What is a Thesis Statement?

What is a thesis statement? A thesis statement:

•         tells the reader your position on the importance of the subject matter.

•         tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper. •         directly answers the question asked of you.

•         usually is a single sentence somewhere in your first

paragraph. However it can be elsewhere!

How do I develop a thesis?

A thesis is the result of a lengthy thinking process. Formulating a thesis is not the first thing you do after reading a writing prompt. Before you develop an argument on any topic, you have to collect and organize evidence, look for possible relationships between known facts (such as similarities or differences), and think about the significance of these relationships.

How do I know if my thesis is strong? To determine if your thesis is strong, ask yourself these questions:

•         Do I answer the question?

•         Have I taken a position that others might challenge?

 •         Does my thesis do more than just provide a fact?

 •         Is my thesis specific rather than vague or general?

If you answer “yes” to all of the above questions, then you have a strong thesis sentence.

If your answer is “no” to any of the above questions, then you need to revise your thesis sentence.

Revising your thesis is part of the editing process.