good” or “successful,” see if you could be more specific: why is something “good”; what makes something “successful”?
• Would anyone possible care about this thesis? So What? Does your thesis present a position or an interpretation worth pursuing? 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 essay support my thesis specifically and without wandering?” Just as a thesis that doesn’t answer the question ultimately fails, so does a thesis that isn’t properly supported with evidence and reasoning.
• Does my thesis statement adequately address the direction words of the prompt: summarize, argue, compare/contrast, analyze, discuss, etc.?

Myths about Thesis Statements

• Every paper requires one . Assignments that ask you to write personal responses or to explore a subject don’t want you to seem to pre-judge the issues. Essays of literary interpretation often want you to be aware of many effects rather than seeming to box yourself into one view of the text.
• A thesis statement must come at the end of the first paragraph . This is a natural position for a statement of focus, but it’s not the only one. Some theses can be stated in the opening sentences of an essay; others need a paragraph or two of introduction; others can’t be fully formulated until the end.
• A thesis statement must be one sentence in length , no matter how many clauses it contains. Clear writing is more important than rules like these. Use two or three sentences if you need them. A complex argument may require a whole tightly-knit paragraph to make its initial statement of position.
• You can’t start writing an essay until you have a perfect thesis statement . It may be advisable to draft a hypothesis or tentative thesis statement near the start of a big project, but changing and refining a thesis is a main task of thinking your way through your ideas as you write a paper. And some essay projects need to explore the question in depth without being locked in before they can provide even a tentative answer.
• A thesis statement must give three points of support . It should indicate that the essay will explain and give evidence for its assertion, but points don’t need to come in any specific number.

Progressively Complex Thesis Statements

• Effective Thesis Statements. Provided by : Writing Guide Wikispaces. Located at : https://writingguide.wikispaces.com/Effective+Thesis+Statements . License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike

• Advertising
• Applications
• Assessments
• Certificates
• Announcement
• Invitations
• Newsletters
• Questionnaires
• Food & Beverages
• Recruitment
• Marketing Examples
• Transportation
• Thesis Statement

Tentative Thesis Statement Examples, How to Write, Tips

What is a Tentative Thesis Statement?

What is an example of a tentative thesis statement, 100 tentative thesis statement examples.

• Although preliminary research suggests vegan diets can lead to health benefits, further studies are necessary to determine long-term impacts.
• While some argue online learning is less effective than traditional classroom settings, initial findings indicate its potential in certain educational contexts.
• Early studies hint at the possibility that urban green spaces can significantly affect mental well-being, but comprehensive research is still needed.
• Renewable energy, based on initial research, seems to be a viable replacement for fossil fuels, though the feasibility of widespread adoption remains in question.
• The tentative link between screen time and decreased attention spans in children warrants more in-depth study.
• Preliminary studies suggest a correlation between meditation practices and reduced stress levels, but causation hasn’t been firmly established.
• While many assume that organic foods are nutritionally superior, early research presents mixed results, necessitating further examination.
• Initial findings indicate that corporate social responsibility initiatives might enhance brand loyalty, though concrete evidence is scant.
• The notion that increasing minimum wage always results in reduced employment opportunities is debated, and more comprehensive data is required.
• While many believe artificial intelligence will revolutionize industries, its potential negative impacts on the job market are still under study.
• Preliminary data on intermittent fasting indicates potential health benefits, but long-term effects are yet to be confirmed.
• Early research on gut health hints at its significant role in overall well-being, though more data is required to make definitive conclusions.
• The potential relationship between a country’s cultural values and its economic growth rate is still under examination.
• While some evidence suggests that certain video games can enhance cognitive function, a comprehensive study on various genres is still needed.
• The initial connection between urban planning and crime rates is compelling, but more nuanced studies are necessary.
• Although many point to globalization as a primary driver for economic disparity, its exact role is still being studied.
• Preliminary findings suggest that flexible work hours can boost employee productivity, but the potential drawbacks need exploration.
• While there’s some indication that regular physical activity can delay cognitive decline in the elderly, more specific research is necessary.
• The theory that early music education enhances mathematical skills in children is intriguing, though not universally accepted.
• Initial insights into the microplastics problem hint at its widespread impact on marine ecosystems, but quantifiable data is sparse.
• While some early research suggests that the gig economy offers freedom for workers, further inquiry into job security and benefits is warranted.
• Preliminary studies into augmented reality’s applications in education show promise, but a deeper dive into its practicalities and long-term implications is necessary.
• The tentative assertion that bilingualism delays the onset of Alzheimer’s requires more comprehensive data for validation.
• Initial indications point to telemedicine as a potential solution for healthcare disparities in rural areas, yet its effectiveness remains under examination.
• While there’s preliminary evidence suggesting that mindfulness practices can improve academic performances, more in-depth studies are needed for a definitive stance.
• The early hypothesis that diets high in antioxidants can slow aging processes is yet to be conclusively proven.
• Some initial studies hint that corporate diversity leads to higher innovation, but the specific dynamics remain unclear.
• While there’s emerging evidence that urban farming can significantly reduce food insecurity, its scalability and feasibility need further exploration.
• Preliminary research suggests potential benefits of a four-day workweek, but its impact on overall business productivity remains under study.
• The tentative belief that childhood exposure to multiple languages enhances creativity in adulthood needs more empirical evidence.
• Although early studies show a correlation between green tea consumption and reduced cancer risk, this relationship requires deeper examination.
• The initial hypothesis that social media usage intensifies feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially among teenagers, is a topic of ongoing research.
• While preliminary data indicates potential economic benefits of universal basic income, its broader socio-economic implications remain in the realm of speculation.
• There’s a tentative assertion that the modern open office layout fosters collaboration, but its impact on individual productivity and well-being is still debated.
• Early indications that community involvement programs in schools can reduce youth crime rates are promising, but further validation is essential.
• Initial research into the benefits of pets in elderly care settings suggests improvements in emotional well-being, but more comprehensive studies are required.
• While there’s some early evidence linking forest bathing practices with improved mental health, its long-term benefits and mechanisms are still under study.
• The preliminary idea that cryptocurrency could replace traditional banking systems in the next decade is a topic of intense debate and research.
• There’s a tentative belief that immersive educational technologies can significantly improve learning outcomes for students with learning disabilities.
• Early studies on the impact of climate change on migratory patterns of birds hint at significant disruptions, necessitating further research
• The preliminary assertion that virtual reality can help treat certain phobias is intriguing, yet conclusive evidence is still pending.
• Initial findings suggest that meditation might enhance focus and productivity in workplaces, but a broader spectrum of research is needed for validation.
• Tentative studies propose that urban green spaces could significantly improve residents’ mental health, but the extent of these benefits remains uncertain.
• There’s an emerging perspective that diets rich in fermented foods may improve gut health, though comprehensive studies are still underway.
• The initial idea that digital detox weekends can enhance mental clarity and reduce anxiety is currently being explored further.
• Preliminary research pointing to the therapeutic effects of music on Alzheimer’s patients requires more extensive clinical trials.
• While there’s an initial buzz about the potential of electric cars reducing city pollution levels, the overall environmental impact, including production, needs in-depth analysis.
• The tentative theory that microdosing psychedelics enhances creativity and problem-solving abilities in individuals is under rigorous investigation.
• Early studies suggesting a correlation between screen time and sleep disturbances in teenagers necessitate more nuanced research.
• The provisional hypothesis that urban rooftop gardens can counteract the heat island effect in cities is being evaluated.
• Initial findings hint at the possibility that consuming dark chocolate in moderation can boost cognitive functions; however, the exact mechanisms are still being probed.
• The emerging idea that regular nature walks can substantially reduce symptoms of depression is undergoing more rigorous research validation.
• Tentative observations suggest that gamification in education might enhance student engagement and retention, but its long-term effects are yet to be seen.
• Preliminary reports indicating a potential link between processed meats and certain cancers demand more detailed analysis.
• The hypothesis that community-driven renewable energy projects can substantially reduce carbon footprints is under detailed scrutiny.
• Early data suggesting that intergenerational interactions can combat loneliness in the elderly are promising, but wider-scale studies are essential.
• The idea that sustainable fashion practices might reshape the fashion industry’s environmental impact in the next decade is under review.
• Initial studies on the potential of ocean wave energy as a consistent renewable energy source are optimistic, but technical challenges are still being addressed.
• There’s a tentative belief that AI-driven personalized learning can revolutionize education, but its broader implications are still under exploration.
• Early research pointing to the benefits of intermittent fasting on metabolic health requires more long-term human trials for validation
• The initial proposition that urban beekeeping could reverse the decline in bee populations is currently under review.
• Tentative studies indicate that telemedicine might significantly reduce healthcare costs for rural areas, but implementation challenges remain.
• There’s a growing inclination to believe that pet therapy can benefit patients with chronic illnesses, but definitive clinical trials are needed.
• The preliminary idea that e-learning platforms might eventually replace traditional classrooms has gained traction, though long-term outcomes remain uncertain.
• The hypothesis suggesting that incorporating art therapy in schools can enhance emotional intelligence in students is still under rigorous testing.
• Early data hinting at vertical farming’s potential to address urban food deserts is promising, yet economic feasibility is still being assessed.
• The emerging belief that community-based tourism might be more sustainable than mass tourism is undergoing further investigation.
• Initial studies proposing that listening to binaural beats can improve focus and concentration during tasks demand more in-depth research.
• The tentative theory that blue light exposure from screens might be significantly affecting circadian rhythms is under more comprehensive review.
• Preliminary findings suggest that mindfulness techniques might reduce burnout in healthcare professionals, though larger trials are needed.
• The proposition that blending online and offline shopping experiences can revolutionize retail is currently being evaluated.
• The idea that augmented reality might become the primary mode of digital interaction in the next decade is being critically assessed.
• Early studies on the potential of algae as a biofuel source show promise, but scalability remains a challenge.
• There’s a tentative stance that urban tree planting campaigns could substantially improve air quality, but metrics for quantification are being developed.
• The initial hypothesis suggesting that decentralized work models might become the norm post-pandemic is under analysis.
• Studies hint at the possibility of 3D printed food revolutionizing the culinary world, but the practical and nutritional implications remain uncertain.
• The provisional stance that probiotic supplements can improve mental well-being is undergoing more rigorous scientific validation.
• The emerging perspective that the gig economy might reshape employment norms in the coming years is being debated.
• Initial claims suggesting that digital currencies might replace traditional banking systems are under scrutiny, especially in terms of security and scalability.
• Preliminary evidence that collaborative robot technologies can improve manufacturing efficiency is encouraging, but the full spectrum of implications is still being explored
• There’s an initial belief that blockchain technology might revolutionize supply chain management, though its full implications remain to be explored.
• The tentative idea that virtual reality (VR) could become a primary mode of education has gained some attention, but its effectiveness in the long run is still uncertain.
• Early studies suggest that urban green spaces could have significant mental health benefits, yet quantifiable data is still being collected.
• The proposal that vertical forests in metropolitan areas can combat air pollution is being critically reviewed in light of practical challenges.
• Preliminary investigations indicate that autonomous vehicles might drastically reduce traffic accidents, though safety protocols and regulations are still in development.
• The notion that advances in biotechnology might lead to personalized medicine tailored to individual genetics is currently under evaluation.
• Tentative hypotheses suggest that nanotechnology could play a pivotal role in environmental cleanup, especially for oil spills, but field trials are still ongoing.
• The initial stance that chatbots and AI might replace a significant portion of customer service roles is being weighed against their current limitations.
• The provisional theory that wearable tech, like smartwatches, could aid in early disease detection is gaining traction but requires more rigorous testing.
• The emerging perspective that urban aquaponics might address food security concerns in densely populated areas is being considered.
• Preliminary data suggests that the integration of AI in journalism might transform news production, but ethical considerations are still being debated.
• The notion that renewable energy storage solutions, particularly batteries, might revolutionize the energy sector is under detailed analysis.
• Early insights hint that gamification techniques could enhance corporate training effectiveness, but scalable models are yet to be developed.
• The tentative belief that quantum computing might render current encryption methods obsolete is driving new research in cybersecurity.
• The idea that merging traditional farming with tech innovations can boost crop yields is being critically assessed for long-term sustainability.
• The proposition that holographic technology might reshape live entertainment and events is being explored, especially in the wake of pandemic-induced restrictions.
• Initial studies suggesting that exoskeletons can revolutionize physical rehabilitation for patients are promising, but more patient trials are essential.
• The concept that integrating drones into urban transport systems can alleviate traffic congestion is gaining attention, though regulatory challenges persist.
• Preliminary research posits that microplastics in oceans might have more profound ecosystem impacts than previously believed, driving more extensive studies.
• The tentative stance that merging AI with traditional art forms can birth a new artistic movement is captivating the art world, awaiting more tangible outcomes.

