Examples of Thesis statements
We all know that a thesis statement is an integral part of any academic paper. Think of it as the opening scene to a movie or novel. If it is mind-blowing and specific, your anticipation for the film increases; otherwise, your interest in watching the film or book wanes from the very start.
In your essay, the thesis statement informs the reader of what to expect in the paper, so it is very important to pay extra attention to the content of this part of your paper. In this guide, you will discover how to come up with a solid thesis statement.
Examples of Thesis statements
Academic writing allows thesis statements of various kinds, depending on the nature of the paper and personal preference. However, it is always vital to choose a thesis statement that blends in with the paper’s overall tone.
Here are some examples of thesis statements and how to use them:
Statement of fact
This kind of thesis statement contains a claim that cannot be argued because it is valid on its merit.
Bad example: This paper will discuss the relevance of fairy tales in character development.
Good example: This paper focuses on the psychological impacts of fairy tales on character development in kids.
Opinion or personal standpoint
You have to specify a stance with which the reader might agree or disagree. This kind of thesis statement is used mostly for argumentative essays.
Bad example: Pharmaceutical companies are responsible for homelessness.
Good example: The activities of pharmaceutical companies have aggravated the opioid crisis, which has also played a role in increasing homelessness.
Steps to writing an effective thesis statement
You can’t just jump into writing a thesis statement without understanding the topic properly. A good grasp of the subject will help you come up with a specific and relevant thesis statement. Let’s take a look at the steps involved:
Brainstorm before you start writing
Surely, you need to dedicate some extra time to researching before coming up with your thesis statement. With the facts obtained, you can narrow the statement down to a sentence or two that points toward the paper’s core message.
Keep it short but relevant
It is always advisable to keep the number of sentences to a maximum of two – the jab and the cross. The first statement (jab) will provide the topic; the second sentence(cross) will specify an area of concentration. Anything extra may make the thesis statement less impactful.
Write in two stages
Opinions are split on the question of writing the thesis statement at the start or after completing the paper. It is usually advised to compile a draft first and come back to improve it when the essay is complete. This technique will help you get a clearer understanding of what to add or remove.
Review and adjust
The last step in writing your thesis statement is the proofreading and honing stage. Consider removing ‘filler words’ to improve clarity. Check the grammar and fix spelling mistakes, if any.
To summarize – any essay without a solid thesis statement will most likely be difficult to digest. You must dedicate enough time to do your research in order to write a compelling thesis statement. And remember – academic writing allows statements of fact as well as opinions in thesis statements. Also, make sure you create a draft of the statement first and then edit it after completing the paper to suit the overall narrative.