The Writing

What is a thesis statement?

 

• Tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion.

• Directly answers the question asked of you. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or 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.

• Makes a claim that others might dispute

• Is usually a single sentence somewhere in your first paragraph that presents your argument to the reader.

 

How do I know if my thesis is strong?

 

• Do I answer the question or prompt?

• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose or is it just a summary of facts?

• Is my thesis specific enough?

• Does my thesis pass the "So what?" test? If a reader's first response is, "So what?" then you need to clarify or connect to a larger issue.

• Does my essay support my thesis specifically and without wandering?

• Does my thesis pass the "how and why?" test? If a reader's first response is "how?" or "why?" your thesis may be to open ended.

 

What to remember.

 

• Thesis statements that are too vague often do not have a strong argument.

• Be specific.

• You can always revise your thesis after writing your essay.

• Do not form your Thesis as a question.

• Do not talk about new issues; stay focused on what you started with in your hook and the rest of your introduction.

• Sound authoritative, resist the personal pronoun.