How to Write a Tentative Thesis Statement: A Step-by-Step Guide

• Understand Your Assignment : Before you begin, it’s vital to thoroughly understand the requirements of your assignment. Are you supposed to analyze, compare, discuss, or argue? The nature of the assignment will guide your tentative thesis.
• Choose a Topic : Decide on a topic that interests you and is relevant to your assignment. A tentative thesis is more effective when you’re genuinely curious about the subject.
• Conduct Preliminary Research : Before settling on a tentative thesis, gather some basic information about your topic to understand its complexities and primary issues.
• Ask a Question : Formulate a question about your topic. This helps in focusing your research and forms the basis of your tentative thesis. For instance, if you’re writing about renewable energy, your question might be, “How effective are solar panels in reducing carbon footprints?”
• Draft a Statement : Answer the question you posed in a clear and concise statement. Using the above example, a tentative thesis could be, “Solar panels have the potential to significantly reduce carbon footprints.”
• Stay Flexible : Remember, it’s a tentative thesis. As you conduct further research, be prepared to adjust or even change your thesis to reflect more accurate or comprehensive findings.
• Avoid Being Too Broad or Too Narrow : Your statement should be specific enough to cover in detail but broad enough to find sufficient information. For instance, “Solar panels are good” is too broad, while “Solar panels in X town on Y street” might be too narrow.
• Seek Feedback : Discuss your tentative thesis with peers, instructors, or mentors. They might offer a fresh perspective or point out aspects you haven’t considered.
• Refine and Revise : As your research progresses, continually revisit and tweak your thesis. The more you learn, the better you can make your thesis.
• Finalize : Once your research supports your tentative thesis or provides a more precise direction, solidify your thesis statement. It should now be clear, concise, and supported by the evidence you’ve gathered.

Tips for Writing a Tentative Thesis Statement

• Start Broad, Then Narrow Down : Begin with a general topic or idea and then narrow it down based on your research findings and assignment requirements.
• Stay Open-Minded : A tentative thesis is just that – tentative. Be willing to adjust, refine, or even entirely change your thesis as you delve deeper into your research.
• Keep It Clear and Concise : Even though it’s a preliminary statement, clarity is crucial. Avoid jargon and ensure that your statement can be understood by someone not familiar with the topic.
• Avoid Absolutes : Words like “always,” “never,” and “all” can be tricky in a tentative thesis. Since you’re still in the research phase, it’s wise to avoid making absolute claims.
• Make It Arguable : A good thesis statement is not a plain statement of fact. Instead, it should present a point that others might agree or disagree with.
• Ensure It’s Specific : While you don’t want to be too narrow, it’s essential that your thesis isn’t too broad either. It should provide a clear focus for your research.
• Seek Feedback Early : Sharing your tentative thesis with classmates, instructors, or mentors can provide valuable insights and may highlight areas for improvement.
• Write Multiple Versions : Don’t settle on the first thesis you draft. Write a few different versions and choose the one that best aligns with your research direction.
• Keep Revisiting : As you research, periodically come back to your thesis. Does it still align with what you’re finding? If not, adjust as necessary.
• Stay Organized : As you adapt your thesis, make sure to adjust your research notes and outline accordingly to maintain cohesion in your writing process.

More Thesis Statement

Case study thesis statement examples, how to write, tips, college essay thesis statement examples, how to write, tips.

• Education Thesis Statement Examples, How to Write, Tips

Undergraduate Thesis Statement Examples, How to Write, Tips

Thesis statement examples for persuasive essay, how to write, tips, argumentative essay thesis statement examples, how to write, tips, concise thesis statement examples, how to write, tips, research hypothesis examples, how to write, tips, research question and hypothesis examples, how to write, tips, 3 point thesis statement examples, how to write, tips, two-part (claim + reason) thesis statement examples, how to write, tips, thesis statement examples for rhetorical analysis, how to write, tips.

Related Articles

• Correlation Hypothesis Examples, How to Write, Tips

Tentative Thesis Statement

Understanding a tentative thesis.

Every student, at some point in school or in the academic journey, meets the responsibility of coming up with a well-written thesis. The same applies to every seasoned writer. Therefore, the skill and understanding of how to arrive at a properly written thesis is a necessary possession, if not a must, for any prospective or on-going student and experienced writer. An important lesson on developing a proper thesis is grasping the process of selecting a topic and the buildout of a thesis statement, and never forgetting your audience. Every other rule of grammatical writing also is applicable.

The concept thesis comes from the term hypothesis which means a hunch about a relationship that has no proof. This “intelligent guess” makes the work to be coherent and have some direction; and also predicts the connection between factors. The stating of the “intelligent guess” can be done either in null form (prediction that there exists no connection or major difference between factors) or alternative form (a hunch on anticipated result premised upon before-hand understanding about the topic suggesting a given particular outcome).

The Definition of Tentative Thesis Statement

What is a tentative thesis? It may be defined as a major idea of any writing pointing to the approach taken by the author, describes the subject matter and contextualizes the topic. A tentative thesis statement is a crucial component of a thesis. Basically, it tells the readers about the writer’s position in as far as the topic is concerned. It also highlights main ideas that will be delved into throughout the work.

In a typical tentative thesis statement example, tentative thesis statement is always put at the tail-end of introduction paragraph. There are two main parts that form the building blocks of a tentative thesis statement: the writer’s assertion based on a generalization in a single sentence is referred to as a claim. This claim is contestable since it has no factual basis. The other part is supporting information which are details attempting to reinforce the claim made. Hence, tentative thesis statement brings together a claim plus the assisting details into one sentence and usually comes towards the tail-end of the introduction.

A Highlight on How to Write a Tentative Thesis

The steps that may guide on how to write a tentative thesis are highlighted below:

Selecting Your Topic and Brainstorming

When commencing any framing of a tentative thesis, the individual writing ought to be clear on the topic or the issue to be discussed. The writer ought to reflect on whether their topic of choice is relevant, practical and can make contribution in the field the author is interested in. It is evident that settling on a topic of choice is not always easy and that some deeper thought must go into that process.

After selecting a topic, one begins have a rough idea on this topic with little knowledge they might have. The writer’s mind will not be blank as the rough idea on their topic may be founded on something they have heard, read about or practiced before. This is referred to as brainstorming.

Brainstorming in a tentative thesis topic involves the writer sorting out what he or she knows through methods such as writing freely what immediately comes to the mind. The author quickly jots down without stopping or editing what immediately come to his or her mind on the topic. This importantly helps one to be aware of what they already know, feel, and think about their topic. This activity of brainstorming does not entail evaluation of ideas, but allows the writer to pour out his or her all background information and knowledge they have on the topic. Evaluation and organization of the ideas will come later and in the course of writing.

Never forget that the essence of brainstorming is for the writer to identify a gap in their knowledge on the topic they have selected. Identification of the gap guides one to carry out research to obtain more information or knowledge. Sources of information are varied; they include books, brochures, flyers, journals, reports, conference papers, internet searches. The writer ought to evaluate the credibility of his or her sources. After obtaining the relevant information needed through the research, the writer then re-organizes his or her thoughts to evaluate whether they are clear on the topic.

It cannot be emphasized enough that when writing a tentative thesis statement, one ought to have a good grasp of the topic and the matters to be discussed in the thesis. To meet this objective, precise identification of the topic and its statement in a clear way is crucial. This also enables the readers to develop interest and easily identify with the article.

A good topic of any tentative thesis is stated as simple as possible in a plain language. When the same is done to a thesis statement from the beginning, the writer is able to comprehend the task or assignment at hand.

Developing a Tentative Thesis Statement and the Introduction Writing

Tentative thesis examples contain the writer’s proposition supported by a coherent reasoning. It highlights to the reader the major ideas and points of the article, and it comes towards the tail-end of the starter paragraph. It should also be premised on the problem statement, which is a deeper explanation of the topic of the tentative thesis. A problem statement provides a detailed explanation of what the topic is really all about and what the problem is.

A well-framed tentative thesis statement has the characteristics illustrated below;

• It ought to be clear and specific for the reader to have knowledge of what the thesis is about.
• The tentative thesis statement should be provided early at the introduction of the tentative thesis. This positioning importantly helps the audience to grasp the details of the topic and to build a sense of where the thesis is leading to.
• It ought to place focus on the writer’s ideas into a maximum of three sentences, putting forward the topic and the position of author on the topic and informing the audience about the tentative thesis.
• Finally, it ought to reflect the author’s ideas in an original and true One should avoid arguments that are generic to avoid being boring. The most memorable tentative thesis usually is that which is interesting in insight, leaving the readers with a positive impression.

In the introduction, a tentative thesis statement ought to give the individual reading a feel of the topic in an interestingly and explains summarily how thoughts will be built out in the main paragraphs, anchored by evidence. It ought to be spot-on and clear.

Beginning of a thesis provides the one reading the overview of the forthcoming main discussions in the subsequent paragraphs. It puts forward and lays bare the topic and contains a shell of the central ideas and major points. Furthermore, it describes how these ideas will be presented in the main discussion or body of the essay.

Introductions in good tentative thesis examples are made up of three elements; a hook, background information and thesis statement. A well-framed tentative thesis contains a first sentence which is interesting and draws the attention of the audience. A hook sentence presents a tentative thesis topic interestingly to make one want to satisfy the curiosity of reading the entire essay. The background information puts to context the topic. It is a build-up to the tentative thesis statement (always comes at the tail-end of the introduction).

Writing the Body of a Tentative Thesis

The most discussion in an article occurs in the main paragraphs of a tentative thesis. Sentences in this segment of the article are coherent and logical and are founded on evidence and facts. This part of the tentative thesis is usually categorized in a manner that is reflective of the topic, sentences that support it and summarizing sentences.

How are these three parts important? The topic sentence gives the major thoughts and principal notion of the paragraph. Assisting sentence discusses and develops the topic sentence. Moreover, it entails particular evidence from sources supporting the tentative thesis. Summarizing sentences becomes the ultimate idea hence helping in the switch to a new paragraph.

Tentative Thesis Conclusion

Finally, the conclusion is the last section of a tentative thesis. Most tentative thesis conclusions are closely structured in a similar fashion as the paragraph of the introduction. It contains a summary of the key ideas and major points of the article. Conclusion of a tentative thesis provides a review of discussions from the main paragraphs in a brief way, leaving the reader with the final thoughts of the article.

The parts comprising the conclusion of a tentative thesis are; thesis restatement, summary of the central points and concluding thought. Tentative thesis restatement comes at the beginning of the concluding paragraph; however, in a way not similar to the introduction. Summary of the central ideas from each of the body paragraphs necessarily reminds the audience; and the final thought entails the writer’s final thought, opinion, recommendation or prediction on the topic. The mark of an interesting tentative thesis is in whether it leaves the reader with a strong impression.

Tips on Writing a Good Tentative Thesis

We have gone through the steps to writing a tentative thesis essay. The tips discussed below will guide the writer to ensure a correctly written thesis.

• One must select a topic which is not only writable but which can be researched on. Not every topic can be discussed or explained in a tentative thesis. This ought to be done at the beginning.
• The introduction importantly should keep the reader hooked. This requires the writer to ensure that each part of the essay is coherently and concisely written. The main paragraphs contain details supported by evidence and factual statements. The conclusion gives the audience a summary of the whole tentative thesis essay. Well-written tentative thesis is written in a formal language and in third person for the article to remain objective.
• It is important to proofreading and to edit the article. It is only through this way that the writer will be able to notice mistakes made during the drafting stage. The proofreading and editing of the work is to improve its style and clarity. Further, it also prepares the article for publishing or presentation to the audience. A peer, a friend, or a colleague might be helpful at this point to provide a different perspective and eye of scrutiny.

As a concluding remark, we may say that when going about the process on how to write a tentative thesis, certain requirements are in order for the article to correctly maintain its purpose. Answering what is a tentative thesis as observed above needs proper structuring.

From the discussion, we have gone through the guides to writing a proper tentative thesis. In the guides we have also seen ways to frame a proper tentative thesis statement. A thesis statement informs one about the writer’s position about the thesis topic. A proper tentative thesis statement example illustrates the key ideas or central points which will be considered carefully in the essay. Mostly, it is put towards the tail-end of the introduction.

When writing a tentative thesis statement one ought to remember the two main parts it comprises; a claim and the supporting information. The former is the writer’s assertion based on general information in a sentence. It is not based on fact. The latter is the information which reinforces the claim made. Essentially, a thesis is a connection between writer’s claim and details which support it into one sentence. More so, it is positioned at the tail end of the introductory paragraph.

Tentative Thesis Statements Examples

Example 1: America and China trade wars

“Recent trade war between America and China has led immensely to low sales of Apple products in 2019. Gradually Huawei smartphone has become popular in China, a close to 2 billion people market, leaving iPhone and other Apple products doing catch-up in that part of Asia.”

Example 2: The middle tensions: America, Iran and possibility of Third world war

“The continued defiance of Iran to threats and sanctions from United States and powerful European countries is dangerous to world peace and stability. This defiance will likely cause another world war”.

LIFETIME 10% DISCOUNT

Your code: Mr15K26yuo

Online Plagiarism Checker for Academic Assignments

Start Plagiarism Check

Editing & Proofreading for your Academic Assignments

Get it proofread now

Free Express Delivery to All Places in Canada

Configure binding now

• Academic essay overview
• The writing process
• Structuring academic essays
• Types of academic essays
• Academic writing overview
• Sentence structure
• Academic writing process
• Improving your academic writing
• Titles and headings
• APA style overview
• APA citation & referencing
• APA structure & sections
• Citation & referencing
• Structure and sections
• APA examples overview
• Commonly used citations
• Other examples
• British English vs. American English
• Chicago style overview
• Chicago citation & referencing
• Chicago structure & sections
• Chicago style examples
• Citing sources overview
• Citation format
• Citation examples
• College essay overview
• Application
• How to write a college essay
• Types of college essays
• Commonly confused words
• Definitions
• Dissertation overview
• Dissertation structure & sections
• Dissertation writing process
• Graduate school overview
• Application & admission
• Study abroad
• Harvard referencing overview
• Language rules overview
• Grammatical rules & structures
• Parts of speech
• Punctuation
• Methodology overview
• Analyzing data
• Experiments
• Observations
• Inductive vs. Deductive
• Qualitative vs. Quantitative
• Types of validity
• Types of reliability
• Sampling methods
• Theories & Concepts
• Types of research studies
• Types of variables
• MLA style overview
• MLA examples
• MLA citation & referencing
• MLA structure & sections
• Plagiarism overview
• Plagiarism checker
• Types of plagiarism
• Printing production overview
• Research bias overview
• Types of research bias
• Research paper structure & sections
• Types of research papers
• Research process overview
• Problem statement
• Research proposal
• Research topic
• Statistics overview
• Levels of measurment
• Measures of central tendency
• Measures of variability
• Hypothesis testing
• Parameters & test statistics
• Types of distributions
• Correlation
• Effect size
• Hypothesis testing assumptions
• Types of ANOVAs
• Types of chi-square
• Statistical data
• Statistical models
• Spelling mistakes
• Tips overview
• Academic writing tips
• Dissertation tips
• Sources tips
• Working with sources overview
• Evaluating sources
• Finding sources
• Including sources
• Types of sources

Your Step to Success

Printing & Binding for Students in Canada

How To Write A Thesis Statement – Examples & Definition

How do you like this article cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• 1 Definition Thesis Statement
• 3 Step-by-Step
• 5 Placement of the Thesis Statement
• 6 In Summary

Definition Thesis Statement

A thesis statement captures the main idea of a paper in one or two sentences . Your thesis statement points the reader to your interpretation of the subject under discussion and is important to the research question .

For example, if the topic is Mark Twain’s novel Huckleberry Finn , the thesis statement offers a way to understand and interpret this novel by focusing on specific aspects. Moreover, a thesis statement tells the reader what your paper is about and how you will build up your argument.

What is a thesis statement and why is it important?

The thesis statement outlines the thesis topic in 1-2 sentences. The reader should know immediately after reading the thesis statement what the paper is about and the stance that the author holds regarding this topic. The thesis statement leads to the body paragraphs and it sets up the reader for the rest of the paper.

Are there thesis statement examples?

Yes! You can find many thesis statement examples online. These examples will show you how a thesis statement is typically structured and the link that it holds with the thesis topic and research question. Thesis statement examples should inspire you only- it’s important to come up with your own thesis topic and thesis statement.

Where does the thesis statement go in a paper?

The thesis statement should be placed towards the end of the introduction for optimal thesis formatting . The beginning of the introduction supplies the reader with the background information they’ll need to understand your thesis statement. Whereas the sentences following the thesis statement lead into the body of your paper.

How do you write a strong thesis statement?

A strong thesis statement should be clear, consise and very specific. It will set the tone for the paper and your position regarding the topic needs to be clear to the reader. Always start with a research question before turning it into a declaration that is supported by evidence that you found during the research phase. Having some trouble with the wording of your thesis? Check out some useful transition words to get the inspiration flowing.

What are the steps in writing a thesis statement?

First, you need to have decided on your thesis topic. Then, you need to create a research question . The research question will be the basis of your thesis statement. To transform your research question into a thesis statement, you first turn the research question into a declaration that is supported by evidence you found whilst researching. Once you’ve done this, you have your working thesis statement!

Also useful: Research Question

Step-by-Step

Brainstorming and collecting information online or in scientific literature can serve as a good first step to writing a thesis statement. This will help you come up with a working thesis and ideas on how to structure a good argument. You cannot jump to formulating the thesis statement right after reading the essay assignment.

Thinking about specific aspects of the topic that you can use to build up your argument might take a while, but it is worth spending some time to come up with a well-written thesis statement.

How to write a thesis statement step by step:

Here are some examples of thesis statements (cf. JBirdwellBranson, https://www.servicescape.com/blog/25-thesis-statement-examples-that-will-make-writing-a-breeze, Last accessed 28 th  Mar 2019) to give you a better idea of how to formulate your own thesis statement.

Please note that the following sample thesis statements are intended as examples only, as they have not been fully researched. It is important that you come up with your own thesis statement based on your own research question . Only by giving your own thesis statement enough thought will you be able to argue convincingly.

Examples of good and bad thesis statements

A good thesis statement is specific , clear , original , and includes a comment on how you are positioning yourself with respect to the issue at hand. You must consistently avoid vague wording. Moreover, you should avoid stating the obvious, like “The point I want to make in my paper…”.

The following checklist will help you meet the afore-mentioned requirements for writing a good thesis statement.

Placement of the Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is an integral part of the first paragraph/the introduction of your essay, as it sets the scene of what is to come. After a brief introduction, the thesis statement reflects your point of view and summarizes the argument. Formulating the statement clearly and putting some thought into it ensures that your essay has a clear structure and focus – a common thread.

In course assignments, you are asked to convince the reader with your argument. This is just another form of persuasion (just as you might have to persuade your parents to let you use their car, or ask a friend to lend you money). Consequently, your thesis statement should give good reasons for readers to approve your line of argument.

Recommended: Harvard Referencing

• A thesis statement summarizes the main argument of an essay in one or two sentences.
• A thesis statement is part of the introductio n/the first paragraph of an essay.
• In order to come up with a thesis statement, you have to brainstorm and research your topic first to find valid arguments to support the claim you want to make in your essay. The thesis statement can be revised during the writing process.
• A thesis statement must be clear, specific, original, and should reflect your stance about the topic at hand. Generic words or formulas must be avoided.

Ashford University: “Thesis Generator”, in: Ashford University, https://awc.ashford.edu/writing-tools-thesis-generator.html , Last accessed 27th Mar 2019.

Center for Writing Studies: “Writing Tips: Thesis Statements”, in: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, http://www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/ , Last accessed 27th Mar 2019.

JBirdwellBranson: “25 Thesis Statement Examples That Will Make Writing a Breeze”, in: ServiceScape, https://www.servicescape.com/blog/25-thesis-statement-examples-that-will-make-writing-a-breeze , Last accessed 28th Mar 2019.

Purdue Online Writing Lab: “Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements”, in: Purdue University, https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/the_writing_process/thesis_statement_tips.html , Last accessed 27th Mar 2019.

The Writing Center: “Thesis Statement”, in: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/thesis-statements/ , Last accessed 27th Mar 2019.

We use cookies on our website. Some of them are essential, while others help us to improve this website and your experience.

• Statistiken
• Externe Medien

Individual Privacy Preferences

Cookie Details Privacy Policy Imprint

Here you will find an overview of all cookies used. You can give your consent to whole categories or display further information and select certain cookies.

Accept all Save

Essenzielle Cookies ermöglichen grundlegende Funktionen und sind für die einwandfreie Funktion der Website erforderlich.

Show Cookie Information Hide Cookie Information

Statistik Cookies erfassen Informationen anonym. Diese Informationen helfen uns zu verstehen, wie unsere Besucher unsere Website nutzen.

Marketing-Cookies werden von Drittanbietern oder Publishern verwendet, um personalisierte Werbung anzuzeigen. Sie tun dies, indem sie Besucher über Websites hinweg verfolgen.

Inhalte von Videoplattformen und Social-Media-Plattformen werden standardmäßig blockiert. Wenn Cookies von externen Medien akzeptiert werden, bedarf der Zugriff auf diese Inhalte keiner manuellen Einwilligung mehr.

Privacy Policy Imprint

What Makes a Thesis Statement Spectacular? — 5 things to know

Table of Contents

What Is a Thesis Statement?

A thesis statement is a declarative sentence that states the primary idea of an essay or a research paper . In this statement, the authors declare their beliefs or what they intend to argue in their research study. The statement is clear and concise, with only one or two sentences.

Thesis Statement — An Essential in Thesis Writing

A thesis statement distills the research paper idea into one or two sentences. This summary organizes your paper and develops the research argument or opinion. The statement is important because it lets the reader know what the research paper will talk about and how the author is approaching the issue. Moreover, the statement also serves as a map for the paper and helps the authors to track and organize their thoughts more efficiently.

A thesis statement can keep the writer from getting lost in a convoluted and directionless argument. Finally, it will also ensure that the research paper remains relevant and focused on the objective.

Where to Include the Thesis Statement?

The thesis statement is typically placed at the end of the introduction section of your essay or research paper. It usually consists of a single sentence of the writer’s opinion on the topic and provides a specific guide to the readers throughout the paper.

6 Steps to Write an Impactful Thesis Statement

Step 1 – analyze the literature.

Identify the knowledge gaps in the relevant research paper. Analyze the deeper implications of the author’s research argument. Was the research objective mentioned in the thesis statement reversed later in the discussion or conclusion? Does the author contradict themselves? Is there a major knowledge gap in creating a relevant research objective? Has the author understood and validated the fundamental theories correctly? Does the author support an argument without having supporting literature to cite? Answering these or related questions will help authors develop a working thesis and give their thesis an easy direction and structure.

Step 2 – Start with a Question

While developing a working thesis, early in the writing process, you might already have a research question to address. Strong research questions guide the design of studies and define and identify specific objectives. These objectives will assist the author in framing the thesis statement.

Step 3 – Develop the Answer

After initial research, the author could formulate a tentative answer to the research question. At this stage, the answer could be simple enough to guide the research and the writing process. After writing the initial answer, the author could elaborate further on why this is the chosen answer. After reading more about the research topic, the author could write and refine the answers to address the research question.

Step 4 – Write the First Draft of the Thesis Statement

After ideating the working thesis statement, make sure to write it down. It is disheartening to create a great idea for a thesis and then forget it when you lose concentration. The first draft will help you think clearly and logically. It will provide you with an option to align your thesis statement with the defined research objectives.

Step 5 – Anticipate Counter Arguments Against the Statement

After developing a working thesis, you should think about what might be said against it. This list of arguments will help you refute the thesis later. Remember that every argument has a counterargument, and if yours does not have one, what you state is not an argument — it may be a fact or opinion, but not an argument.

Step 6 – Refine the Statement

Anticipating counterarguments will help you refine your statement further. A strong thesis statement should address —

• Why does your research hold this stand?
• What will readers learn from the essay?
• Are the key points of your argumentative or narrative?
• Does the final thesis statement summarize your overall argument or the entire topic you aim to explain in the research paper?

5 Tips to Create a Compelling Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is a crucial part of any academic paper. Clearly stating the main idea of your research helps you focus on the objectives of your paper. Refer to the following tips while drafting your statement:

1. Keep it Concise

The statement should be short and precise. It should contain no more than a couple of sentences.

2. Make it Specific

The statement should be focused on a specific topic or argument. Covering too many topics will only make your paper weaker.

3. Express an Opinion

The statement should have an opinion on an issue or controversy. This will make your paper arguable and interesting to read.

4. Be Assertive

The statement should be stated assertively and not hesitantly or apologetically. Remember, you are making an argument — you need to sound convincing!

5. Support with Evidence

The thesis should be supported with evidence from your paper. Make sure you include specific examples from your research to reinforce your objectives.

Thesis Statement Examples *

Example 1 – alcohol consumption.

High levels of alcohol consumption have harmful effects on your health, such as weight gain, heart disease, and liver complications.

This thesis statement states specific reasons why alcohol consumption is detrimental. It is not required to mention every single detriment in your thesis.

Example 2 – Benefits of the Internet

The internet serves as a means of expediently connecting people across the globe, fostering new friendships and an exchange of ideas that would not have occurred before its inception.

While the internet offers a host of benefits, this thesis statement is about choosing the ability that fosters new friendships and exchange ideas. Also, the research needs to prove how connecting people across the globe could not have happened before the internet’s inception — which is a focused research statement.

*The following thesis statements are not fully researched and are merely examples shown to understand how to write a thesis statement. Also, you should avoid using these statements for your own research paper purposes.

A gripping thesis statement is developed by understanding it from the reader’s point of view. Be aware of not developing topics that only interest you and have less reader attraction. A harsh yet necessary question to ask oneself is — Why should readers read my paper? Is this paper worth reading? Would I read this paper if I weren’t its author?

A thesis statement hypes your research paper. It makes the readers excited about what specific information is coming their way. This helps them learn new facts and possibly embrace new opinions.

Writing a thesis statement (although two sentences) could be a daunting task. Hope this blog helps you write a compelling one! Do consider using the steps to create your thesis statement and tell us about it in the comment section below.

Great in impactation of knowledge

Rate this article Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Enago Academy's Most Popular

• Career Corner

Unlocking the Power of Networking in Academic Conferences

Embarking on your first academic conference experience? Fear not, we got you covered! Academic conferences…

• Reporting Research

Research Recommendations – Guiding policy-makers for evidence-based decision making

Research recommendations play a crucial role in guiding scholars and researchers toward fruitful avenues of…

• Promoting Research

Concept Papers in Research: Deciphering the blueprint of brilliance

Concept papers hold significant importance as a precursor to a full-fledged research proposal in academia…

Demystifying the Role of Confounding variables in Research

In the realm of scientific research, the pursuit of knowledge often involves complex investigations, meticulous…

8 Effective Strategies to Write Argumentative Essays

In a bustling university town, there lived a student named Alex. Popular for creativity and…

Language as a Bridge, Not a Barrier: ESL researchers’ path to successful…

Sign-up to read more

Subscribe for free to get unrestricted access to all our resources on research writing and academic publishing including:

• 2000+ blog articles
• 50+ Webinars
• 10+ Expert podcasts
• 50+ Infographics
• 10+ Checklists
• Research Guides

We hate spam too. We promise to protect your privacy and never spam you.

I am looking for Editing/ Proofreading services for my manuscript Tentative date of next journal submission:

According to you, how can one ensure ethical compliance in research and academia?

What is a Thesis Statement and How to Write It (with Examples) 

A thesis statement is basically a sentence or two that summarizes the central theme of your research. In research papers and essays, it is typically placed at the end of the introduction section, which provides broad knowledge about the investigation/study. To put it simply, the thesis statement can be thought of as the main message of any film, which is communicated through the plot and characters. Similar to how a director has a vision, the author(s) in this case has an opinion on the subject that they wish to portray in their research report.  

In this article, we will provide a thorough overview on thesis statements, addressing the most frequently asked questions, including how authors arrive at and create a thesis statement that effectively summarizes your research. To make it simpler, we’ve broken this information up into subheadings that focus on different aspects of writing the thesis statement.

Table of Contents

• What is a thesis statement? 
• What should a thesis statement include (with examples)? 
• How to write a thesis statement in four steps? 
• How to generate a thesis statement? 
• Types of thesis statements? 
• Key takeaways 
• Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement, in essence, is a sentence that summarizes the main concept the author(s) wishes to investigate in their research. A thesis statement is often a “question/hypothesis” the author(s) wants to address, using a certain methodology or approach to provide sufficient evidence to support their claims and findings. However, it isn’t necessarily the topic sentence (first sentence) in a research paper introduction, which could be a general statement.  

Returning to our movie analogy, a thesis statement is comparable to the particular viewpoint a director wants to convey to his audience. A thesis statement tells the reader the fundamental idea of the study and the possible course it will take to support that idea. A well-structured thesis statement enables the reader to understand the study and the intended approach, so both its placement and clarity matter here. An appropriately placed thesis statement, usually at the end of an introductory paragraph, ensures the reader will not lose interest. A thesis statement plays another crucial role, it summarizes the main idea behind the study so that readers will understand the question the author is trying to answer. It gives the reader some background information and a sense of the topic’s wider context while also hinting at the work or experimental approach that will come next. To summarize, thesis statements are generally that one key phrase you skim over to rapidly understand the thesis of a study.  

What should a thesis statement include (with examples)?

Now that we have understood the concept, the next step is learning how to write a good thesis statement. A strong thesis statement should let the reader understand how well-versed you are, as an author, in the subject matter of the study and your position on the topic at hand. The elements listed below should be considered while crafting a statement for your thesis or paper to increase its credibility and impact.  

• The author should take a position that a sizable portion of the readership may disagree with. The subject should not be a well-known, well-defined issue with just unanimity of view. This form of thesis statement is typically viewed as weak because it implies that there is nothing substantial to investigate and demonstrate. To pique readers’ interest, the thesis statement should be debatable in some way, and the findings should advance the body of knowledge. 
• A review of pertinent literature on the subject is a must in order for the author to establish an informed opinion about the questions they wish to pose and the stance they would want to take during their study, this is the basis to develop a strong thesis statement. The authors of the study should be able to support their statements with relevant research, strengthening their stance by citing literature.  
• The thesis statement should highlight just one main idea, with each claim made by the authors in the paper demonstrating the accuracy of the statement. Avoid multiple themes running throughout the article as this could confuse readers and undermine the author’s perspective on the subject. It can also be a sign of the authors’ ambiguity. 
• The main objective of a thesis statement is to briefly describe the study’s conclusion while posing a specific inquiry that clarifies the author’s stance or perspective on the subject. Therefore, it is crucial to clearly establish your viewpoint in the statement. 

Based on the considerations above, you may wonder how to write a thesis statement for different types of academic essays. Expository and argumentative essays, the most common types of essays, both call for a statement that takes a stand on the issue and uses powerful language. These kinds of thesis statements need to be precise and contain enough background material to give a comprehensive picture of the subject. However, in persuasive essays, which typically integrate an emotive perspective and personal experiences, the opinions are presented as facts that need supporting evidence. The sole difference between argumentative and expository essays and persuasive essays is that the former require the use of strong viewpoints, while the latter does not. Last but not least, the thesis statement for a compare-and-contrast essay addresses two themes rather than just one. Authors can choose to concentrate more on examining similarities or differences depending on the nature of the study; the only caveat is that both topics must receive equal attention to prevent biases. 

How to write a thesis statement in four steps?

Coming up with a research question might be challenging in situations when the research topic is not decided or it’s a new field of study. You may want to delve deeper into a widely researched subject, continue with your current research, or pursue a topic you are passionate about. If you don’t have a thesis statement yet, here are four easy stages to get you started. 

• Start with a working thesis statement : Writing the statement is not so straightforward; you won’t magically write the final thesis statement at once. It is preferable to choose an initial working thesis after reviewing relevant literature on the topic. Once you have chosen a subject that interests you, attempt to think of a specific query that has not been raised or that would be fascinating to contribute to the body of literature. For example, if you are writing an article or paper about ChatGPT, you could want to look into how ChatGPT affects learning among students. You can even get more specific, like, “How does ChatGPT harm learning and education?” 
• Outline your answer (your positioning on the subject): Based on your review of past research, you would form an opinion about the subject—in this example, the effect of ChatGPT on students’ learning—and then you write down your tentative answer to this question. If your initial response is that ChatGPT use has a detrimental impact on education and learning, this would serve as the foundation for your research. Your study would include research and findings to support this assertion and persuade the reader to accept your hypothesis. 
• Provide evidence to support your claim : The goal of your study should be to back your hypothesis with enough evidence, relevant facts and literature, to support your claim and explain why you selected that particular response (in this case, why you believe that ChatGPT has a negative impact on learning and education). The focus should be on discussing both the benefits and drawbacks of using ChatGPT and demonstrating why the disadvantages outweigh the benefits. An argumentative thesis statement example on the same topic would be that, despite ChatGPT’s enormous potential as a virtual learning tool for students, it has a detrimental effect on their creativity and critical thinking skills and encourages problematic behaviors like cheating and plagiarism.  
• Polish your thesis statement: After outlining your initial statement, improve it by keeping these three elements in mind.  
• Does it make it clear what position you hold on the subject? 
• Does it effectively connect the various facets of the study topic together?  
• Does it summarize the key points of your narrative?  

The thesis statement will also gain from your comments on the approach you will employ to validate your claim. For example, the aforementioned thesis statement may be clarified as “Although ChatGPT has enormous potential to serve as a virtual tutor for students and assistant to instructors, its disadvantages, such as plagiarism and the creation of false information, currently outweigh the advantages.” This particular illustration offers a thoughtful discussion of the subject, enabling the author to make their case more persuasively. 

How to generate a thesis statement?

No matter how complicated, any thesis or paper may be explained in one or two sentences. Just identify the question your research aims to answer, then write a statement based on your anticipated response. An effective thesis statement will have the following characteristics: 

• It should have a take on the subject (which is contentious/adds to existing knowledge) 
• It should express a main topic (other themes should only be included if they connect to the main theme) 
• It should declare your conclusion about the issue 
• It should be based on an objective, broad outlook on the subject. 

To understand how to write a thesis statement from scratch, let’s use an example where you may want to learn about how mental and physical health are related.  

Since the subject is still broad, you should first conduct a brainstorming session to acquire further thoughts. After reading literature, you determine that you are curious to learn how yoga enhances mental health. To develop a compelling thesis statement, you must further narrow this topic by posing precise questions that you can answer through your research. You can ask, “How does yoga affect mental health. What is the possible mean”? This topic makes it plain to the reader what the study is about but it is necessary for you to adopt a position on the issue. Upon further deliberation, the premise can be rephrased as “Yoga, a low impact form of exercise, positively impacts people’s mental health by lowering stress hormones and elevating healthy brain chemicals.” This clearly states your position on the topic. Finally, you may further develop this into a clear, precise thesis statement that asks, “Does practicing yoga induce feel-good hormones and lower the stress hormone, cortisol, that positively affects people’s mental health?” to turn it into a study.  

Types of thesis statements?

The three primary categories of thesis statements are analytical, expository, and argumentative. You choose one over the other depending on the subject matter of your research or essay. In argumentative thesis statements, the author takes a clear stand and strives to persuade the reader of their claims, for example, “Animal agriculture is the biggest driver of climate change.” It is specific, concise, and also contentious. On the other hand, the purpose of an expository thesis statement is to interpret, assess, and discuss various facets of a subject. Here you shortlist the key points of your interpretation, and state the conclusion based on the interpretation you drew from the study. An analytical thesis statement aims to discuss, glean information on the subject, and explain the facts of the topic. Here, the goal is to critically analyze and summarize the points you will cover in the study.  

Key takeaways

• A good thesis statement summarizes the central idea of your thesis or research paper.  
• It serves as a compass to show the reader what the research will contend and why.  
• Before creating a thesis statement, keep in mind that the statement should be specific, coherent, and controversial. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

A thesis statement can be defined as a sentence that describes the main idea of the research or thesis to inform the reader of the argument the research will pursue and the reason the author adopts a specific stance on the subject. Essentially, it expresses the author’s judgment or opinion based on a review of the literature or personal research experience. 

Any academic essay or research piece must have a thesis statement since it directs the research and attracts the reader’s attention to the main idea of the subject under discussion. In addition to confining the author to a specific subject, so they don’t veer off topic, it also enables the reader to understand the topic at hand and what to expect.

To create an impactful thesis statement, simply follow these four easy steps. Start by creating a working statement by posing the question that your research or thesis will attempt to answer. Then, outline your initial response and choose your position on the matter. Next, try to substantiate your claim with facts or other relevant information. Finally, hone your final thesis statement by crafting a cogent narrative using knowledge gained in the previous step. 

Ideally the thesis statement should be placed at the end of an introduction of the paper or essay. Keep in mind that it is different from the topic sentence, which is more general.  

We hope this in-depth guide has allayed your concerns and empowered you to start working craft a strong statement for your essay or paper. Good luck with drafting your next thesis statement! 

Paperpal is an AI writing assistant that help academics write better, faster with real-time suggestions for in-depth language and grammar correction. Trained on millions of research manuscripts enhanced by professional academic editors, Paperpal delivers human precision at machine speed.   

Try it for free or upgrade to Paperpal Prime , which unlocks unlimited access to premium features like academic translation, paraphrasing, contextual synonyms, consistency checks, submission readiness and more. It’s like always having a professional academic editor by your side! Go beyond limitations and experience the future of academic writing. Get Paperpal Prime now at just US$19 a month !    

Related Reads:

• Scientific writing style guides explained
• How to Write a Research Paper Introduction (with Examples)

5 Reasons for Rejection After Peer Review

Ethical research practices for research with human subjects, academic paraphrasing: why paperpal’s rewrite should be your first choice , how to write a good humanities research paper, you may also like, what next after manuscript rejection 5 options for..., how to revise and resubmit rejected manuscripts: a..., paraphrasing in academic writing: answering top author queries, chemistry terms: 7 commonly confused words in chemistry..., 7 ways to improve your academic writing process, how to write a conclusion for research papers..., paperpal copilot is live: experience the generative ai..., life sciences papers: 9 tips for authors writing....

How to Write a Thesis Statement: A Quick Guide to Effective Writing

One intriguing aspect of a thesis statement is its ability to serve as the compass for an entire piece of writing. Despite its concise nature, a well-crafted thesis statement encapsulates the essence of the entire work, providing a roadmap for both the writer and the reader.

In this article, we will give a definition of a main argument, share expert thesis statement tips, and provide concise examples. Remember that at any point, you can ask us, ‘ Write my thesis ,’ and we will have all your writing troubles covered. 

What Is a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement definition is a concise declaration that encapsulates the central point or argument of an academic paper or essay. Positioned typically towards the end of the introductory paragraph, it serves as a roadmap for the reader, offering a preview of the key points and the overall direction of the paper. 

A well-crafted statement succinctly conveys the writer's stance on a particular topic and sets the tone for the entire piece of writing. It acts as a focal point around which the supporting arguments and evidence revolve, providing clarity and direction to both the writer and the reader.

A strong thesis statement goes beyond merely summarizing the main idea; it presents a clear, specific, and arguable claim. It has to be a concise, declarative sentence or two that articulates the main point, claim, or central idea of an academic paper or essay.

Characteristic Features:

• Clearly presents the main idea of the paper.
• Targets a particular aspect or angle of the topic.
• Makes a definitive statement rather than posing a question.
• Briefly summarizes the essence of the argument.
• Guides the reader on what to expect in the paper.
• Presents a stance or position on the topic.
• Offers a roadmap by hinting at the supporting arguments.
• Maintains an academic and objective tone.
• Typically found near the end of the introductory paragraph.
• May evolve as the writer delves deeper into research and analysis.
• Is integral for a strong and effective academic paper.

Many students find writing a strong central argument difficult. So, if you’re wondering, ‘Where to pay someone to write my paper ?’, we suggest using your expert help right now.

Thesis Statement Essential Tips 

Positioned at the beginning of a paper, within the opening paragraph, the thesis statement stands as a vital means to initiate an essay. While not necessarily the inaugural sentence, it is customary to captivate the reader with an engaging hook at the outset, deferring the introduction of the central idea or argument to a later point in the first paragraph. 

Frequently misconstrued with a topic sentence, the first sentence in a paragraph, a thesis shares the role of introducing the central idea that unfolds in the subsequent discourse. In essence, envision thesis statements as the overarching topic sentence that encapsulates the essence of your entire paper. Here are ten key features of brainstorming a great thesis: 

1. Clarity is Key: Ensure that your thesis statement is clear and concise, presenting your main point in a straightforward manner.

2. Specificity Matters: Be specific in your thesis, addressing a particular aspect of the topic to provide a focused and targeted argument.

3. Make a Definitive Statement: Formulate your thesis as a declarative statement rather than a question to assert a clear position.

4. Be Concise: Keep your thesis statement brief, capturing the essence of your argument without unnecessary elaboration.

5. Provide a Roadmap: Offer a glimpse of the main points or arguments that will be explored in your paper, giving the reader a preview of what to expect.

6. Take a Stance: Clearly express your stance on the topic, making it evident whether you are supporting, refuting, or analyzing a particular idea.

7. Maintain an Objective Tone: Keep your language formal and objective, avoiding emotional or biased expressions in your thesis statement.

8. Position in the Introduction: According to essay format rules, you must place your thesis statement near the end of the introductory paragraph to provide context for the upcoming discussion.

9. Allow for Evolution: Understand that your thesis may evolve as you delve deeper into research and analysis, adapting to newfound insights.

10. Revise and Refine: Regularly review and refine your thesis statement as you progress with your writing, ensuring its alignment with the evolving content of your paper.

How to Write a Thesis Statement Step by Step

As we’ve already covered the basic thesis statement tips in the previous section, let’s guide you further to a step-by-step guide to writing a thesis. Also, if you’re interested in ‘how to write my personal statement ,’ we’ve got another helpful guide for you. Check it out!

Step 1: Topic Brainstorm

Brainstorming a great essay topic is a critical step in the writing process as it lays the foundation for a compelling and engaging piece of writing. Firstly, a well-chosen topic captures the writer's interest and enthusiasm, fostering a genuine investment in the exploration and analysis of the subject matter. This intrinsic motivation often translates into a more passionate and coherent narrative, enhancing the overall quality of the essay. 

Secondly, a carefully brainstormed essay topic ensures relevance and resonance with the intended audience. A topic that aligns with the readers' interests or addresses pertinent issues not only sustains their attention but also contributes to the essay's impact and effectiveness in conveying a meaningful message or argument. Here are some tips related to topic brainstorming in connection with writing a strong thesis statement:

• Begin by choosing a broad topic that aligns with the assignment or your area of interest.
• Gather basic information about your chosen topic through preliminary research.
• During your research, identify key themes, concepts, or arguments related to your topic. 
• Formulate questions related to your topic. What aspects intrigue you? What do you want to explore or analyze further?
• Engage in free writing or mind mapping to generate ideas.
• Review your generated ideas and prioritize the ones that resonate most with your interests and the assignment requirements.
• Based on your prioritized ideas, formulate a working thesis statement.
• Based on feedback and further refinement, finalize your thesis statement.

Using this analytical essay example , you can discover how a thesis is used in an academic paper.

Step 2: Start with a Question

As you’ll see in the thesis statement examples below, using a question involves posing a thought-provoking inquiry that your essay seeks to answer or address. The answer to the question becomes the central argument or perspective presented in your thesis. 

Select a question that stimulates curiosity and aligns with the focus of your essay. Reflect on possible answers or responses to your question. These potential answers will guide the development of your thesis statement. Develop a tentative thesis statement that responds to the question. Refine your thesis to make it more specific and tailored to the main points you plan to explore in your essay. 

Strong Thesis Statement Examples:

Original Question 1: How does technology impact educational outcomes?

Tentative Thesis 1: "The integration of technology in education presents both opportunities and challenges, influencing student learning outcomes through enhanced accessibility to information and the need for critical digital literacy skills."

Original Question 2: What role does cultural diversity play in shaping societal norms?

Tentative Thesis 2: "Cultural diversity serves as a dynamic force in shaping societal norms, fostering a rich tapestry of perspectives that both challenge and enrich the collective values of a community."

By using questions to frame thesis statements, you set up an inquiry-driven approach, prompting a nuanced exploration of your chosen topic.

Step 3: Write Down the Initial Answer

Let's take the examples provided above and outline how to write an answer to each question, developing a strong thesis statement in the process.

Question 1: How does technology impact educational outcomes?

Answer/Thesis Statement 1: "The integration of technology in education significantly shapes educational outcomes by providing students with increased access to information. However, this positive impact is accompanied by challenges, necessitating the cultivation of critical digital literacy skills to navigate the complexities of the digital learning environment."

Question 2: What role does cultural diversity play in shaping societal norms?

Answer/Thesis Statement 2: "Cultural diversity plays a pivotal role in shaping societal norms, acting as a dynamic force that introduces varied perspectives and challenges existing norms. This enriching influence fosters a collective environment where cultural differences contribute to a more nuanced understanding of societal values and behaviors."

In crafting these answers, the thesis statements respond directly to the questions posed. They articulate a clear position on the respective topics and provide a roadmap for the subsequent discussion in the essay. Each thesis statement also hints at the complexities within the chosen subjects, setting the stage for a nuanced exploration in the body of the essay.

Step 4: Revise Your Answer in the Process 

Reviewing a thesis statement during the writing process is vital to ensure that it accurately reflects the evolving content of the essay and maintains clarity and focus. Here are specific examples illustrating the importance of reviewing the thesis as the writing progresses:

Alignment with Content:

• Example: As the essay delves into the challenges posed by technology in education, the initial thesis might not fully encompass these complexities. Through ongoing review, the writer realizes the need to adjust the thesis to align with the content, ensuring a cohesive narrative that includes both positive and challenging aspects.

Focus and Relevance:

• Example: Initially, the thesis might state, "Cultural diversity impacts societal norms." During the writing process, the essay explores how cultural diversity challenges existing norms. A review prompts a more focused and relevant thesis: "Cultural diversity plays a pivotal role in shaping societal norms, acting as a dynamic force that introduces varied perspectives and challenges existing norms."

Reader Engagement:

• Example: The initial thesis might lack an engaging element. A review during the writing process allows for the incorporation of a captivating hook: "In a world shaped by technology, the integration of digital tools in education transforms the learning landscape, presenting both opportunities and challenges that demand critical digital literacy skills."

Adaptation to Feedback:

• Example: If peer feedback suggests a need for more specificity in the thesis about how technology impacts education, a review during the writing process allows for incorporation of this feedback. The writer might adjust the thesis to better address specific aspects like online collaboration or information overload.

Writers of our custom essay service suggest that by regularly reviewing the thesis during the writing process, it becomes a dynamic and responsive element of the composition. 

Step 5: Final Revision

This is the final step in learning how to write a thesis statement like a pro. Here are specific examples illustrating the importance of reviewing the thesis after writing is complete:

Verification of Clarity and Precision:

• Example: After completing the essay on the impact of technology on education, a review might reveal that the thesis could be clearer. The initial thesis might have been, "Technology impacts education positively and negatively," but upon review, it can be refined to, "The integration of technology in education significantly shapes outcomes by providing increased access to information, but challenges arise, requiring critical digital literacy skills."

Alignment with Final Content:

• Example: The completed essay on cultural diversity and societal norms may have introduced new insights. A review ensures that the thesis aligns with the final content, prompting adjustments if needed. The refined thesis might address specific aspects uncovered in the essay, such as, "Cultural diversity plays a pivotal role in shaping societal norms, fostering a nuanced understanding that both challenges and enriches collective values."

Ensuring Focus and Relevance:

• Example: In the essay exploring the positive and negative impacts of technology in education, a review may reveal that the thesis could be more focused. The final thesis might be refined to emphasize specific aspects highlighted in the essay, such as, "While technology enhances educational access, challenges like information overload underscore the need for critical digital literacy skills."

Enhancing Reader Engagement:

• Example: Post-writing, the writer realizes that the thesis lacks an engaging element. A review prompts the addition of a captivating hook to the thesis: "In our technology-driven world, the integration of digital tools in education transforms the learning landscape, presenting both opportunities and challenges that demand critical digital literacy skills."

Incorporating Feedback:

• Example: If feedback from peers suggests a need for more clarity regarding the cultural diversity essay's impact on societal norms, a post-writing review allows for refinement. The final thesis might address specific feedback by stating, "Cultural diversity plays a pivotal role in challenging and enriching societal norms, fostering a nuanced understanding of collective values."

Reviewing the thesis after completing the writing process ensures that it accurately reflects the nuanced insights developed throughout the essay. It serves as a final check to guarantee that the thesis remains a powerful and cohesive representation of the essay's main argument, offering readers a clear and engaging roadmap to the writer's perspective.

Types of Thesis Statements

Writing a thesis statement can take various forms based on the purpose and nature of the essay or research paper. Here are common types of thesis statements:

1. Analytical: Breaks down an issue or idea into its components, providing an in-depth analysis of the topic. Example: "Through an examination of historical records and cultural artifacts, this essay analyzes the impact of the Industrial Revolution on societal structures."

2. Explanatory: Explains a concept, phenomenon, or idea to the reader. Example: "In this paper, I will explain the key principles of quantum physics and their implications for our understanding of the universe."

3. Argumentative or Persuasive: Takes a stance on an issue and seeks to persuade the reader to adopt a particular perspective. Example: "The government should implement stricter regulations on carbon emissions to address the imminent threat of climate change."

4. Comparative: Highlights the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. Example: "By examining the economic, social, and cultural aspects, this essay compares the effects of globalization in Western and Eastern societies."

5. Narrative: Presents the main point of a narrative or story. Example: "In this personal narrative, I will recount the transformative journey of overcoming adversity and discovering resilience."

6. Cause and Effect: Explores the cause-and-effect relationship between variables or events. Example: "The rise of social media has significantly influenced political discourse, shaping public opinions and electoral outcomes."

7. Debatable: Introduces an arguable claim that invites discussion and analysis. Example: "While some argue that technology isolates individuals, this essay contends that it fosters new forms of social connection and communication."

8. Definitional: Provides a clear definition or explanation of a term or concept. Example: "In this paper, the term 'cultural relativism' will be defined and examined in the context of anthropological studies."

9. Problem-Solution: Identifies a problem and proposes a solution. Example: "This essay addresses the issue of food insecurity in urban areas and proposes community gardens as a viable solution to improve access to fresh produce."

10. Descriptive: Paints a vivid picture or description of a particular scene, concept, or phenomenon. Example: "The sunsets over the serene coastline create a breathtaking spectacle, capturing the essence of tranquility and natural beauty."

Now, you know how to write a thesis statement, but do you know how to write a thesis, which is an entire academic paper? If you feel troubled by this question, consider using our thesis writing service , which will sort all the troubles out.   

Good Thesis Statement ExamThesis Statement Examples

"By analyzing the symbolism and narrative techniques in George Orwell's 'Animal Farm,' this essay explores the allegorical representation of political power and corruption."

"This paper explains the psychological mechanisms behind the phenomenon of false memories, delving into the cognitive processes that contribute to their formation."

"The widespread adoption of renewable energy sources is imperative for mitigating climate change, and governments should prioritize policies and investments to transition from fossil fuels."

"Examining the economic policies of the Great Depression and the 2008 financial crisis reveals striking parallels in government responses and their impacts on global economies."

"In this personal narrative, I recount the transformative journey of solo backpacking across Europe, exploring self-discovery and cultural immersion."

"The ubiquity of smartphones has led to a decline in face-to-face social interactions, contributing to a rise in feelings of isolation and loneliness among young adults.”

"While some argue that artificial intelligence poses a threat to employment, this essay contends that AI technologies can enhance productivity and create new job opportunities."

"In the context of bioethics, 'gene editing' refers to the deliberate modification of an organism's genetic material, raising ethical concerns about the potential for unintended consequences."

"This essay addresses the growing issue of plastic pollution in oceans and proposes comprehensive recycling initiatives and public awareness campaigns as effective solutions."

"The historic city of Kyoto, with its ancient temples, traditional tea houses, and serene gardens, embodies the cultural richness and timeless beauty of Japanese heritage."

In-Text Examples

Download PDF examples of essays with a thesis statement. The statements are highlighted.

Cricket, in the South of Asia between 1880-2005, played a political role in not only easing tensions and restrictions of caste members, but allowing Pakistan and India to release some political tensions from a religious aspect.

In Jean Rhys’ Wide Sargasso Sea, the setting is the hot and colorful West Indies in the post-colonial days. In Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre the setting is murky gray England: the heart of the empire and Mr. Rochester’s home. Thornfield in Wide Sargasso Sea is depicted as dark and ancient, while Antoinette’s surroundings in Jane Eyre are often green and dream-like. The contrasting climates and settings in the two novels showcase how different Antoinette’s concept of home is from Jane’s, yet they also add parallel qualities to the two novels

Want to Unlock the Power of Thesis Statement Ideas?

Secure your academic success with our custom-crafted thesis statements and elevate your research to the next level!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i start a thesis statement.

To start a thesis statement, begin by identifying the key topic or issue you intend to address in your essay. Clearly state your main point or perspective on the topic, ensuring it is specific and arguable. A well-crafted thesis should provide a roadmap for your readers, giving them a clear idea of what to expect in your essay. It's often beneficial to avoid vague or broad statements and instead focus on a specific aspect or argument related to your topic. Lastly, refine and revise your thesis as needed throughout the writing process to ensure it remains aligned with the evolving content of your essay. If you find yourself in lack of time to finish a composition, use our essays help to wrap up the task faster.

How Long Should a Strong Thesis Statement Be?

One of the best thesis statement tips is to keep it concise and to the point, consisting of one or two sentences. While there is no strict rule for the exact length, it's crucial to keep it clear, focused, and specific. A well-crafted thesis should effectively communicate the main point or argument of your essay without unnecessary elaboration. If your thesis statement becomes overly complex or extends beyond a couple of sentences, it might indicate a need for refinement to maintain clarity and precision. Remember that a thesis serves as a roadmap for your readers, guiding them through the main points of your essay, and brevity is generally appreciated to keep the statement impactful and easily digestible.

Can a Thesis Statement Be a Question?

Yes, a strong thesis statement can be framed as a question. When using a question as a thesis statement, it typically serves to introduce an inquiry or prompt critical thinking. However, it's important to note that the question should still articulate a clear stance or perspective. Whether posed as a statement or a question, a thesis should provide a clear position that guides the reader through the writer's main argument or perspective. Sometimes, you have to rewrite a thesis many times; the same goes for your entire article in some cases. That’s why you can use a rewrite essay service to ace such a task.

A carefully constructed thesis is the cornerstone of an effective essay, providing a roadmap for both the writer and the reader. Through this article, we've explored the significance of precision, clarity, and adaptability in thesis writing. 

A well-crafted thesis not only encapsulates the main argument but also propels the essay forward, ensuring coherence and engagement. As writers, we must recognize that the knowledge of how to write a thesis statement empowers us to convey our ideas effectively, fostering a deeper connection with our audience. So, let us recognize the pivotal role played by a well-crafted thesis in shaping the success of our written assignments.

Need a Perfect Thesis Statement?

Set up your research paper for greatness by entrusting your thesis statement to our expert writers

Related Articles